History of Todd County, Kentucky, ed. J. H. Battle, 1884, F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1884, pp. 251-52. [Kirkmansville Precinct] JOHN W. MURPHY was born August 26, 1846, in Todd County, Ky. His parents are William and Nancy (Shelton) Murphy, both natives of the State and still living. The father is a member of the Baptist and the mother of the Christian Church. The mother was previously married to Joseph Allison, who departed this life in November, 1836. By him she had four children. Our subject began for himself at the age of twenty-one. His start was one horse. Farming has always been his business. He is now comfortably situated and owns 100 acres of land located one mile from Kirkmansville. About sixty acres of this land is well improved. Considering his small start he has been quite successful in business. He holds the office of School Trustee. He served ten months in the Confederate Army. He was married, in 1871, to Miss Vashti Martin, of this county. These parents have had seven children, two of whom died in infancy. The surviving children are, viz.: William I., Charles L., Lulu O., James A. and Frances M. Mr. Murphy is a member of the Christian, and Mrs. Murphy of the Baptist CHurch. Murphy Shelton Martin Allison = none http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/todd/murphy.jw.txt