McMurphy family papers

Members of the McMurphy family were important players in the settlement of Rock Island County, Illinois, in the early- to mid-19th century. George Rodney McMurphy, son of George McMurphy, was born in Rochester, New York, but his family moved to Rock Island County, Illinois, in 1832. He first made his living as a farmer on land north of Hampton, IL, later trading his farm for a grist mill at Hampton, which he operated until 1865. George R. McMurphy was one of the first county surveyors for Rock Island County, a position which he held from 1850-1866. During his lifetime, he also served as the Drainage Commissioner for Rock Island County, and a Justice of the Peace. He administered several estates, including those of his father, George McMurphy, Amos Welding, S.W. Twining, Charles Crowell, John T Howard, and Daniel W. Howard. George R. McMurphy had 10 children with his wife, Amanda Howard. He died of pneumonia on 22 April 1866.

George W. McMurphy was born on 24 February 1841, the second child of George R. and Amanda McMurphy. He was educated in an old brick school house in his district and grew up farming during the summer months. In 1866 he went into the milling business with his father. He purchased farm land with his younger brother, Edward, and they worked together until Edward bought his own farm in Zuma. After his brother's departure, George W. owned 480 acres of land in Canoe Creek. During his lifetime, George W. served as the town supervisor, school treasurer, and a Justice of the Peace. He was a member of the Woodman and Workman fraternal order and a member of the Methodist Church. George W. married Avelia Hubbard in 1869.

Edward M. McMurphy, son of George R. McMurphy, was born on 24 April 1843 in Hampton. He attended Hampton public schools and the Davenport business college, taking special interest in drawing and penmanship. As a young man, Edward M. served the community as a writing teacher. After two years working a farm with his brother, George W., he sold his portion of the farm to his brother and bought 220 acres of improved land in Zuma township. As he aged and his health began to fail, he moved to Moline, Illinois, but he continued to direct the operations of his farm. In 1900, Edward moved from his 5th Avenue residence in Moline back to the farm, where he lived until his death on 29 November 1906. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Mary Moody on 30 May 1872.