Santa Clara County
Biographies
JAMES T.
MURPHY
A native son of California, the late James T. Murphy reflected honor upon the state, in the exercise of his natural talents and the strength and dignity of his citizenship. Widely known by virtue of the prominent positions which he occupied in public life for many years, and highly esteemed for the many sterling traits of character which distinguished him, his influence was far-reaching and carried with it a potency, which added to the betterment of the community, both from a financial and social standpoint. His death, which occurred November 16, 1898, left a void in the society of San Jose that no other citizen can fill.
Born at the old Murphy homestead near Mountainview, Santa Clara county, in April, 1852, James T. Murphy was a member of the family so widely known and so highly honored among California pioneers, a son of Martin Murphy and brother of Bernard D. Murphy, both of whom have occupied positions of prominence among the citizens of this community. He received the best education to be obtained in the early days of the state, graduating with high honors from Santa Clara College, where he won a reputation for scholarly attainments, and especially for his oratorical ability. This latter accomplishment remained one of his chief pleasures throughout his life. He spent two years in Europe, and went around the world, during which time his letters home were published and were much enjoyed. After his return he lectured on his travels and particularly on that part of his time spent in the Holy Land. These lectures were always given for the benefit of charitable enterprises, to which Mr. Murphy gave his warmest support. He also became a factor in the Democratic party, of which he was a stanch adherent, and as a political speaker won renown which gave to him the title of “silver-tongued orator.” Besides being an extensive landowner, Mr. Murphy was appointed the first bank commissioner of California, and for many years was paying teller in the Commercial & Savings Bank of San Jose. He was a well versed in the intricacies of the law, which profession he had at one time contemplated taking up. A man of brilliant attainments, unusual business ability, and a winning personality, he had a large circle of friends and was respected and esteemed wherever known. In fraternal orders he was a member of San Jose Parlor No. 22, N. S. G. W., and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Surviving Mr. Murphy is his widow, formerly Wilhelmina Dawson, with whom he was united in marriage May 19, 1874. She was a native of New York City, and a daughter of William Dawson, who was born in Greene county, Pa., where his father, also named William, had settled upon leaving his native shores of England. He was a farmer in that locality, while his son became a lawyer of New York City, dying there at the age of forty-nine years. The wife of William Dawson, Jr., was formerly Wilhelmina Craig, who was born in Richmond, Va., the daughter of William Craig, a native of Scotland, who settled in the Old Dominion and engaged as a planter. Mrs. Dawson died in New York City. Of the two sons and two daughters born to Mr. and Mrs. Dawson, one son and two daughters are now living. Mrs. Wilhelmina Murphy was educated in Miss Haines’ private school in Gramercy Park, New York. She has one daughter, Wilhelmina, who was educated at Notre Dame College, and is now the wife of Bertram H. Herington, an attorney of San Jose. Mrs. Murphy is a member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, and is interested in all charitable enterprises, and gives her time and means liberally to every worthy movement which has for its object the upbuilding of the best interests of the community.
Transcribed
Joyce Rugeroni.
Source: History
of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties,
California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Page 711. The Chapman Publishing
Co., Chicago, 1904.
© 2015 Joyce Rugeroni.