Richard and Catherine Murphy were born in Ireland and lived in the County of Clare before emigrating. In the early 1850's they were in England where their son James was born. Like so many immigrants of the period Richard "came out"first. When he eventually accumulated enough money he sent for his wife Catherine and son Jim. Unfortunately he found out that Jim was to be charged adult fare to make the crossing and this would be more money than he had saved. Subsequently young Jim was left behind in Ireland with his Aunt Carmody while his mom Catherine came to America to join her husband. Richard soon after saved enough money to send for both Jim and his Aunt Carmody.This shows us that the Murphys and Carmodys, two of New Ireland's original families knew each other in "the Old Country". It is believed in Murphy family lore that Richard may have worked on the Genesee Canal which served as a transportation source for many goods being delivered into the town of Limestone. This would explain how he came to settle in the area.We do know that it was sometime between 1852-56 that they all arrived in the United States. Their daughter Ann was born in Hinsdale, New York and sometime after her birth they moved to the New Ireland area in Carrolton.They had seven more children: Ellen, Mary, David, John, Charles P., Richard and Susan. Census records from 1860 tell us that Richard was a laborer and was able to read and write. Catherine, however, was illiterate. After the Murphy's purchased land ca. 1864-65, Richard became a farmer.It is believed that the Murphy's sold their property ca. 1871 to Patrick Keough. They moved to a rural area in Limestone (road 10) that was not a part of Little Ireland where Richard became a stone mason. Eventually the property was purchased by the state to become part of Allegany State Park.

Richard's youngest daughter Susan Day would often tell how she remembered her dad carrying barrels of flour up the three mile hill to New Ireland and if you ever get the opportunity to walk that path you will appreciate what a feat that would be.

James the eldest remained with his family until 1875-1880. He then married Marcilla and had three children; Blanche, Frank and Sarah. James died in October 1888 in Mansfield, New York without a will at the age of 36. He left the family with possesions and property that didn't exceed over $900.

In the census of 1870 the Murphy children were referred to as farm workers and labeled with different last names; Quinne, Whitier and McCearty (spelling uncertain). In the same Ellen was found with the Beardsly family possibly helping with the 88 year old Charity, who was the mother of Harrison Beardsly.

Charles P. Murphy from 1870-1875 was referred to as Patrick, whether it was his middle name used as a nickname or his name was changed, he no longer was referred to as Patrick in later census. He married Maud (b. 1869) and had three children, Ralph Murphy (b. 1899), Charles D. Murphy (b. 1901), and Walter Murphy (b.1905). The New York State census from 1905 tells us that Patrick's mother was living with them. However in the 1910 census if showedCatherine Murphy lived alone at age 80.

Richard Murphy (Richard's son)was born June 15, 1868. He owned 50 acres worth $250. It is stated in the 1865 census that he made improvements on 10 of the acres. He plowed 2 acres in 1864 and 2 acres in 1865 and produced 25 bushels of oats and half a ton of hay in 1864.

Susan Murphy, the youngest of 10, was born June 12, 1871 in Little Ireland. Her baptismal sponsers were Michael and Bridget Spellacy.

Additional family members living in Little Ireland included Richardand Catherine Flynn, Richard's parents. There were also three siblings, Michael Murphy, Catherine "Kate" (Murphy) Cory and Elizabeth "Eliza" (Murphy) O'Loughlin.

In John Walker Sr.'s interview he believed that the Murphy's house was the last to be occupied in New Ireland. It was the Keough family that were living in it at that time.

to be continued....