Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Paul Murphy's Funeral Remarks Pt. 1
Ed Murphy Funeral - June 7, 2010
Thank you for joining in the celebration of the life of my dad. If you know my dad would not go to any celebration without a Diet Coke. Dad, this Diet Coke’s for you.
The story of my dad is a love story between him and my mom. They were together for 62 years and I don’t know of anyone who had a better marriage. I never heard my parents argue. I never heard my dad say a harsh word about my mother. I always saw that he put her interests first. I never, ever thought my parents would get a divorce. All the kids knew we were loved–but we knew mom came first. Ed Murphy–the world’s greatest lover and Ruth Murphy–the most loved woman in the world.
Growing up was really like an old sitcom —“Ozzy and Harriet” meets “Leave it to Beaver.” My mom said that she felt sorry for us because dad gave her everything but he expected the kids to work.
My dad liked to have a nice lawn and the kids were part of it. Norm, Lynn and maybe LeAnn helped level the yard with ropes and railroad ties. Carol and I did our part by sitting on the railroad ties for extra weight.
We all learned how to mow the lawn–twice. Vertically and horizontally once a week.
My dad also like his hankies and pillow covers ironed. It seemed like we ironed a thousand hankies and pillow covers every week.
But our dad sacrificed for us as well. He gave up a job promotion with J.C. Penney in Pittsburgh because he thought Utah would be a better place to raise kids. Last night I met the man who took that job and he said my dad was his first boss. He told me a story of how a fire broke out at J.C. Penney and since they couldn’t work my dad thought it would be a good idea to go golfing. When they got back everybody wanted to know why it took them so long to get back. My dad replied, “We didn’t know it would be a nine-hole fire.”
My dad continued to play golf and racquetball but he gave up hunting and fishing by the time I came around. The earth has more deers, ducks and fish thanks to this decision.
A few of us had nicknames. Dad called Carol “Pumpkin” and me “Pal.” Maybe he just didn’t remember our names.
We didn’t grow up with a lot but we never were without what we really needed. My dad was known to be “tight with money.” I would like to say he taught me the value of a dollar.
My sister LeAnn remembers that Dad would grill her before she borrowed the car. He wanted to know how far she would go and he would expect her to fill the tank back up where it was before she left. He would check the odometer and the gas gauge after every trip.
I remember going with him to the bank to get a loan for my college education. I was stunned when I walked out of the bank with a loan that had to be paid by me—not him. Guess when I started to care about my education.
Money was tight when both my brothers were on missions and so my mom went to work as a teacher. What she didn’t know is that dad put all of her earnings in savings. When they retired they used that money so they could both travel.
My dad knew about money because he grew up without it. His mother died when he was nine-months-old and he was raised with his cousin Charles by his Uncle Albert and Aunt Pearl. They were dirt poor and lived in the Uintah Basin. My dad always wanted a bicycle but never had enough money to buy one. He finally found an abandoned bicycle with flat tires. He couldn’t even afford to buy tire tubes so he stuffed the tires with rags and rode his bike as much as he could.
My dad and Charles were always looking for ways to have fun without money. They used to attach an electric magneto to a steel sheet and pour corn on it. The chickens would come eat the corn, my dad would turn on the electricity and the chickens would fly straight up to the heavens. PETA may not like this but I think I have a great idea for a video game.
One time my dad and Charles were asked to clean the kitchen. My dad washed the floor and then convinced Charles they should go play without drying the floor. He said the water would just evaporate. They came back and the floor was dry and my dad was able to say “I told you so.” Later they learned that Uncle Albert came home and mopped the floor dry.
My dad loved his aunt and uncle but he said the best day of his life was when he turned 18 so he could join the Air Force. My dad loved flying planes, serving his country and getting as far away as possible from the Uintah Basin.
My dad wasn’t afraid to discipline but I don’t remember him yelling at us to get better grades or to become better athletes. A simple “Good gosh Paul” was enough to know that my dad was mad. He allowed us to fail and to learn from our mistakes.
One year Carol and LeAnn learned the consequences of complaining about what they got or did not get for Christmas. That year they got stockings full of black coal and a poster with pictures of everything they asked for Christmas. After the shock wore off—they both got $20.
Carol remembers the worst thing she ever did was take dad’s car without asking. I’m not even going to begin to tell you my list of worst things. She said dad didn’t yell at her but he said, “I’ve always trusted you but now I’m losing my trust.” Carol said she never took the car again but she said she probably would have if dad screamed at her.
My dad was the same way at work. He was an accounting supervisor and he had to hire and fire lots of people. But mom says that people still liked him when he fired them because he told them they would be better off in a job where they could feel like they were being successful. He was always concerned about their feelings.
Dad didn’t talk much when we were growing up. Most of the kids really got to know him when we became adults. For several years my wife and I had a weekly Bible study with my parents so we could get to know them better. We learned about their lives and the lessons they learned.
My dad didn’t grow up going to church and the only reason he got baptized was so he could marry my mom. LeAnn says he used to sneak the kids to get ice cream in between church meetings.
My dad never wanted to talk in church and my mom convinced him that he would never be called. However, at the end of one ward conference my dad was called up to speak at the last minute. Mom said he spoke well but he was very brief. However, he never went to ward conference again.
I don’t remember my dad reading the scriptures or religious books so I was surprised by the depth of his answers when reading the Bible. There is a type of Bible study called exegesis which means you draw the meaning of the text objectively rather than relying on your own interpretations. While reading the Gospel of John he concluded, “Jesus is God. It’s pretty clear.”
The Bible study stopped after my dad stopped being able to talk because of his dementia. For awhile he could say yes or no but that was about it. However, three years ago my parents came to visit me in the hospital. I had a staph infection that was resistant to antibiotics. I had been screaming for days because of the pain and I asked my dad if he could give me a blessing. He then offered the most beautiful prayer I had ever heard. He was fully aware of everything that was happening to me and he prayed for my recovery. My mom came back to the bed and asked what had happened. I told her that dad had give me a blessing. She asked him what he said but my dad could no longer talk. For a few minutes the heavens opened and I heard my dad’s voice for the first time in years.
My dad was loved by the people who cared for him at Legacy House. Even though he could not talk to the staff they said he could still communicate. They knew he was a very kind and gentle soul. A few weeks ago my mother learned that my dad would go into a resident’s room, pat the person on the head and shed a tear. The next morning the resident passed away. My mother shared how this had happened four times with some friends. What she didn’t know was the mother of these friends was also staying at Legacy House and that night my dad had gone into her room, shed a tear and gave a tender pat on her head. The next morning she passed away.
My mom says she has no regrets. She has no sadness because she married a good man who always treated her well. For all the young people who wear “No regrets” t-shirts, you can have a life of no regrets if you live a life like my dad.
My dad followed Paul the apostle’s advice in Ephesians:
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”
My dad was only 5'5" but he towered over other men by the way he loved his wife and others.
He didn’t speak much but his actions spoke volumes.
I hope one day to be half the man that my dad was. I love him. Jesus, he’s all yours now.
Thank you for joining in the celebration of the life of my dad. If you know my dad would not go to any celebration without a Diet Coke. Dad, this Diet Coke’s for you.
The story of my dad is a love story between him and my mom. They were together for 62 years and I don’t know of anyone who had a better marriage. I never heard my parents argue. I never heard my dad say a harsh word about my mother. I always saw that he put her interests first. I never, ever thought my parents would get a divorce. All the kids knew we were loved–but we knew mom came first. Ed Murphy–the world’s greatest lover and Ruth Murphy–the most loved woman in the world.
Growing up was really like an old sitcom —“Ozzy and Harriet” meets “Leave it to Beaver.” My mom said that she felt sorry for us because dad gave her everything but he expected the kids to work.
My dad liked to have a nice lawn and the kids were part of it. Norm, Lynn and maybe LeAnn helped level the yard with ropes and railroad ties. Carol and I did our part by sitting on the railroad ties for extra weight.
We all learned how to mow the lawn–twice. Vertically and horizontally once a week.
My dad also like his hankies and pillow covers ironed. It seemed like we ironed a thousand hankies and pillow covers every week.
But our dad sacrificed for us as well. He gave up a job promotion with J.C. Penney in Pittsburgh because he thought Utah would be a better place to raise kids. Last night I met the man who took that job and he said my dad was his first boss. He told me a story of how a fire broke out at J.C. Penney and since they couldn’t work my dad thought it would be a good idea to go golfing. When they got back everybody wanted to know why it took them so long to get back. My dad replied, “We didn’t know it would be a nine-hole fire.”
My dad continued to play golf and racquetball but he gave up hunting and fishing by the time I came around. The earth has more deers, ducks and fish thanks to this decision.
A few of us had nicknames. Dad called Carol “Pumpkin” and me “Pal.” Maybe he just didn’t remember our names.
We didn’t grow up with a lot but we never were without what we really needed. My dad was known to be “tight with money.” I would like to say he taught me the value of a dollar.
My sister LeAnn remembers that Dad would grill her before she borrowed the car. He wanted to know how far she would go and he would expect her to fill the tank back up where it was before she left. He would check the odometer and the gas gauge after every trip.
I remember going with him to the bank to get a loan for my college education. I was stunned when I walked out of the bank with a loan that had to be paid by me—not him. Guess when I started to care about my education.
Money was tight when both my brothers were on missions and so my mom went to work as a teacher. What she didn’t know is that dad put all of her earnings in savings. When they retired they used that money so they could both travel.
My dad knew about money because he grew up without it. His mother died when he was nine-months-old and he was raised with his cousin Charles by his Uncle Albert and Aunt Pearl. They were dirt poor and lived in the Uintah Basin. My dad always wanted a bicycle but never had enough money to buy one. He finally found an abandoned bicycle with flat tires. He couldn’t even afford to buy tire tubes so he stuffed the tires with rags and rode his bike as much as he could.
My dad and Charles were always looking for ways to have fun without money. They used to attach an electric magneto to a steel sheet and pour corn on it. The chickens would come eat the corn, my dad would turn on the electricity and the chickens would fly straight up to the heavens. PETA may not like this but I think I have a great idea for a video game.
One time my dad and Charles were asked to clean the kitchen. My dad washed the floor and then convinced Charles they should go play without drying the floor. He said the water would just evaporate. They came back and the floor was dry and my dad was able to say “I told you so.” Later they learned that Uncle Albert came home and mopped the floor dry.
My dad loved his aunt and uncle but he said the best day of his life was when he turned 18 so he could join the Air Force. My dad loved flying planes, serving his country and getting as far away as possible from the Uintah Basin.
My dad wasn’t afraid to discipline but I don’t remember him yelling at us to get better grades or to become better athletes. A simple “Good gosh Paul” was enough to know that my dad was mad. He allowed us to fail and to learn from our mistakes.
One year Carol and LeAnn learned the consequences of complaining about what they got or did not get for Christmas. That year they got stockings full of black coal and a poster with pictures of everything they asked for Christmas. After the shock wore off—they both got $20.
Carol remembers the worst thing she ever did was take dad’s car without asking. I’m not even going to begin to tell you my list of worst things. She said dad didn’t yell at her but he said, “I’ve always trusted you but now I’m losing my trust.” Carol said she never took the car again but she said she probably would have if dad screamed at her.
My dad was the same way at work. He was an accounting supervisor and he had to hire and fire lots of people. But mom says that people still liked him when he fired them because he told them they would be better off in a job where they could feel like they were being successful. He was always concerned about their feelings.
Dad didn’t talk much when we were growing up. Most of the kids really got to know him when we became adults. For several years my wife and I had a weekly Bible study with my parents so we could get to know them better. We learned about their lives and the lessons they learned.
My dad didn’t grow up going to church and the only reason he got baptized was so he could marry my mom. LeAnn says he used to sneak the kids to get ice cream in between church meetings.
My dad never wanted to talk in church and my mom convinced him that he would never be called. However, at the end of one ward conference my dad was called up to speak at the last minute. Mom said he spoke well but he was very brief. However, he never went to ward conference again.
I don’t remember my dad reading the scriptures or religious books so I was surprised by the depth of his answers when reading the Bible. There is a type of Bible study called exegesis which means you draw the meaning of the text objectively rather than relying on your own interpretations. While reading the Gospel of John he concluded, “Jesus is God. It’s pretty clear.”
The Bible study stopped after my dad stopped being able to talk because of his dementia. For awhile he could say yes or no but that was about it. However, three years ago my parents came to visit me in the hospital. I had a staph infection that was resistant to antibiotics. I had been screaming for days because of the pain and I asked my dad if he could give me a blessing. He then offered the most beautiful prayer I had ever heard. He was fully aware of everything that was happening to me and he prayed for my recovery. My mom came back to the bed and asked what had happened. I told her that dad had give me a blessing. She asked him what he said but my dad could no longer talk. For a few minutes the heavens opened and I heard my dad’s voice for the first time in years.
My dad was loved by the people who cared for him at Legacy House. Even though he could not talk to the staff they said he could still communicate. They knew he was a very kind and gentle soul. A few weeks ago my mother learned that my dad would go into a resident’s room, pat the person on the head and shed a tear. The next morning the resident passed away. My mother shared how this had happened four times with some friends. What she didn’t know was the mother of these friends was also staying at Legacy House and that night my dad had gone into her room, shed a tear and gave a tender pat on her head. The next morning she passed away.
My mom says she has no regrets. She has no sadness because she married a good man who always treated her well. For all the young people who wear “No regrets” t-shirts, you can have a life of no regrets if you live a life like my dad.
My dad followed Paul the apostle’s advice in Ephesians:
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”
My dad was only 5'5" but he towered over other men by the way he loved his wife and others.
He didn’t speak much but his actions spoke volumes.
I hope one day to be half the man that my dad was. I love him. Jesus, he’s all yours now.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Obituary
William Edsel (Ed) Murphy, age 87, passed away peacefully at the Legacy House of Bountiful of causes incident to age. Ed was born March 12, 1923 in Ephraim, Utah to Ernest and Bertha Musig Murphy. His mother passed away when he was nine months of age. Ed lived with his Uncle Albert and Aunt Pearl Musig Edwards in the Uintah Basin. They had a son, Charles, very near to Ed’s age and they grew up as brothers and best friends. Ed attended elementary and high school in Myton, Utah and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Roosevelt, Utah in 1942. He started college at Utah State University in Logan, Utah and then served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, including one year at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Ed returned to Utah State after his discharge and majored in accounting. He began dating Ruth Gilbert, a young lady he had known earlier in high school. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 25, 1947. After his graduation in 1950, Ed began working as an accountant and auditor for Western Seed Company in Salt Lake City. The young couple purchased a home in Rose Park where they lived until he was recalled to serve as an auditor at a Wichita, Kansas air base in 1951. Two years later his family moved back to Salt Lake City and Ed became an accountant for J.C. Penney Company for 31 years. The family moved to Bountiful in 1965 where they have since resided. Ed is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various positions. He enjoyed playing golf, traveling and keeping a well-groomed yard. Survived by his wife of 62 years; Ruth Gilbert Murphy, five children; Norman Edsel (Barbara), Lynn J. (Margaret), LeAnn (Scott) Davis, Carol (Steve) Osborne, Paul Charles (Jenna) Murphy; and one sister, Elva Dale Wogec. He has 24 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by two grandchildren; Rachael Murphy and Wesley Osborne; and three sisters, Lylas Chambers, Carrie Anderson, June Nichols; and his cousin and lifelong friend, Charles Edwards. Ed suffered from dementia in his later years but he remained a kind and gentle person. He had a great love for his family, relatives, neighbors and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 8 at the Mueller Park 1st Ward, 1825 S. 850 E., Bountiful. A viewing will be held 6-8 p.m., Monday, June 7 at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 N. Main, Bountiful. Internment will be at the Bountiful City Cemetery.
Life of Ed Murphy Part 15
My experience as a father and a husband has been a challenging, sometimes discouraging, but overall very rewarding experience. The most rewarding and gratifying decision I ever made was that of choosing my wife. She has been so patient, loving and tolerant to my many shortcomings. I am grateful and proud of the accomplishments of my children. My first choice calling in the church was when Norman turned 12. I was asked to be the Deacons advisor. I accepted because I knew it would force me to set the example for my 2 sons by attending Priesthood regularly. Up until that time I was not going to church on a regular basis. I truly enjoyed working with the boys 12-14 years of age.
We are the parents of 5 children, 21 grandchildren and 17 great grand children. Our three sons served L.D.S. missions and both of our daughters were married in the Temple. Looking back over my life, if I had to do it over again I would do some things different. However, I have been very blessed, more that I deserve.
We are the parents of 5 children, 21 grandchildren and 17 great grand children. Our three sons served L.D.S. missions and both of our daughters were married in the Temple. Looking back over my life, if I had to do it over again I would do some things different. However, I have been very blessed, more that I deserve.
Life of Ed Murphy Part 14
In November of 1950 we moved into our first home. A 2 bedroom brick dwelling with a full basement. Also, on November 11th our second son, Lynn, was born.
In August of 1951 I was recalled into the service (Airforce). I was assigned as an auditor, except for the first couple of months. My family was with me during my assignment. We lived in Wichita, Kansas. I completed my tour in March, 1953. At that time we returned to our home in Salt Lake City.
My first job was keeping books for a couple of lumber companies. This lasted until October of 1953, at which time I started with the JC Penny company in their Western Accounting Division.
LeAnn was born in September, 1953, our first daughter and not so long after our second daughter Carol was born in March of 1957. After living in the Rose Park area for 15 years, we moved to our present home in Bountiful in March, 1965. This was a big decision for the whole family. We had gained many choice friends in Rose Park. The decision to accept the bigger house and payments was also difficult. We now feel the decision was a good one.
In August of 1951 I was recalled into the service (Airforce). I was assigned as an auditor, except for the first couple of months. My family was with me during my assignment. We lived in Wichita, Kansas. I completed my tour in March, 1953. At that time we returned to our home in Salt Lake City.
My first job was keeping books for a couple of lumber companies. This lasted until October of 1953, at which time I started with the JC Penny company in their Western Accounting Division.
LeAnn was born in September, 1953, our first daughter and not so long after our second daughter Carol was born in March of 1957. After living in the Rose Park area for 15 years, we moved to our present home in Bountiful in March, 1965. This was a big decision for the whole family. We had gained many choice friends in Rose Park. The decision to accept the bigger house and payments was also difficult. We now feel the decision was a good one.
Life of Ed Murphy Part 13
I married Ruth Gilbert. We were married in the Salt Lake temple. The night before we got married we went to Lagoon amusement park and rode on all the rides. The next day in the temple Ruth tells me I was green. We had our honeymoon in the Newhouse Hotel because the Hotel Utah was full. The Newhouse has since been pulled down. We then went to a horse show at the fairgrounds. For the next year we lived in California with my sister Carrie and her husband. Ruth had 1 year of college remaining and I had 2 years left.
After we were married we lived in the Pre-Fabs part of the campus. In the winter it was extremely cold walking to and from the school.
I worked at various jobs, painting buildings, hauling manure, washing dishes, hauling hay, working in the pea factory in Franklin Idaho, keeping books for the hospital and Palmer and Sons Plumbing etc. Norman was born in January of 1949, so I now felt the responsibility as a father. Prior to the time Norman was born I bought a 1933 Chevrolet (named Lucy). It cost me $290 because they were hard to get at the time. It provided our transportation until I graduated.
In March of 1950 I completed my requirements for a B.S. degree in accounting with a minor in Commercial Law and economics.
At the same time I obtained my first full time job I was hired as a book keeper and auditor for Kelly Western Seld Co. in Salt Lake City. They manufactured the books and audit functions for several of the Farmers Co-ops throughout the state.
After we were married we lived in the Pre-Fabs part of the campus. In the winter it was extremely cold walking to and from the school.
I worked at various jobs, painting buildings, hauling manure, washing dishes, hauling hay, working in the pea factory in Franklin Idaho, keeping books for the hospital and Palmer and Sons Plumbing etc. Norman was born in January of 1949, so I now felt the responsibility as a father. Prior to the time Norman was born I bought a 1933 Chevrolet (named Lucy). It cost me $290 because they were hard to get at the time. It provided our transportation until I graduated.
In March of 1950 I completed my requirements for a B.S. degree in accounting with a minor in Commercial Law and economics.
At the same time I obtained my first full time job I was hired as a book keeper and auditor for Kelly Western Seld Co. in Salt Lake City. They manufactured the books and audit functions for several of the Farmers Co-ops throughout the state.
Life of Ed Murphy Part 12
During my time in the service I could never decide on what career I wanted to follow. I felt I should return to college, but I could not make up my mind to do so. After spending nearly a year on the farm and some time in Las Vegas, I decided that I would return to college. I finally decided to major in accounting and in January of 1947 I returned to college.
School was a new challenge for me, but it was enjoyable. I spent a lot of time studying, not always so effective as it should be. I first lived in the field house and later in an apartment just off the hill from the campus. While at college I joined the ROTC program and the Artillery Branch of the National Guard. This provided additional money I needed to help support me through school. In the National Guard my conduct as a soldier was not very becoming. (explain)
From November 1943 until April 1944 Ruth Gilbert and I wrote to each other. In April 1944, Ruth and I went on our first date when I was on leave. We went with Charles and his date to the ‘Hot Pots’ swimming holes in Heber, Utah. We dated intermittently on the times I could get leave from the service. I never really proposed and it was always assumed that we would be married. I sent a ring in the mail to Ruth in February of 1947 and our engagement was ‘official’. In June of 1947
School was a new challenge for me, but it was enjoyable. I spent a lot of time studying, not always so effective as it should be. I first lived in the field house and later in an apartment just off the hill from the campus. While at college I joined the ROTC program and the Artillery Branch of the National Guard. This provided additional money I needed to help support me through school. In the National Guard my conduct as a soldier was not very becoming. (explain)
From November 1943 until April 1944 Ruth Gilbert and I wrote to each other. In April 1944, Ruth and I went on our first date when I was on leave. We went with Charles and his date to the ‘Hot Pots’ swimming holes in Heber, Utah. We dated intermittently on the times I could get leave from the service. I never really proposed and it was always assumed that we would be married. I sent a ring in the mail to Ruth in February of 1947 and our engagement was ‘official’. In June of 1947
Life of Ed Murphy Part 11
While at 29 Palms I first started to write to Ruth Gilbert who I later married and is still my wife. While at college I was friendly with Garn Gilbert, who had a sister named Ruth. I actually knew them both in grade school. They lived in Arcadia while I lived in Myton. I remembered her from Grade school, but Ruth says she never remembered me. I actually started writing to Garn and in one letter suggested that he ask Ruth if she would consider writing me a letter. She did, and that was the start of our relationship.
After finishing our primary flying at 29 Palms we were transferred to Marana, Arizona for our basic flying course. Our basic flying went very well for me. Marana was about 30 miles out of Tucson. We spent nearly every weekend in Tucson enjoying going on dates with girls from the LDS ward there.
On March 12, my 21st birthday, I was transferred to Williams Field in Phoenix, Arizona. On April 1st I received notice that Uncle Albert had passed away. He and my Aunt Pearl Edwards raised me since I was five years old and were parents to me. Against the concerns of my superiors at the base, I went home to the funeral and spent 2 weeks away from training. After my return I felt completely lost and very discouraged in my efforts to make up for the lost training time. Also, the motivations and excitement of graduating had completely left me. Although I had returned to my training, my heart and desire for flying totally left me. I requested that I be relieved of further flying. I was encouraged to continue my flying, but could not get the motivation.
I was subsequently transferred to Waco, Texas after intermediate stays in San Antonio and Amarillo, Texas and Denver, Colorado. I was assigned as a statistical clerk. Later, I requested ground duty resulting in my last assignment being at Bolling Field in Washington D.C. I worked in the Pentagon. My experience in Washington D.C. was good. I got to see many of the buildings and monuments of interest.
I was discharged from the service in December of 1945, from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Upon arriving home it was quite an adjustment for me to make. I had no car to get around in until I bought a 1932 Chevrolet Coupe. I had to completely overhaul the engine.
After finishing our primary flying at 29 Palms we were transferred to Marana, Arizona for our basic flying course. Our basic flying went very well for me. Marana was about 30 miles out of Tucson. We spent nearly every weekend in Tucson enjoying going on dates with girls from the LDS ward there.
On March 12, my 21st birthday, I was transferred to Williams Field in Phoenix, Arizona. On April 1st I received notice that Uncle Albert had passed away. He and my Aunt Pearl Edwards raised me since I was five years old and were parents to me. Against the concerns of my superiors at the base, I went home to the funeral and spent 2 weeks away from training. After my return I felt completely lost and very discouraged in my efforts to make up for the lost training time. Also, the motivations and excitement of graduating had completely left me. Although I had returned to my training, my heart and desire for flying totally left me. I requested that I be relieved of further flying. I was encouraged to continue my flying, but could not get the motivation.
I was subsequently transferred to Waco, Texas after intermediate stays in San Antonio and Amarillo, Texas and Denver, Colorado. I was assigned as a statistical clerk. Later, I requested ground duty resulting in my last assignment being at Bolling Field in Washington D.C. I worked in the Pentagon. My experience in Washington D.C. was good. I got to see many of the buildings and monuments of interest.
I was discharged from the service in December of 1945, from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Upon arriving home it was quite an adjustment for me to make. I had no car to get around in until I bought a 1932 Chevrolet Coupe. I had to completely overhaul the engine.
Life of Ed Murphy Part 10
My next phase of training was the Classification Center. At Classification we all underwent very strenuous tests. For two long weeks he was taking physical examinations, mechanical aptitude tests, and psychomotor tests. Also not forgotten was drill and P.T. each day. At Classification, the pilots, navigators, and bombardiers were picked. Then I got the wish I long dreamed about. I was classified a cadet pilot.
From Classification I went to pre-flight training, as a pilot. Here there was more training in physics, and math; plus navigation, theory of flight, aircraft identification, gunnery, chemical warfare, code, and airplane mechanics. We learned what was meant by “hubba-hubba.” Physical training and drill was more on the rough side. Saturday night passes were shortened because of the Sunday afternoon parades. But the time always went fast, for every minute was occupied. A fifteen-minute break during the day was like a furlough to me. I successfully completed my classes at pre-flight, with an average of over eighty in all my classes.
Now came the real test, Primary. One half of the day was spent in the ground school, and the other half was spent flying. After nine hours and fifteen minutes of dual flying, Jerry told me that I was ready to take the plane up alone. This really put an empty feeling in my stomach. After Jerry got out of the front cockpit and laid his parachute on the ground, he jumped upon the wing of the plane and started giving me a complete list of the things to do and not to do while up there alone.
“I want you to go up and fly the pattern once, land, then taxi back here where I am waiting, so that I can give further instructions,” said Jerry. “Now remember,” he said, ”you are undertaking a large responsibility. I have a lot of confidence in you, so don’t let me down. If you make a bad approach and you are reluctant about landing, give ‘er the throttle and go around again until you gain confidence in yourself. You got the guts, and you got the ability, so prove it to me. Make sure the plane is airborne before pulling the nose up. Level off about fifty feet, then start climbing again. Keep your altitude, and above all keep your head out.” I was nervous and hot all over. After taxiing out to the taking-off point, I checked my mags and all the other controls and instruments. While waiting for the green light, I had a lonely, empty feeling. There was no voice in his ear now. Jerry was standing to the side watching. I perspired a little. The green light showed, and I pushed the throttle forward. I pushed the stick forward a little soon and that made me nervous; then I pulled it back and rose too sharply, but now I had collected myself. “Well it’s mine,” I said to myself, “only God can help me now.”
After I soloed, relations with my instructor were much better. We practiced 60 hours of flying, learning aerobatics, landing and take offs etc. Twenty Nine Palms was a good place to learn to fly, because it was so removed from the worldly influences. My first Christmas away from home was spent here.
From Classification I went to pre-flight training, as a pilot. Here there was more training in physics, and math; plus navigation, theory of flight, aircraft identification, gunnery, chemical warfare, code, and airplane mechanics. We learned what was meant by “hubba-hubba.” Physical training and drill was more on the rough side. Saturday night passes were shortened because of the Sunday afternoon parades. But the time always went fast, for every minute was occupied. A fifteen-minute break during the day was like a furlough to me. I successfully completed my classes at pre-flight, with an average of over eighty in all my classes.
Now came the real test, Primary. One half of the day was spent in the ground school, and the other half was spent flying. After nine hours and fifteen minutes of dual flying, Jerry told me that I was ready to take the plane up alone. This really put an empty feeling in my stomach. After Jerry got out of the front cockpit and laid his parachute on the ground, he jumped upon the wing of the plane and started giving me a complete list of the things to do and not to do while up there alone.
“I want you to go up and fly the pattern once, land, then taxi back here where I am waiting, so that I can give further instructions,” said Jerry. “Now remember,” he said, ”you are undertaking a large responsibility. I have a lot of confidence in you, so don’t let me down. If you make a bad approach and you are reluctant about landing, give ‘er the throttle and go around again until you gain confidence in yourself. You got the guts, and you got the ability, so prove it to me. Make sure the plane is airborne before pulling the nose up. Level off about fifty feet, then start climbing again. Keep your altitude, and above all keep your head out.” I was nervous and hot all over. After taxiing out to the taking-off point, I checked my mags and all the other controls and instruments. While waiting for the green light, I had a lonely, empty feeling. There was no voice in his ear now. Jerry was standing to the side watching. I perspired a little. The green light showed, and I pushed the throttle forward. I pushed the stick forward a little soon and that made me nervous; then I pulled it back and rose too sharply, but now I had collected myself. “Well it’s mine,” I said to myself, “only God can help me now.”
After I soloed, relations with my instructor were much better. We practiced 60 hours of flying, learning aerobatics, landing and take offs etc. Twenty Nine Palms was a good place to learn to fly, because it was so removed from the worldly influences. My first Christmas away from home was spent here.
Life of Ed Murphy Part 9
In November of 1943 we transferred to 29 Palms, California to begin our flight training. In addition to flight training we took additional academic courses, marching, drilling and calisthenics. Trying to solo was a very challenging experience for me. My instructor was hard to deal with; he kept me under constant pressure. I remember the day I soloed; what a thrill and satisfying experience. I had spent many long and painstaking hours learning to master the art of flying and now I was ready.
I remember sitting in the cockpit of the two-seater bi-plane waiting for my instructor, Jerry, to give his final orders before taking off for the first time alone. As I tensely waited, I got to thinking of the past. I murmured to myself, “What if I should fail now, after all that I have gone through. Now is my chance to prove to myself that all my training was not in vain.” Memories went back to first reaching the induction station.
At the induction station my initial training began. Here I got my first taste of Army life. After completing the physical and metal tests, and interviews, I was selected as an aviation student.
After six long weeks of learning to drill, taking in lectures and training films, learning what discipline meant, and getting into a physical condition that would permit me to take all the Army could dish out, I was sent to a college training detachment.
At C.T.D. we received a three-month course in history, geography, C.A.R (Civil Air Regulations), physics, mathematics, trigonometry, and hygiene. Besides the regular routine of class work each day, one hour was spent drilling, and one hour was spent doing P.T. (Physical Training). It was here that I got my first feel of an airplane..... ten hours of dual flying time in a light plane. This was to acquaint the cadet with the airplane and flying.
I remember sitting in the cockpit of the two-seater bi-plane waiting for my instructor, Jerry, to give his final orders before taking off for the first time alone. As I tensely waited, I got to thinking of the past. I murmured to myself, “What if I should fail now, after all that I have gone through. Now is my chance to prove to myself that all my training was not in vain.” Memories went back to first reaching the induction station.
At the induction station my initial training began. Here I got my first taste of Army life. After completing the physical and metal tests, and interviews, I was selected as an aviation student.
After six long weeks of learning to drill, taking in lectures and training films, learning what discipline meant, and getting into a physical condition that would permit me to take all the Army could dish out, I was sent to a college training detachment.
At C.T.D. we received a three-month course in history, geography, C.A.R (Civil Air Regulations), physics, mathematics, trigonometry, and hygiene. Besides the regular routine of class work each day, one hour was spent drilling, and one hour was spent doing P.T. (Physical Training). It was here that I got my first feel of an airplane..... ten hours of dual flying time in a light plane. This was to acquaint the cadet with the airplane and flying.
Life of Ed Murphy Part 8
In March, 1943, after completing my second quarter of college I received my call to active duty. I was told to report to Kearns, Utah, Air Force Base for my basic training. I was anxious to get going. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to report on schedule as I had contracted the german measles just a few days prior. Anyway, I went on schedule. I reported in Salt Lake at the train Depot in the morning. After walking around Salt Lake City all day waiting to be transferred out to Kearns we left around midnight. Because I was not used to walking on concrete, I got a very painful case of “shin splints”. I don’t believe I slept a wink that night. On my first day in the service we went to the supply depot for our uniforms. Of course the clothes they supplied me were too large. My barracks bag containing my clothes was so heavy I couldn’t carry it. I paid a kid 50 cents to carry them to the barracks for me. We spent 16 days at Kearns, drilling, doing calisthenics, running obstacle courses, taking additional tests, physical and mental examinations and shots. From Kearns we were transferred to Omaha, Nebraska for a three month college training course at Creighton University.
The college training courses were very educational. I had never learned so much in such a short period of time. Discipline was extremely strict. Many hours were spent drilling and marching. The girls in Omaha were very pretty and I enjoyed associating with them. Each Sunday we had a dance. We had great orchestras, bands and pretty girls.
I contracted Scarlet fever while in Omaha and was hospitalized for two weeks in Lincoln, Nebraska. During this college training we were required to take 10 hours of introductory flight lessons. This provided me with my first experience in flying.
In June of 1943 we transferred to Santa Ana, California for our pre-flight training. The training was all academic except for the many hours of drilling, marching and calisthenics . The schooling was excellent, which was directed more to flying, i.e. aircraft mechanics, navigation, physics, aircraft identification, meteorology etc. We were also given many different aptitude tests in order to determine what phase, if any, of flying we were adapted to. I was classified as a pilot, which was my desire. I really wanted to prove to myself I could learn to fly. Discipline at Santa Ana was very demanding…
The college training courses were very educational. I had never learned so much in such a short period of time. Discipline was extremely strict. Many hours were spent drilling and marching. The girls in Omaha were very pretty and I enjoyed associating with them. Each Sunday we had a dance. We had great orchestras, bands and pretty girls.
I contracted Scarlet fever while in Omaha and was hospitalized for two weeks in Lincoln, Nebraska. During this college training we were required to take 10 hours of introductory flight lessons. This provided me with my first experience in flying.
In June of 1943 we transferred to Santa Ana, California for our pre-flight training. The training was all academic except for the many hours of drilling, marching and calisthenics . The schooling was excellent, which was directed more to flying, i.e. aircraft mechanics, navigation, physics, aircraft identification, meteorology etc. We were also given many different aptitude tests in order to determine what phase, if any, of flying we were adapted to. I was classified as a pilot, which was my desire. I really wanted to prove to myself I could learn to fly. Discipline at Santa Ana was very demanding…
Life of Ed Murphy Part 7
During the summer of 1941 I had the opportunity of earning $7 helping a farmer harvest his corn. With this money I bought a Model A Ford. The seller wanted $15, but because he didn’t have a title to the car I paid him $7. I had great fun during that period of my life driving the car. The following year Charles and I bought a Model A Ford r Convertible with a Rumble seat for $22. We used parts from my first Ford to fix it up. We used this car when we went to College in the fall of 1942.
Starting college was very exciting and the best thing that happened to me to this point in my life. I couldn’t believe that I was free from the ties of the farm. I was very happy. However, as I reflect on those times before I left home, I am thankful for the love given and tough experiences I was given.
When I started college in December of 1942, I took the mental aptitude test that was required to join the Aviation Cadet Program. The test lasted 2 ½ hours. After I finished the test I was told I would have to take a physical that afternoon. I had previously had my back all taped up by the college Doctor because I had suffered quite a lot with back pain. After I was told about the physical I immediately went to our apartment and soaked myself in a tub of hot water to remove the tape from my back. After a short soaking I ripped the tape off which experience was a tear jerker. I passed the physical but couldn’t understand why they hadn’t noticed the tape marks. My eyes and height were on the borderline so I just barely passed. I was thrilled when I learned I had passed everything, including the extensive aptitude test.
I spent two quarters at college anxiously awaiting my call to active duty. College was fun. My application to studies wasn’t what it should be for I knew that I would soon be called into the service.
While at college, whatever extra cash we could accumulate we would spend going to a movie or playing pool. Many times I would be questioned about my age by the pool hall attendant because I was so short. Occasionally I would not be allowed to play. It would always upset me because I was older than some of the guys in the group who wouldn’t ever be questioned because they were taller and looked older than me.
Starting college was very exciting and the best thing that happened to me to this point in my life. I couldn’t believe that I was free from the ties of the farm. I was very happy. However, as I reflect on those times before I left home, I am thankful for the love given and tough experiences I was given.
When I started college in December of 1942, I took the mental aptitude test that was required to join the Aviation Cadet Program. The test lasted 2 ½ hours. After I finished the test I was told I would have to take a physical that afternoon. I had previously had my back all taped up by the college Doctor because I had suffered quite a lot with back pain. After I was told about the physical I immediately went to our apartment and soaked myself in a tub of hot water to remove the tape from my back. After a short soaking I ripped the tape off which experience was a tear jerker. I passed the physical but couldn’t understand why they hadn’t noticed the tape marks. My eyes and height were on the borderline so I just barely passed. I was thrilled when I learned I had passed everything, including the extensive aptitude test.
I spent two quarters at college anxiously awaiting my call to active duty. College was fun. My application to studies wasn’t what it should be for I knew that I would soon be called into the service.
While at college, whatever extra cash we could accumulate we would spend going to a movie or playing pool. Many times I would be questioned about my age by the pool hall attendant because I was so short. Occasionally I would not be allowed to play. It would always upset me because I was older than some of the guys in the group who wouldn’t ever be questioned because they were taller and looked older than me.
Life of Ed Murphy Part 6
We sometimes had very sad experiences with our workhorses that were usually used for pulling the farm equipment. How I disliked working with the teams of horses with which I had several run-away experience. On one occasion I was raking hay with a dump rake when the horses started to run away. I was unable to hold the in check. After a few fast yards of hard riding on the rake I fell off in front of the rake “tines”. I remember being rolled over and over and no hope of getting out. Fortunately the horses ran through a ditch and the pin came out of the “double trees”. The rake stopped while the horses kept running and I was able to escape. Another time they ran away with the hay mowing machine. I was standing in front of the cutting bar when they bolted. I ran and fell just barely getting out of the way.
I did enjoy operating the various tractors we used, except when it was very cold and windy. One tractor, which had heavy iron wheels, was very difficult for me to operate because I was so small and it was so hard to steer and to shift gears. I would have to brace myself against the front of the steering wheel and exert all of my strength in order to push the clutch in. The three wheeled tractors with rubber tires were easier to handle and more enjoyable for me.
I would always look forward for school to start in the fall. The summers were hard as we worked long hours each day. We usually did our milking at night after it was dark. Sunday was always just another working day. Two or three times a year Charles and I would get to town for a movie or a taste of candy or ice cream. I remember on several occasions we would walk to Myton ( 5 miles away) and buy nickels or dimes worth of candy. Our evening meal was bread and milk, supplemented by onions or radishes. High School offered a little more excitement for me. Occasionally we would go to a basketball game or a dance. During my High School days money was more available. Quite often we would walk down town and buy a malt (15c) for lunch or buy a wiener (5c) and eat it without any additional food. I never participated in any sports, as I felt very incompetent. The highlight of my High School experience was being able to go to Logan on two different occasions with selected students from the Agriculture class.
I did enjoy operating the various tractors we used, except when it was very cold and windy. One tractor, which had heavy iron wheels, was very difficult for me to operate because I was so small and it was so hard to steer and to shift gears. I would have to brace myself against the front of the steering wheel and exert all of my strength in order to push the clutch in. The three wheeled tractors with rubber tires were easier to handle and more enjoyable for me.
I would always look forward for school to start in the fall. The summers were hard as we worked long hours each day. We usually did our milking at night after it was dark. Sunday was always just another working day. Two or three times a year Charles and I would get to town for a movie or a taste of candy or ice cream. I remember on several occasions we would walk to Myton ( 5 miles away) and buy nickels or dimes worth of candy. Our evening meal was bread and milk, supplemented by onions or radishes. High School offered a little more excitement for me. Occasionally we would go to a basketball game or a dance. During my High School days money was more available. Quite often we would walk down town and buy a malt (15c) for lunch or buy a wiener (5c) and eat it without any additional food. I never participated in any sports, as I felt very incompetent. The highlight of my High School experience was being able to go to Logan on two different occasions with selected students from the Agriculture class.
Life of Ed Murphy Part 5
As a child I enjoyed playing with toys, particularly cars and trucks. I used to spend many hours playing with toys, building roads etc.
I always wanted something I could ride. At first I wanted a tricycle and later I had a strong desire for a bike and a good riding horse. I remember when I first learned to ride a bike. I traded marbles to a boy for the opportunity to ride his bike. After 2 or 3 attempts I made it. The feeling was great. This experience greatly increased my desire for a bike although we never had the money to buy one. On one occasion we visited some friends of Aunt Pearl and Uncle Albert ( the Sorensons) I noticed they had a girls bike with flat tires that was not being used. We asked if we could buy it, but since we had no money they gave it to us. Not being able to afford new tires we stuffed the old ones with rags and wrapped baling wire around the tires and wheel. Charles and I used to take turns riding this bike by the hour.
When I was 12 years old I had the opportunity of buying a good riding horse from an indian girl for $15. Before I could get approval and the money she sold it to some friends. I was sure disappointed as it was very fast and a beautiful horse.
I spent many hours during my childhood days riding other horses. We never could afford a saddle so I always rode bareback. I became skilled at riding because the many hours I spent on a horse, mostly herding cows. I spent most of my time riding a clumsy “pot gutted” old mare that was at one time a wild horse… Many times while riding her she would stumble and fall. Each time I ended up bruised and very upset because of her clumsiness. One time she stepped in a prairie dog hole and fell. I was thrown to the ground and she rolled completely over me. I was desperately trying to by me breath for several minutes. I felt as though I wouldn’t make it.. She would always “kick up” if rode double or if we slid back towards her rear. One time she threw me off to the ground and I broke my arm.
I always wanted something I could ride. At first I wanted a tricycle and later I had a strong desire for a bike and a good riding horse. I remember when I first learned to ride a bike. I traded marbles to a boy for the opportunity to ride his bike. After 2 or 3 attempts I made it. The feeling was great. This experience greatly increased my desire for a bike although we never had the money to buy one. On one occasion we visited some friends of Aunt Pearl and Uncle Albert ( the Sorensons) I noticed they had a girls bike with flat tires that was not being used. We asked if we could buy it, but since we had no money they gave it to us. Not being able to afford new tires we stuffed the old ones with rags and wrapped baling wire around the tires and wheel. Charles and I used to take turns riding this bike by the hour.
When I was 12 years old I had the opportunity of buying a good riding horse from an indian girl for $15. Before I could get approval and the money she sold it to some friends. I was sure disappointed as it was very fast and a beautiful horse.
I spent many hours during my childhood days riding other horses. We never could afford a saddle so I always rode bareback. I became skilled at riding because the many hours I spent on a horse, mostly herding cows. I spent most of my time riding a clumsy “pot gutted” old mare that was at one time a wild horse… Many times while riding her she would stumble and fall. Each time I ended up bruised and very upset because of her clumsiness. One time she stepped in a prairie dog hole and fell. I was thrown to the ground and she rolled completely over me. I was desperately trying to by me breath for several minutes. I felt as though I wouldn’t make it.. She would always “kick up” if rode double or if we slid back towards her rear. One time she threw me off to the ground and I broke my arm.
Life of Ed Murphy Part 4
Our living conditions were very poor. Aunt Pearl managed the finances in our home. She did very well considering what little she had to work with. I remember when we were on state relief in the 1930’s. The occasional boxes of apples and oranges that we received were considered a great treat. I recall the clothes we received from the Relief Program and how embarrassed I was to wear them to school. I disliked being identified as being on Relief and the ridicule I would receive at school. However, I received no teasing from the other kids, I guess because they felt sorry for me.
At Christmas time Uncle Albert would go into the mountains and cut a Christmas tree for the family. Each year we would have a stocking filled with fruit and Pearl would buy a pound of chocolates for the family to share. She would tell us to eat them really slow. My cousin Etta would always send a package from California with gifts for the family. One toy I remember was a little metal toy truck.
Much of the fun growing up revolved around the farm. I remember setting a metal plate up in the yard where the chickens ran. We would set it up so that we could pass a current of electricity through it and then bait it with corn. When the chickens arrived on the plate we would wind up the magneto causing a charge to run through it. The chickens, which normally could not fly, got a quick lesson and would fly straight up in the air and away from the plate. On one occasion, when Aunt Pearl asked me to mop the kitchen, I suggested that instead of mopping we just go off and play and let the floor dry naturally through evaporation. When Charles and I arrived back from playing the floor was perfect. “There,” I said, “I told you it would dry”. Little did we know that Uncle Albert had come home from work and cleaned up the mess himself.
Aunt Pearl worked very hard in the garden. She took great pride in her beautiful garden and flowers. (Rightfully so) She raised a lot of cantaloupes and watermelons. Occasionally we would sell melons to the Indians for 5-10c each. I remember feeding watermelons sugar and water as they were ripening. This would produce a large sweet tasting melon.
At Christmas time Uncle Albert would go into the mountains and cut a Christmas tree for the family. Each year we would have a stocking filled with fruit and Pearl would buy a pound of chocolates for the family to share. She would tell us to eat them really slow. My cousin Etta would always send a package from California with gifts for the family. One toy I remember was a little metal toy truck.
Much of the fun growing up revolved around the farm. I remember setting a metal plate up in the yard where the chickens ran. We would set it up so that we could pass a current of electricity through it and then bait it with corn. When the chickens arrived on the plate we would wind up the magneto causing a charge to run through it. The chickens, which normally could not fly, got a quick lesson and would fly straight up in the air and away from the plate. On one occasion, when Aunt Pearl asked me to mop the kitchen, I suggested that instead of mopping we just go off and play and let the floor dry naturally through evaporation. When Charles and I arrived back from playing the floor was perfect. “There,” I said, “I told you it would dry”. Little did we know that Uncle Albert had come home from work and cleaned up the mess himself.
Aunt Pearl worked very hard in the garden. She took great pride in her beautiful garden and flowers. (Rightfully so) She raised a lot of cantaloupes and watermelons. Occasionally we would sell melons to the Indians for 5-10c each. I remember feeding watermelons sugar and water as they were ripening. This would produce a large sweet tasting melon.
Life of Ed Murphy Part 3
Myton used to be the largest town in the Uinta Basin. It had a service station, a baseball diamond, bank, post office, hotel, two grocery stores, a blacksmith shop, two churches (Presbyterian ansd Mormon) and a school. The school consisted of two buildings and was from 1st to 8th grade. The church doubled as the opera house where there was a weekly movie and occasional plays. Eventually it was burned to the ground. Myton was considered the financial center of the entire Ute indian reservation. The population was probably about 300-400 people and a lot more animals. All the roads were dirt and most sidewalks were boardwalks. Our farm was five miles from town. If we walked to school we would have to take off our shoes and wade through the Duschene River, but generally we would ride the school bus. Sometime we rode our horses to school. I remember trying to help a boy across the river and stay dry by holding onto the saddle. Unfortunately, in mid-stream the horse bucked and the boy was totally soaked.
Myton was in the middle of the Indian Reservation. I was always friendly with them. I used to ride horses with one of one of the indian girls. Many years later Charles and I dropped by to see if they remembered either of us. They seemed to remember me more favorably than Charles, probably because I spent more time with them. The indians typically had a fair bit of money that they received from the government and so they had candy that they would share with me. I also sold melons to them for 5-10c that we grew in the garden. I found the ‘buck’ indians far less friendly. In general the indians and white people kept apart because of different lifestyles.
Aunt Pearl was strict but very compassionate. Uncle Albert was easy going. He never got mad and always used to help us with our homework. He used to listen to me read and always said I was a good reader We had no religious experiences in our house. I only remember attending church 2 or 3 times during my childhood days. Uncle Albert had lost his testimony of the Gospel as a result of inactivity and being so far removed from a church house and to attend any Church functions. In his early years he taught school. He was well educated and spent a lot of time reading and writing. I remember one time when he tried to explain to me that it was scientifically impossible for a “Heaven” and a “hereafter” to exist. He was a generous person. I had great respect for him, although I could not accept all his beliefs, yet I had no beliefs of my own except curiosity.
Myton was in the middle of the Indian Reservation. I was always friendly with them. I used to ride horses with one of one of the indian girls. Many years later Charles and I dropped by to see if they remembered either of us. They seemed to remember me more favorably than Charles, probably because I spent more time with them. The indians typically had a fair bit of money that they received from the government and so they had candy that they would share with me. I also sold melons to them for 5-10c that we grew in the garden. I found the ‘buck’ indians far less friendly. In general the indians and white people kept apart because of different lifestyles.
Aunt Pearl was strict but very compassionate. Uncle Albert was easy going. He never got mad and always used to help us with our homework. He used to listen to me read and always said I was a good reader We had no religious experiences in our house. I only remember attending church 2 or 3 times during my childhood days. Uncle Albert had lost his testimony of the Gospel as a result of inactivity and being so far removed from a church house and to attend any Church functions. In his early years he taught school. He was well educated and spent a lot of time reading and writing. I remember one time when he tried to explain to me that it was scientifically impossible for a “Heaven” and a “hereafter” to exist. He was a generous person. I had great respect for him, although I could not accept all his beliefs, yet I had no beliefs of my own except curiosity.
Life of Ed Murphy Part 2
I recall setting fire to my Father’s garage. There was no reason why I did this, other than I had some matches and no-one was around. I also remember playing with a neighbor boy. We climbed up many steps to the top of a tall water tower. I vaguely recall the boys mother arriving and we went out to the edge of the tower when some tragic event occurred. Later in my life I was told by my sister June, that this boy’s mother screamed when she saw us upon the structure. At that point the boy fell off and was killed. I recall going to work with my father who was a building contractor, and the box lunch he brought with us. I remember being treated to special gifts by Paul Holland (my half-sister, Helen’s, boyfriend.) I remember one occasion being left alone at night and I became very upset. When one of my sisters arrived I shut up.
When I was five years old, my father was involved in a car accident after which he had continuous ringing in his years and other medical problems that prevented him from working regularly. At that time the family broke up. Three sisters stayed in California, one sister went to Utah and I also went to Utah. He ended up living until 1947, although I only saw him three times after I left for Utah.
The above events are all that I remember prior to my coming to Utah, at age five, to live with my Aunt Pearl and Uncle Albert Edwards, who lived on a small farm in Myton, Utah. They had two children at home. Kate was fourteen and Charles was five years old. Charles and I were like brothers. We did all the things that brothers do; play, fight, work but all in all we were and always have been very close. He remained a significant part of my life and I have always regarded him as a brother. They raised chickens, turkeys, cows and horses. The sale of milk, cream, eggs and turkeys in the Fall provided grocery money for the home and school clothes. People would come buy the farm and buy the plucked turkeys.
When I was five years old, my father was involved in a car accident after which he had continuous ringing in his years and other medical problems that prevented him from working regularly. At that time the family broke up. Three sisters stayed in California, one sister went to Utah and I also went to Utah. He ended up living until 1947, although I only saw him three times after I left for Utah.
The above events are all that I remember prior to my coming to Utah, at age five, to live with my Aunt Pearl and Uncle Albert Edwards, who lived on a small farm in Myton, Utah. They had two children at home. Kate was fourteen and Charles was five years old. Charles and I were like brothers. We did all the things that brothers do; play, fight, work but all in all we were and always have been very close. He remained a significant part of my life and I have always regarded him as a brother. They raised chickens, turkeys, cows and horses. The sale of milk, cream, eggs and turkeys in the Fall provided grocery money for the home and school clothes. People would come buy the farm and buy the plucked turkeys.
Life of Ed Murphy Part 1
William E. Murphy’s (Ed) Life History
I was born in Ephraim, Sanpete County, Utah on March 12, 1923. I was the youngest of five children, the other four all being girls. My parents were Ernest and Bertha Murphy. They were married in the Manti Temple. This was the second marriage for my father, his first wife having died from peritonitis. There has been some question as to whether I was born in March or April. Early in my childhood I celebrated my birthday in April. Aunt Pearl (who mothered me from the age of 5) was quite certain I was born in March. She contacted a lady who was at my Mother’s bedside when I was born. This lady sent a letter testifying that I was born on March 12. Since then I have honored that date.
I have vague memories of the first five years of my life and recall very little of my childhood experiences up to that age. My parents moved to Hollywood, California, shortly after I was born because my Dad believed the opportunity for work was better there than in the Sanpete Valley. He was in the home construction business. When I was only 10 months old, in January of 1924, my mother died. Her death was very sudden, but she apparently had an infection through her body.
I was born in Ephraim, Sanpete County, Utah on March 12, 1923. I was the youngest of five children, the other four all being girls. My parents were Ernest and Bertha Murphy. They were married in the Manti Temple. This was the second marriage for my father, his first wife having died from peritonitis. There has been some question as to whether I was born in March or April. Early in my childhood I celebrated my birthday in April. Aunt Pearl (who mothered me from the age of 5) was quite certain I was born in March. She contacted a lady who was at my Mother’s bedside when I was born. This lady sent a letter testifying that I was born on March 12. Since then I have honored that date.
I have vague memories of the first five years of my life and recall very little of my childhood experiences up to that age. My parents moved to Hollywood, California, shortly after I was born because my Dad believed the opportunity for work was better there than in the Sanpete Valley. He was in the home construction business. When I was only 10 months old, in January of 1924, my mother died. Her death was very sudden, but she apparently had an infection through her body.
William Edsel Murphy Born 3/12/1923 Died 6/4/2010
William Edsel Murphy passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning. This site will be a place to share memories and to get information about his life and funeral arrangements. More information and photos will be coming soon.
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