Mr. and Mrs. Jake Murphy came to Dickens County in a covered wagon in 1898, from Eastland County. They had three small children at this time, Theo, Tommy and Dora. They settled in the Croton Community, where they lived until 1913, moving to New Mexico from there.During the years on Croton, they had si more children, Marvin, better known as "Big Boy", Orlena, Garlin, Frank, Lee and Ross. The last child, Sonny, was born after the family moved to New Mexico.
The Jake Murphy's came back to Texas in 1919, where they settled in Roaring Springs, (Motley County). Jake Murphy died in Roaring Springs in 1931. Mrs. Murphy died in 1940. They are buried in the Dickens Cemetery.
Theo, the oldest Murphy boy, was married to Lottie Richards, daughter of Ned Richards, in Dickens County, later moving to New Mexico and on to California. where they made their home until his death in 1961. Lottie still resides in San Diego, California, as does her sister, Pearl, also their Mother, Janie Richards.
Orlena Murphy married Paul Hotchco, who came to Dickens County from New York in 1911. He was only fourteen years old when he came to Dickens County to work on several of the ranches in this area. He wanted to come to Teas to be a cowboy. He has farmed in this area for almost half a century now.
Two other Murphy boys married Dickens County girls, Garlin married Jennie Lou Jackson daughter of Albert Jackson, and Ross married Donis Blasingame, daughter of D.O. Blasingame.
The other Murphy children married out of the County. Only two, Orlena and Frank reside in Dickens County now.
Source: History of Dickens County; Ranches and Rolling Plains, Fred Arrington, ©1971, page 297
Mrs. J. E. Murphy, 67, a pioneer settler of Motley County passed away at the home of her son, Garland Murphy of Roaring Springs, Thursday, April 25 following an illness of three weeks. Acute heart trouble was the immediate cause of death.Funeral services were held Saturday at 3:00 p.m. from the Baptist Church at Roaring Springs with Rev. A. P.Stokes officiating.
The body was brought to Dickens where a short service was held at the graveside and interment made in Dickens Cemetery beside the grave of her husband who passed away five years ago.
Campbell Funeral Home of Roaring Springs was in charge of arrangements.
Surviving are 8 sons and 2 daughters, Theo, Tommy, Dora, Marvin, Garland, Orlene, Ross, Claude and Lee all of whom were present.
©The Texas Spur, 1940
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