The Murphy Book
Created in Honor of Isaac Murphy and his wife Eliza Jenkins Murphy
A Historical Poem by Eliza Jenkins Murphy -- poem of Eliza Jenkins Murphy's life story. Starts with her Grandfather, Aaron Jenkins, trip from Virginia to Pennsylvania and continues with her father's trip to Berrien County, Michigan where he was the second pioneer family to settle in Cass County in about 1825. The story concludes with a description of the home she made with Isaac Murphy Sr. and the daily life they led in Southwestern Michigan.
A Jab in the Nose -- As a parent myself, this pair of humorous and openly contradictory poems sounds like it could have come from my family today instead of Eliza's family more than 150 years ago. Albert's version of this incident puts the blame on his sister Almeda. Naturally, Almeda's version clearly blames Albert for the ruckus. As with all sibling rivalry, the truth is out there somewhere and somewhere in between.
Childhood Days by Almeda Murphy Snavely -- this poem gives some insight into what life was like for a young girl in Michigan in the 1830's and 1840's. It's inspiring to see all the fun kids could have without the modern conveniences today's children expect.
Childhood Incidences by Albert Murphy -- one of the few narratives published in the Murphy Book. This is the recollection of Albert Murphy about his childhood.
Childhood Joys on the Farm by Albert Murphy -- another recollection of childhood times by Albert Murphy.
Dangerous Play by Almeda Murphy Snavely -- a story of how my ancestor almost didn't make it. I too recall leaping and jumping about the barn. I remember how the tongue and groove floorboards in the hay loft were as smooth and slick as glass having been worn down by more than 100 years of moving hay around up there. Alas, the original red barn became unsafe and was torn down in the 1980s.
Eliza's Dilemma by Almeda Murphy Snavely -- a quick little poem about a traumatic, but probably very humorous problem at a dance. It's interesting to see how "teenagers" wanted to get away from the old folks. Some things never change.
Eliza's Psalm by Eliza Jenkins Murphy -- O.K. so it's from Proverbs not Psalms, but this is sort of a love poem written by Eliza to her husband Isaac.
Early Days by Erastus Murphy -- here's Rast's version of life as a pioneer child in Michigan. One of the longer poems in the Murphy Book.
Eighty Three by Albert Murphy -- a look back at 83 years of life's joys and sorrows.
When Lightning Struck the House by Almeda Murphy Snavely
Pap and Lydia -- I'm not sure who wrote this pair of poems but they appear to be recall the same event -- buying a chair for Eliza. The Pap is probably Isaac Sr., but whether he's buying the chair for Eliza or for Lydia I don't know. I also have no idea what the significance of Petroleum Nasbey is. This could be an inside joke or maybe this was some sort of patent medicine or brand name of the time.
Memories by Alice Murphy Miller -- this poem recalls a gathering for a New Year's evening. There's a bit of a roll call of the various Murphy's in here. If you like the roll call, check out the Reunion poem.
Mischief by Almeda Murphy Snavely -- the more things change the more they stay the same... 150 years later kids are still messing around with their parents' minds.
The Mistake by Almeda Murphy Snavely -- this is a short humorous poem written at the expense of Erastus.
Murphy Name by Albert Murphy -- This doesn't appear to be part of the original Murphy book, but it was included with the copy of a copy that I have. I believe it was wrote for a local newspaper by Albert. I've never been able to ascertain what canal the Murphy brothers were working on in Maryland. Also, in the copy of the Murphy Book I have someone, I suspect my Grandfather Fred Wendell "Bud" Bruce wrote "Morphet" above wherever "Manfoot" appears in this story. I've also seen Murphy spelled as Morfet as well.
Murphy Book Dedication and Introduction-- These are the opening pages of the Murphy Book. They contain some interesting information on the early life of Isaac Murphy and his mother's family, the Hayden's. His mother, Elizabeth Hayden is a descendent of John and Priscilla Alden of the Pilgrims. The Hayden line appears to go far back in England to the time of the Magna Carta.
Pioneer Baby by Erastus Murphy -- a touching poem. Look for the significance of a boy earning his first pair of pants.
Reunion by Almeda Murphy Snavely -- here's a roll call of Murphy names that can't be beat. I'm not sure what year that this particular reunion took place, but it was probably sometime in the 1920's. If you're a Murphy, or descended from one, your ancestors are probably listed here.
Today by Alice Murphy Miller -- This poem is like no other in the Murphy Book. Instead of verses of four lines each, this one is structured more like a song.
Isaac Murphy Sr. and Eliza Jenkins Murphy Obituaries -- This is the last page of the Murphy book. One thing of note, the spelling of Berrien Center used the "olde" spelling "Centre".