The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1883-07-11
ECCENTRIC Mr.. MURPHY.
A Blind Mans Undying Hatred OF
England.
why He Erected a Granite ObeIisk in CAL
vary Inscribed, $50 Outlast the
British Monarchy"
New York World

New York World
Two hundred yards directly northeast
from the imposing soldiers monument in
Calvary Cemetery is gray granite obelisk
which daily attracts the attention of visit
ORE. 1t is the largest stone in the new por-
ton of the cemetery, and its polished sur
face rises fifty-two feet from the base. An
ornamental coping of white granite, form
ing a square OF sixteen feet, incloses the
obelisk. On the east side of the coping
there is an inscription On the arch, sunk
deep into the granite and emblazoned with
sold. The letters read: Erected to Outlast
the British Monarchy" Some who read the
inscription openly express delight, while
Others think it out of place in a graveyard.
Those who do not agree with the inscription
admire the obelisk, which is very imposing.
A granite plate facing the east side OF the
coping shows that the monument was erected
by Daniel Murphy, of Ballintobing, Town
ship of Tralee, County Kerry Ireland. On
the north side of the obelsk, cut in polished
granite snd in raised letters. is a mortuary
notice which shows that in one Of the vaults
lies the remains OF Eleanor Murphy, of
Donegal. wife of Daniel Murphy, who died
in New York City in 1889, at the ags OF
eighty-tWo years On the south side is a
notice of the death Of Solomon C. H. Muir
ply, twenty.three years of age, and son OF
Daniel Murphy.
DURABLE MONUMENT.
A stonemason was carving letters on the
obelisk when he was asked by the World re-
porter:
''Did you engrave the inscription on the
face of the coping"
''Yes, sir; and very pretty sentiment it
is" he replied. MANY come here, however,
10 wrangle over it, but il will make this spot
the most fl NOUS IN the cemetery"
"Do you think the obelisk will outlast the
British Monarchy"
This stone will stand forever; or until il
il taken down. 1t is made Of Quincy granite,
the finest and must durable in Ihe world. No
expense has been spared, and there IS no bet
ter finished work in the cemetery. Iae
engraving of the letters cost $500 alone. There
are finer monuments in the cemetery-f)r IN
stance that Ut Johnston, the dry goods man,
whey cost 500 O0O-but none more du able.
. Crest crowds come TO see It every dag"
Daniel Murphy, WAC erected The obelisk
and caused the inscription 10 De pus upon II,
lives IN simL ie style OF tae EorthWts. corner
of Madison and New Chsnibs streets, this
city. He is worth 100000, ard occupies the
first floor Of double apartment house wh.cl
he owns. tie lie seventy three years OF ase
and Was stricken with blindness two years
sgO. after severe attack Of Brights disease
He cane 20 this country in 1882 ADD worked
as 8 farm hsrd in New jersey receiving 5
month and his board.
AN OLD CITIZEN.
He was subsequently a clerk ia a grocery
store ard sfterWard assistant IN the Old
American Hotel at the corner of Broadway
and Barclay street, before the Astor House
was built. twenty-five years ago ne engaged
in the building trade and amGssed fortune
rapidly He was a Presidential Elector On
the Hancock ticket in 1880, and has alTey s
been noted for bis fervent bat unsssuming
aid in the cause OF Ireland. Mr.. Murphy
spoke unTeseIvedly to World reporter Of
the Obelisk.
s.Tbe inscription on the coping is my
own he said. Il want the obslisk to out
last the British monarchy. For the Govern
ment of England have nothing but indy
ing hate, instilled in me by successive gener-
atiODs.'
els it merely matter OF patriotism"
mo. The estates of my ancestors in the
County Wexford were confscsted during the
reign of Queen Elizabeth because they would
not renounce their religion. A vast fortune
wss taken from them, and that great wrong,
together With my patriotism, induced me to
erect the obelisk."
What will il cost?'
II have alreaOy spent fZf,oOU upon It. ana
shall expend more. I do not mind the
money, and am ready to give $4,000 in cash
10 the leaders of any formidable and legti-
mate movement that is inaugurated against
England IN the cause OF Ireland"
BLIND But NOT HOPELESS.
Mr.. Murphy expects to recover his vision.
Although sevent 1.-TWO years old he looks
twelve years younger. He has always been
a Democrat, and takes great interest in
American politics. Before he lost his sight
he personally superintended the selection of
the stone for the obelisk and sketched the
design for it.