families, and his daughter Mary, Mrs. James Miller, with her husband and
babes. His eldest daughter, Margaret, Mrs. Thomas Kell, with her husband
and family, came subsequently from Upper Canada, whither they had
emigrated in 1838.
Many of those who had cast their lot with him in Canada followed him to
Missouri, and formed the prosperous settlement known as Irish Grove.
Among these were the Sullivans, Enrights, Corcorans, Jordans, Walshes
and Whites, names since familiar as pioneers of California.
The soil was fertile, the climate mild and pleasant, but unfortunately
the malarial fevers common to the Mississippi and its tributaries
prevailed, and the colonists suffered much from sickness. Mrs. Murphy
succumbed to the dread disease, and on June 9, 1841, yielded her pure
soul to the hands of her Creator. A model wife, a loving mother, a
devoted friend, an ideal Christian woman, pious and charitable in word
and deed, of her it may be truly said:
None knew her but to love her,
None named her but to praise.
A Catholic missionary who visited the colony told Mr. Murphy of
California, a land of health, where almost endless summer reigned, under
whose cloudless skies fertile valleys smiled unfurrowed by the plow, and
thither he resolved to direct his course.
Disposing of his lands, he procured the outfit required for such a long
and dangerous journey, and bearing with him a passport from Governor
Reynolds of Missouri, assuring him and his the protection due American
citizens, he once more turned his face toward the setting sun.
The party of devoted pilgrims started on their westward course May 6,
1844, reaching California in November of the same year. The names of the
members of the company are given as follows:
Martin Murphy, Sr.
Miss Helen Murphy.
Bernard Murphy.
John Marion Murphy.
Daniel Murphy.
Martin Murphy, Jr., wife and four children.
James Murphy, wife and one child.
James Miller, wife and four children.
John Sullivan.
Miss Mary Sullivan.
Michael Sullivan.
Robert Sullivan.
Dr. Townsend and wife.
Moses Shallenberger.
Allen N. Montgomery and wife.
Joseph Batton.
John Luffumbo.
Vincent Calvin.
John R. Jackson.
J. E. Foster.
Edward Bray.
David Strickien.
William Bragg.
Vincent Snelling.
Daniel Snelling.
John Thorp.
Fielden M. Thorp.
Elvan A. Thorp.
David Johnson.
William Case.
Daniel R. Kinsey.
Joshua Shaw.
A. C. R. Shaw.
Thomas M. Vance.
Jacob Hammer.
William Clemmons.
John Eldridge.
Ben. Q. Tucker.
John Owen.
Harmon Higgins.
William Higgins.
William Prattier.
Theodore Prattier.
Britain Greenwood.
Caleb Greenwood.
John Greenwood.
William Martin.
Patrick Martin.
Dennis Martin.
Matthias Harbin.
Daniel Durbin.
Mr. Hitchcock and family.
Mrs. Patterson and family.
Oliver Magnent.
Francis Magnent, and
Captain Stephens, who had command of the expedition.
“Captain Stephens was a native of North Carolina, reared in Georgia, a
trapper for 28 years, and was accustomed to frontier life. He had no
trail to guide him across the plains and started without even a pocket
compass, but no train that traversed the continent to the Pacific was
more blessed, freer from disaster, or so safe from savage attacks.”
The toils and dangers of the way have been told so often that it is
needless to repeat them here. That they were many we know; deep rivers
had to be forded, roads made through almost impassable mountain
fastnesses, vigilant watch kept to protect the train and its belongings
from prowling savages and predatory animals.
At Fort Hall, the train separated, those whose destination was the
Northwest taking the Oregon trail; Mr. Murphy, his family and friends
continuing to California. The difficulties of the route were augmented
by the lateness of the season. Snow had fallen when they reached the
Yuba, and further progress with wagons was impossible. Cabins for the
accommodation of the families were erected, and there a number of the
emigrants remained until March, 1845. Among those who wintered there
were James Miller and family and Martin Murphy, Jr., and family.
Mr. Murphy, his daughter Helen, his sons Daniel, John M., Bernard D.,
James, the latter’s wife and child, Dr. Townsend and wife, with others
of the party, proceeded on horseback to Sutter’s Fort, where they were
hospitably received by that grand old pioneer, J. A. Sutter.
When Mr. Murphy reached California he found the country in a state of
rebellion. “The native Californians had revolted against Mexican rule,
seized the government arms and ammunition stored at the Mission of San
Juan Bautista and marched upon the capital. The Mexican military force
in the country was small and Governor Micheltorena, fearing defeat,
called for aid upon John A. Sutter, who had been a foreign resident in
the country since 1839. Sutter responded, and with one hundred mounted
men, mostly foreigners, hastened to the rescue.”
Mr. Murphy and his sons were of the number who journeyed southward,
“making haste slowly” ’neath winter’s sun and showers through the
fairest land on which the light of Heaven shone. They reached Los
Angeles late in January or early in February, 1845. After the battle of
Chauvenga and the overthrow of the Mexican administration, Mr. Murphy
and his sons returned to Santa Clara valley. Here he found the glorious
realization of his hopes in a soil of rare fertility and a climate
equable and healthy, and here he made his home.
He purchased the Rancho Ojo de Agua de la Coche, Rancho San Francisco de
las Llagas, Rancho de las Uvas, that portion of the San Ysidro ranch now
known as Ba Polka, and one-sixteenth of the Rancho de Las Animas, a
stretch of country extending from mountain top to mountain top east and
west, and from the vicinity of Madrone station in the North to the
present town of Gilroy in the South.
His home at the Ojo de Agua de la Coche was well known by all who
traveled the Camina Real from Monterey to San Francisco, and its
generous hospitality was shared by the distinguished men of all nations
which held the balance of power during the formative period of our
state’s existence, and who with decisive energy moulded its chaotic
elements into the perfect whole which has made California the wonder of
an admiring world.
Clergymen, distinguished soldiers, grave statesmen, and authors whose
names are honored, loved to linger there. Bayard Taylor describing a
ride made in company with Mr. Murphy to the summit of El Toro, the lofty
peak near his home, draws a vivid picture of the wondrous beauty of hill
and valley in his exquisite word painting.
In 1850, Helen Murphy became the wife of Capt. Charles W. Weber of
Stockton, John M. Murphy married Virginia E. Backenstoe Reed, and in
1851 Daniel wedded Mary C. Fisher. In this year also Bernard, having
revisited Canada, there married Catherine O’Toole. On his return to
California he was accompanied by his sister, Mrs. Johanna Fitzgerald,
who with her children came at her father’s request to share his loving
care, she being recently widowed. Mrs. Kell had reached the Pacific in
1846, and the family were again citizens of one land.
April 11, 1853, Bernard, while en route to San Francisco, was killed by
the explosion of the boiler of the steamer _Jenny Lind_, plying between
Alviso and the city. With him was his nephew, Thomas Kell, who shared
his sad fate.
In 1854, Mr. Murphy erected a commodious chapel on the San Martin ranch,
that the Catholic families settled in the neighborhood might enjoy the
consolation of religious instruction. It was visited monthly by the
pastor of St. Joseph’s Church, San José, until 1856, when it was placed
in charge of the pastor of San Juan Bautista, the Rev. Francis Mora, who
later became bishop of Monterey and Los Angeles. In 1864, a resident
pastor, Rev. Thomas Hudson, was appointed and a church erected in the
town of Gilroy. St. Martin’s chapel was destroyed by an incendiary fire
April 2, 1879.
To the last, Mr. Murphy never faltered in the performance of life’s
daily duties. He personally attended to business, and his real estate in
city and country benefitted by his immediate supervision. He saw to the
details of the wearying lawsuits entailed in the quieting of land
titles, making long journeys to distant parts of the state, paying with
scrupulous exactness every claim, lest the shadow of wrong might rest
upon him.
Notwithstanding his advanced age he never failed to keep the fast of
Lent, and his charity to the poor was bounded only by his ability to
help them. Food and shelter were never refused an applicant. He was his
own almoner and broke his bread with the needy and the orphan. He shrank
from public applause and press notoriety, and loved the quiet of
peaceful country surroundings. His life in word and deed inculcated
strict obedience to the commands of God, and a faithful compliance with
the laws of the land.
On March 16, 1865, Mr. Murphy laid down the burden of life. He went
peacefully to rest, “like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about
him and lies down to pleasant dreams.” Supported by the consolations of
religion, surrounded by his children, the venerable pioneer passed away,
sincerely mourned by all. I quote here a few lines taken from the
tribute to his memory offered by F. B. Murdock, a pioneer editor of
California:
We have known Mr. Murphy personally and well for the last twelve
years. He seemed to enjoy as good health, and look as young a few
weeks before his death as when we first saw him twelve years ago. He
was in many respects a remarkable man. He was always gentlemanly,
always kind and considerate, with a countenance singularly mixed
with an expression of gravity, gentleness and cheerfulness. We don’t
think he had an enemy, we never heard of one; we never heard any one
speak of him except in terms of high respect. Truthfulness,
conscientiousness and natural goodness, in its broad sense charity,
were prominent marks in his character. We never heard Martin Murphy,
Sr., say an unkind word of a single being, living or dead—we have
often heard him utter a word of excuse or apology, something to
extenuate when others were condemning. Certainly that was a most
beautiful Christian trait in his character, and it is not to be
wondered at that such a man should live beloved and respected and
die regretted.
These sentiments voiced the feelings of the immense concourse that
attended the solemn funeral rites at St. Joseph’s church, San José,
heard the eloquent eulogy of the deceased pronounced by Rev. Father
Kenny, S. J., and followed Mr. Murphy’s remains to their last resting
place in the Catholic graveyard in Santa Clara.
As a token of respect for Mr. Murphy, and that all who desired might
attend the funeral, the County Court adjourned immediately upon opening
on the 18th.
Realizing the wide influence of Mr. Murphy’s long years of gentle
unostentatious virtue, it is not too much to say in closing this brief
notice of his life, that “the world is better because he lived.”
Mr. Murphy married early in life. His wife was Mary Foley, daughter of
Daniel Foley of Enniscorthy, Ireland. Of Mr. and Mrs. Murphy’s children,
Martin, James, Margaret, Johanna, Mary and Bernard were born in Ireland,
Helen, John M. and Daniel in Canada.
Martin married Mary Bulger; died Oct. 20, 1884.
James married Anne Martin; died Jan. 14, 1888.
Margaret married Thomas Kell; died Dec. 30, 1881.
Johanna married Patrick Fitzgerald; died Dec. 28, 1899.
Mary married James Miller; died Dec. 26, 1883.
Bernard married Catherine O’Toole; died April 11, 1853.
Helen married C. M. Weber; died April 11, 1895.
John M. married V. E. B. Reed; died Feb. 17, 1892.
Daniel married Mary C. Fisher; died Oct. 22, 1882.
HISTORICAL NOTES OF INTEREST.
BY THOMAS HAMILTON MURRAY.
James Bourk, “captain of the brig _Neptune_,” is mentioned at Newport,
R. I., 1773.
William Welch, “from Ireland,” settled in Charlestown, R. I. He was born
in 1700 and died in 1786.
Richard Field, “a native of Dublin, Ireland,” was long a resident of
Newport, R. I., and died in 1769.
Thomas McCartee of Hartford, Conn., is mentioned in the “Lexington
Alarm” list of that place, 1775.
An Irishman, John Fitton, settled in Providence, R. I., about 1750. He
was a merchant. He died in 1810.
Daniel Byrn was lieutenant in a regiment (1759) raised by act of the
General Assembly of Rhode Island.
The records of Nantucket, Mass., contain the following entry: “Betty y^e
dau. of Denis Manning was born July y^e 10, 1679.”
James Dailey is mentioned in the Revolutionary records as of the corps
of Sappers and Miners; was at the siege of Yorktown.
The Chevalier Theobald Dillon was “colonel en second” of the
Irish-French regiment of Dillon during the American Revolution.
Stephen Brady was of Col. Obadiah Johnson’s Connecticut regiment, 1778.
The regiment participated in the battle of Rhode Island.
Constant Maguire “of County Fermanagh,” Ireland, settled in Rhode Island
prior to 1750, and became prominent in Warwick and East Greenwich.
In 1751–’52, Terence Donnelly was engaged by the town of Newport, R. I.,
as a schoolmaster. He later conducted a school of his own in that place.
The ship _Sally_ arrived at Boston, Mass., in 1763, having been
fifty-nine days on the voyage from Ireland. She was quarantined at
Boston for smallpox.
A privateer captain in the Revolution was William Malone. He is believed
to have been of Newport, R. I. He commanded at one period _The
Harbinger_.
John Conley of Stratford, Conn., served in the second troop of Sheldon’s
Continental Light Dragoons during the Revolution and is mentioned as a
trumpeter.
John Flynn of Woodstock, Conn., is mentioned in the Woodstock “Alarm
List,” 1775. He is also mentioned as a trumpeter in Major Backus’ Light
Horse, 1776.
Owen Neill of New London, Conn., sustained losses aggregating £91, 14s
6d by the ravages of the British at the time of the latter’s attack on
New London, 1781.
Bridget Clifford came from Ireland, 1635, in the _Primrose_ bound for
Virginia. She was accompanied by two of her brothers. She died at
Suffield, Conn., in 1695.
Peter Welsh was adjutant during the Revolution of Col. Frederick
Weissenfels’ New York regiment of levies. He is also mentioned as
quartermaster of the regiment.
Thomas Fitzgerald was a midshipman during the Revolution on the
Continental frigate _Trumbull_. The latter was built in Connecticut
under the authority of Congress.
Patrick Canny, a soldier of the Revolution, was serving at Horseneck,
Conn., in 1782–’83. He is mentioned in Stiles’ _History and Genealogies
of Ancient Windsor, Conn._
Philip Mullen was fire master of Albany, N. Y., in 1755, and Philip
Ryley was in charge of the town clock. (Hon. Franklin M. Danaher in
_Early Irish in Old Albany, N. Y._)
John McGinnis was a New York soldier of the Revolution. He served at one
period in Bradt’s Rangers. Also in this corps were Edward Early, Richard
Kain and Barney Kelley.
Luke Burns, a cordwainer, resided in Providence, R. I., and died in
1788. Jonathan Green, “living near the Mill-Bridge in Providence,” was
appointed administrator of the estate.
Bryant O’Dougherty was in Salem, Mass., in 1683. At that period there
were many Irish in Salem. (Eben Putnam in “Historical and Genealogical
Notes and Queries,” _Salem Observer_.)
James Kasson, with his father and six brothers, came from Ireland in
1722 and landed at Boston, Mass. He later settled in Voluntown, Conn.,
removing to Woodbury, Conn., in 1742.
Armand O’Connor was one of the “capitaines en second” of the
Irish-French regiment of Walsh during the American Revolution. He is
referred to as the Chevalier Armand O’Connor.
Henry Paget, “an Irish gentleman much respected,” was admitted a freeman
of Rhode Island, 1742. He wedded a daughter of Rev. John Checkley,
rector of a church in Providence, R. I.
Thomas Ryan is mentioned in the Connecticut Revolutionary records as a
drummer in Captain Brewster’s company, Colonel Huntington’s regiment
(Seventeenth Continental), 1776.
A Rhode Island merchantman, the _Abby_, Capt. John Donovan, was attacked
in August, 1752, by a French warship. Captain Donovan met the attack in
a spirited manner but was killed.
Maj. Matthew Donovan of the Ninth Virginia regiment during the
Revolution died in the service, 1777. The state of Virginia allowed his
heirs 6,893 acres. (See mention in Saffell.)
Abbe Dowd, “Irlandais,” was a chaplain of the French warship _Le Jason_
in the American Revolution. _Le Jason_ was of the fleet of Count De
Ternay, which was assisting the American cause.
In the Massachusetts force that rendezvoused on “Dedham Plain,” for the
Narragansett campaign, 1675, was a soldier named Jeremiah Neal. He is
mentioned as a sergeant of the sixth company.
Lieut. Hugh McManus and Lieut. John Riley served in the Sixth Regiment,
Albany County, N. Y., Militia, during the Revolution. The regiment was
commanded by Col. Stephen John Schuyler.
The Connecticut Revolutionary records mention Michael McGee, a soldier
who served in Colonel Burrall’s regiment of that state. McGee was taken
prisoner in “the affair at the Cedars,” 1776.
Over fifteen members of Capt. John Giles’ company, 1723–’24, were
natives of Ireland. The company was engaged operating against the
Indians in Maine, and is mentioned in the Massachusetts records.
Tench Francis, son of an Irishman, was born in Maryland, 1732; became
attorney-general of the province of Pennsylvania; was captain of the
Quaker Blues; subscribed £5,500 in aid of the Patriot army.
David Dowd, soldier of the Revolution, served in a Connecticut light
infantry company, under Lafayette, February-November, 1781. The company
was commanded by Capt. Samuel Barker of Branford, Conn.
A settler at Sudbury, Mass., Richard Burke, came from Ireland prior to
1650. He married in 1670 and left many descendants. He was one of the
earliest Burkes to settle in America of whom we have record.
An early resident of Newport, R. I., was Owen Higgins. His wife was born
in 1640. In 1701, his son Richard is recorded as a freeman of Newport.
(See Austin’s _Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island_.)
Five ships arrived in Boston Harbor, Aug. 4, 1718, with Irish immigrants
aboard. Many of these subsequently settled in New Hampshire. These facts
are referred to in Cullen’s _Story of the Irish in Boston_.
Daniel Sullivan, born in Ireland, 1717, died in Providence, R. I., 1814.
In an obituary notice it is stated that “He had long resided in this
town where his integrity and piety secured him confidence and esteem.”
Charles McAfferty, “an Irishman,” was a soldier of the Revolution and
served in Col. Jeremiah Olney’s Rhode Island Continentals. He was one of
the first to enter the enemy’s redoubts at the capture of Yorktown.
Patrick McSherry was an officer in the Irish-French regiment of Dillon
during the American Revolution. He is mentioned in that recent work,
_Les Combattants Francais De La Guerre Americaine_ (Paris, 1903).
James Buchanan, a native of County Donegal, Ireland, came to this
country in the brig _Providence_, 1783. He was then in his twenty-second
year. His son, James, became president of the United States.
Two members of the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard (Washington’s), in the
Revolution, were James and Robert Blair, both natives of Ireland.
Godfrey’s history of the guard furnishes a biographical sketch of each.
“In the discharge of his duty he has at all times proved himself an
alert, brave and intelligent officer.” The foregoing tribute was paid by
Gen. Henry Knox to Lieut. Florence Crowley, a soldier of the Revolution.
Jacques O’Driscoll was one of the “capitaines en second” in the
Irish-French regiment of Walsh during the American Revolution. Others of
the same rank in the command were Edouard Stack and Charles O’Croly.
Hon. James Sullivan was governor of Massachusetts in 1807 and 1808. He
succeeded Hon. Caleb Strong and preceded Hon. Christopher Gore. Governor
Sullivan was a brother of Gen. John Sullivan of the Revolution.
Ten ships, bringing nearly one thousand passengers, arrived at Boston,
Mass., from Ireland, during the two years, 1736 and 1738. It was at this
period, 1737, that the Charitable Irish Society of Boston was organized.
Thomas Quirk, “a brave and fine-looking Irishman,” served under Gen.
George Rogers Clark in the latter’s western campaign. He had been a
sergeant and is later mentioned as a major. He was alloted 4,312 acres.
Robert Beers, an Irishman, was slain “y^e 28 March 1676,” by the
Indians. The tragedy occurred at “the ring of the town,” within the
limits of what is now East Providence, R. I. Beers was a brickmaker by
occupation.
A distinguished officer of the Revolution, Edward Hand, was born in
Kings County, Ireland. He came to America in 1767; espoused the Patriot
cause, and was successively lieutenant-colonel, colonel, and
brigadier-general.
The first funds of Rhode Island College, now Brown University, were
obtained in Ireland. The original subscription book is still carefully
preserved. (Guild’s work on _The First Commencement of Rhode Island
College_.)
In 1774 the Second Company, Governor’s Foot Guard, of New Haven, Conn.,
engaged Edward Burke as instructor “in the military exercise.” The
company is one of the oldest existing military organizations in America.
Gov. Thomas Dongan of New York, an Irish Catholic, visited Milford,
Conn., in 1685, to confer with Governor Treat regarding the boundary
between the two colonies. Governor Treat terms Dongan “A noble
gentleman.”
Stephen Decatur, a Genoese Catholic, arrived in Newport, R. I., about
1740–’46; married a woman of Irish lineage; became captain of a
privateer. His son, also named Stephen, attained high rank in the United
States navy.
Thomas Casey was born in Ireland about 1636. He became a resident of
Newport, R. I. In 1692 he and his son Thomas witnessed a deed given by
James Sweet of East Greenwich, R. I., to Thomas Weaver of Newport.
Jean Baptiste O’Meara was one of the “lieutenants en second” of the
Irish-French regiment of Walsh in the American Revolution. Holding like
rank in the regiment were Jacques O’Sheil, George Meighan and Eugene
MacCarthy.
On the roster of the British garrison at Albany, N. Y., when the place
was reconquered from the Dutch and held for a short time in 1673, appear
the names Capt. John Manning, Patrick Dowdell, John Fitzgerald and
Thomas Quinn.
Matthew O’Bryan was a Massachusetts soldier of the Revolution. He served
in Col. John Crane’s regiment of artillery. In one return he is credited
with service for 21 months and 25 days as bombardier and 12 months as
matross.
Jane Brown was born in Providence, R. I., 1734. Her father, Rev. Arthur
Brown, was a native of Drogheda, Ireland. She married Samuel Livermore,
who became attorney-general of New Hampshire and United States senator.
Thomas Amory emigrated from Limerick, Ireland, to South Carolina. He
removed from the latter place to Boston, Mass., in 1721. The late Thomas
C. Amory of Boston, author of the _Transfer of Erin_, was one of his
descendants.
Mrs. Grant in her _Memoirs of an American Lady_ mentions “A handsome,
good-natured looking Irishman in a ragged provincial uniform,” named
Patrick Coonie, with his wife and children, who settled near Albany, N.
Y., in 1768.
Matthew Mease, who was born in Strabane, Ireland, became purser of the
_Bonhomme Richard_ and served under John Paul Jones in the engagement
with the British 44–gun ship _Serapis_. Mease was wounded in that
engagement.
In 1768, Patrick Mackey, mentioned as from Philadelphia, Pa., opened in
Providence, R. I., “a skinner’s shop near the Hay-ward, on the east side
of the great bridge.” He dealt in deer leather, in wool, and in goat and
sheep skins.
The New York Revolutionary records mention Thomas Quigley, first
lieutenant of the privateer _General Putnam_, “formerly the _Betsey_.”
She was commanded, successively, by Capt. Thomas Cregier and Capt.
William Mercier.
A roll of Capt. John Givens’ company of militia, Augusta County, Va.,
1777–’82, includes the names James Donohoe, Peter Carrol, John Morrison,
Neil Hughes, John Craig, Andrew Mitchell and others indicative of Irish
extraction.