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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Saline County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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A. H. Murphey, farmer, of Marble Township, Saline County, was born in this county, within one-half mile of the place on which he now resides, in the year 1860. His parents were Robert and Nancy (Hogan) Murphey, natives of Alabama, who came to Arkansas in 1850, settling on the place which his son now occupies. In 1858 Robert Murphey was elected to the legislature of this State, and in 1860 was his own successor, serving four years. His term covered the exciting period when the State seceded, though he opposed secession. On account of his age he was not in the war, but was wounded by the United States troops and taken to Little Rock, where he died in prison in 1863. He was a man of considerable property, owning some slaves and a large amount of stock on his ranch, which included 160 acres of land, nine miles west of where his son lives. He was twice married, the first time, about 1820, having by this marriage two children, both deceased. His second marriage was to the mother of our subject, about 1847, and six children were given them, two of whom survive: I. B. (in Pulaski County), and A. H. Murphey. Mrs. Murphey was married the second time to Hugh McKinley, who died in 1870, his wife following him in 1882. Mrs. McKinley was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a devout Christian. Mr. Murphey was a member of Benton Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and was quite prominent in the order. He was also very active in politics, being an advocate of Democratic principles. A. H. Murphey lived with his mother until 1879, when he commenced farming on his own accord. He and his brother owned the old homestead, where they worked together until 1888, when he purchased his brother’s share. The place then contained 160 acres. He has since added 160 acres, making a fine farm of 320 acres, eighty improved, with good farm buildings, barns, etc., and plenty of stock to run the place. He was married in 1879 to Miss Mary S. Glenn, a native of this State and daughter of C. T. and Amanda Howard, natives of Tennessee, and the parents of nine children, seven of whom are now living: David, Mary S. (wife of A. H. Murphey), Jane (wife of I. B. Murphey), Sarah (wife of J. W. Newkirk), J. W., J. C. and Laura B. Mr. and Mrs. Glenn reside in Hunt County, Tex., moving there from Garland County, Ark., in 1888. Mr. Murphey is not very active politically, but supports the Democratic party. He is also a member of the A. F. & A. M. In the schools he takes much interest, and lends his influence to all worthy enterprises for the advancement of the interests of his county.

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This family biography is one of 100 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Saline County, Arkansas published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Saline County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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