Legislator Details
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
married Ellen Beaumont, 12/25/1849, in Monroe Co., MI
Number of Children: 0
Background
Education:
Biographical Sketch:
Son of Seba Murphy. Moved to Ovid, NY at an early age. Moved, with his father, to Monroe, MI in 1835 and worked as a clerk in the government land office, studying law in his free time. In 1837, he moved to Jonesville and opened the first law office in Hillsdale County, with William T. Howell. Appointed Consul General in Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, in 1861-70. He stayed in Germany as a financial agent for several American railway companies. He was a partner with E.O. Grosvenor in Jonesville's banking business. He bought a printing press 1839; with the first printing in April 1839, it was the first in Hillsdale Co. He started the Jonesville 'Telegraph'. He was living in Fayette, MI in 1870. He served as prosecuting attorney.
Notable Facts:
He induced wealthy German capitalist to invest in bonds during the American Civil War, which helped to finance the Union effort.
Died of pneumonia
Some sources say death was in Heidlberg, Prussia