The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1892-02-11
A Convict Released After Thfrty-SeveH
Years, imprisonment.

Years. lmpf1SOnments
A remarkable story OF the life of an ex-
convict. who suffered half his life time as .
prisoner behind the walls of the state
prison at Jackson. Mich, for crime of
dOned, has been revealed in the cOmpila-
tions which ex Warden General Humphrey
has just made public.
| Edward Murphy is the name of this mod
ern Jean Vatican who met his death day
or two ago in a railroad accident near
Jackson. He was born eighty two years
ago in Ireland. but ran away when lad,
| working his passage to America. He fol-
lowed the sea for some years. Going to
| Chicago later he fell in love and was mar
| ried. Having saved little money he pur-
chased small farm near LOckpOrt. ILL
| Several children were born to the couple,
then the mother died.
| Two years after he married Bridget
Mehan, but little over year after the
second marriage Murphy suddenly left
home and sailed on vessel up the lakes.
The first mate, John Williams, was a drink
ing man and abused the sailors, Murphy
among the number. At Mackinac Murphy
quit the vessel in the night, and within two
hours of his going Williams was stabbed
and killed.
Three years later Murphy was arrested in
Chicago and identified as the murderer by
sailor named Carson. He was convicted on
the testimony of Carson and the reward of
$500 was paid to those who arrested him.
He spent seven years in the life solitary"
When he went In his hair was as black as
| ink; when he came out, on the abolition of
the solitary system, it was white. He
knew very little, his mind being affected.
Many moves were subsequently made to
have him pardoned, but nothing came Of
the efforts. as all believed him guilty.
| After many years Jack Carson. dying in
Chicago, from a stab received in saloon
row. confessed that he killed Williams and
caused the arrest of Murphy for the double
purpose of screening himself and securing
half the reward. At once movement was
set on foot for Murphy'S release, and seven
years ago after all incarceration of thirty
seven years. the much wrOnged man was
freed. When Murphy left the prison he
either had forgotten all about his family in
Illinois, or was piqued at them. for he did
not go near them. He became burden on
the county. and later his case was taken to
the legislature and by special enactment he
was granted life annuity of $500 yearly.
He spent much of his money foolishIy
UuylIiS WHdI uc Ulu HoC uoeu. lie always
dressed in rags. carried dilapidated umbrel-
las. and wore big hat. either white or
black. fantastcaliy bedecked with red
white and blue ribbons or pieces OF flannel.
He had been familiar figure about the
streets for the past seven years. followed
by crowd of children. of whom he was
very fond.
Many letters were found on bis person
after death from relatives in all parts of the
world. which he had kept a secret from
those who knew him. Charles Murphy.
wealthy ranchman, writes to him from
Bungarse Junction. Australia. under date
of May 20. 1885. calling him brother. Mary
! Street. mo. ID Pick wick street, off Park
road. Liverpool" and Ann Considine.
''Balarat. Australia" both sisters. and
Margaret Leary, LOngshiny. Liverpool.
also sister. wrote. sending him docket
for half sovereign" Barnaby Murphy,
son. sent letter dated Aug. 3. 1863 from
Goodings Grove. Will county. ILL.,, saying
he could get a lawyer TO get his father out
of prison for S3OO.-Selected.