The Watertown weekly leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1912-1917, 1915-05-11
J.B. MURPHY is
CALLED BY DEATH
One of WdtertOWn'S Prominent
Business Men Died Sunday
Paralysis Cause.

Mr. James b. Murphy, engaged in
business in Watertown FOR more than
half century, passed away in the
family home, 301 Church street, Sunday
morning, following an illness of three
months. Mr.. Murphy suffered stroke
of paralysis in February, and gradually
failed.
Born in Richmond, Mass, December
25, 1874. Mr.. Murphy was son of the
late Mr. and Mrs. Bartholomew Murphy,
who removed with their family to Ohio
a few years after the birth of the son
James and came to this vicinity about
1860 settling on farm in the town OF
Shields In 1861, Mr.. Murphy came to
WatertOwn and entered the employ OF
the painting and decorating firm Of
Straw & G0odrOw.
His natural artistic talents assured
Mr.. Murphy an early success in this line
of business, and it was only about three
wears later that he went tn Chicago in
response to fattering offers. Mr.. Good
row retired from the Watertown firm,
and Mr.. Straw, needing partner, made
Mr.. Murphy an offer which induced him
to return to Watertown, where he round
ed out half century as master paint
or and decorator and dealer in painting
and decorating supplies. Following the
death of Mr. Straw, Mr.. Murphy became
the head of the firm, which was later in
cOrpOrated under the name of the d. b.
Murphy company.
Mr. Murphy was charter member OF
Wateri0wn Council 1478, Knights OF Co
lumbus, and served as Past Deputy
Grand knight. He was well known over
the state Tor his connection with the
fraternal order, and also his connection
with the Master Painters association OF
the state, of which he was charter
member. He was prominent in the work
of the organization, being called upon
for papers on important subjects at
many conventions. He was president of
the ASSOCIATION in 1905. He was prom
tions of the Total Abstinence society, of
which the ST Bernard's Temperance and
Total Abstinence society was affiliated,
the principles of which he advocated
and practiced throughout his lifetime.
He was one of the organizers of the ST.
Bernards church band, and succeeded
Prof. John Mueller as its leader
One of the founders of the Outdoor
Art association, one of those in fact who
first conceived the idea of an organized
movement for the beautifying of the
city, Mr.. Murphy was one of those who
called the first meeting and with the as
sistance of his wife, prepared the first
circular which outlined the aims and
purposes of the organization.
Mr. Murphy's marriage to Miss Emma
Charboneau took place in WatertowD,
February 5, 1879. Their marriage was
not blessed with children, but resulted
in beautiful home life, about which
Mr.. Murphy interests were largely GEN.
tered Though his talents as a speaker
and organizer made his services inmuch
demand, he preferred to spend quiet
evenings and Sundays at home, giving
vent to his talents as painter, draughts-
man and musician.
Mr.. Murphy was man OF sterling
qualities, kind and considerate of others,
and withal gentleman who won many
friends both in business life and socially.
He ranked high as an artist with the
brush and palette, and many of the in
terror decorations of churches in this
section of Wisconsin bear evidence of
his artistic taste and skill. He took
great interest in music as WELL and
early in life developed taste for art
which clung to him in later years. He
was devoted church member and his
soyalty and devotion to its teachings were
exemplifed in willingness to aid
worthy causes when they came under
his observation, follower of the golden
rule.
In his death WateGtown loses one of
its best citizens and his wife a devoted
husband.
The children of Mr.. and Mrs. Bartho-