William James (Billy) Murphy |
| Posted 2016-09-10 by Judy Wight Branson |
| Arizona Republican, Phoenix, Arizona Territory Saturday, November 12, 1899, page 4, column 1 Killing Near Wickenburg A Mine Superintendent Successfully Stands Off an Attack A telegram was received at the sheriff's office last night from Deputy George at Wickenburg, saying: 'I have a man who did killing at Monroe mine.' Nothing had been heard of any trouble at the time the dispatch was received, but the Republican later had information from Hot Springs Junction describing the tragedy. About noon yesterday, William Murphy, superintendent of the Castello mine, fifteen miles east of the junction, was attacked by two prospectors named Bernal and Sweninger. They shot him four times, inflicting serious, but probably not fatal wounds. Murphy was shot from behind, but he returned the fire with deadly effect. The affray took place near a spring where the men had been camped for several days. The shooting was heard by miners at the camp and they hurried to the scene. Reaching it they found Bernal dead and Murphy laying near by. Sweninger escaped without injury. The cause of the attack on Murphy has not been learned here. The tragedy took place in Yavapai county and a telegram was sent to Sheriff Ruffner at Prescott. He was expected to reach the junction last night. Sweninger made his way from the killings to Wickenburg where he was captured by Sheriff George. Late last night word was received that Murphy had died of his wounds. Murphy represented a Buffalo, N.Y. syndicate headed by J. W. Costello, who was informed by telegraph of the death of his superintendent. Word of the shooting was sent to the wife of Superintendent Murphy who was at the hot springs, and a doctor was summoned, but before either reached him he was dead. ------------------------- Arizona Weekly Journal-Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory Thursday, November 16, 1898, page 3, column 2 The City and County - (From Monday's Daily) The funeral of the late William Murphy took place yesterday afternoon from the Catholic church, and in which his brother members of the A.O.U. participated. Mr. Murphy's sad ending is deplored by all and expressions of sadness are heard from all. He was in life considerate and devoted to his wife and family, to whom are extended the sympathy of the entire community. ------------------------- Transcriber's note: The first article was added to the funeral notice in order to explain how Mr. Murphy was killed. He is buried at the Citizens Cemetery in Prescott, Arizona beside his wife, Julia. See Also: Arizona Gravestone Photo Project |
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