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herd, and he was very successful in these ventures. Mr. Murphy was well versed in law, and for eight years was justice of the peace, acting in this capacity for a great number of people in the early days. During his later years he engaged in the hardware business, handling hardware, furniture, paints, farming implements, machinery, harness and tinware, and enjoyed a good trade all through his section of the country.
Mr. Murphy was a man of wonderful perseverance and great endurance. He was of splendid physique, six feet two inches in height, handsome and of fine appearance. He was a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge and also of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically he had always voted the Republican ticket, and was a strong advocate of the principles of that party up to the time of his death, which occurred on January 25, 1899. He was admired by all who knew him for his sterling character and excellent qualities, and in him the state of Nebraska lost one of its foremost citizens and representative men. Interred in Arapahoe, Nebraska.
Edward B. Murphy
Obituary
By
Ruth Welsh Harris
"Captain Edward B. Murphy was born in Limerick, Ireland in the year 1821. In 1834 Edward's parents emigrated to the shores of the New World.
Edward was educated in the manufacturing and mending of harness used on horses.
When the Civil War broke out, Edward recruited several companies for the Seventh Iowa Volunteer Calvary with the rank of First Lieutenant and later received a captain's commission.
Captain Murphy had command of Fort Kearney, Cottonwood (Ft. McPherson) Sedgwick and Fort Laramie at one time in his life.
Engaged in suppressing the Jayhawkers of Kansas and Missouri -also in fighting the Indians on the "Plains".
Captain Murphy was "mustered out" in the year 1866, so he immediately built and operated fine hotels in Plattsmouth and Omaha-
Later being financially embarrassed, he felt he could retrieve his fallen fortunes by locating a town in the Republican that he named 'Arapahoe.'
Another of his interesting projects was bringing the B&M railroad into the state of Nebraska.
A very active man in the Political and Business circles until his failing health compelled him to retire.
He passed away at his home the twenty-fifty of January in 1899. His wife and nine children mourned their loss. They remembered him as a loving father and a very kind husband.
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