William Murphy
This pioneer of Shelby County was born in Mason County, Ky., Nov. 27, 1808. His parents, Jolm and Martha Murphy, came to Ohio and located at Springfield in the spring of 1810. Mrs. Murphy died in 1817, and William was then sent back to Kentucky with his sister and brother, to be cared for by relatives. About a year later their father married Mrs. Margaret Robinson, née Miss Sturm, and in 1818 moved to Shelby County. In Jan. 1819 Mr. Murphy returned to Kentucky and brought his three children to his new home in this county. From that time William made his home at his father’s, although his youth was largely spent as a student at Springfield and Sidney. In the winter of 1826-7 he began teaching school about a mile southeast of New Palestine. He next taught about a mile southwest of Port Jefferson, and in the fall of 1827 returned to Springfield to another school, remaining until May, 1828. He then came home and taught school in Sidney from June, 1828, until May, 1833. These schools were all supported by subscription except the first mentioned term. At Sidney he had an average attendance of thirty five, each pupil paying from $1.50 to $2.00 per quarter. In the autumn of 1832 Mr. Murphy was elected auditor of the county and entered upon the duties of the ofiice in March, 1833, continuing in the same for a period of eight years. In 1841 he was elected county treasurer, taking charge of the ofllee in June, 1842, and continuing in charge during twelve consecutive years. In 1854 he was again elected auditor, serving until March, 1857, when he retired from public affairs. In 1852 he had purchased a farm in Franklin Township, and in April, 1858, moved to it from Sidney and gave his attention to agriculture. Since that time he has followed out his intention, except from November, 1865, to February, 1868, during which time he acted as cashier of the First National Bank of Sidney. At the latter date he returned to his farm, where he has since resided. He was married May 8, 1831, to Miss Celia N. Harris, daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth Harris, of this county. Miss Celia was born in Licking County, Ohio, Dec. 1, 1810, and came to Sidney about 1820. Six children were the fruits of this union, named respectively John, W. H., Henry C., James W., George W., Laura A., and Charles W., all of whom are living except James W., who fell at the battle of Stone River Jan. 3, 1863.
From History of Shelby County, Ohio; R. Sutton & Co, Philadelphia PA, 1883