Isaac Murphy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isaac Murphy
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| 8th Governor of Arkansas | |
| In office April 18, 1864 – July 2, 1868 |
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| Lieutenant | Calvin C. Bliss |
| Preceded by | Harris Flanagin |
| Succeeded by | Powell Clayton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 16, 1799 or 1802 Near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Died | September 8, 1882 (aged 82) aged 79 or 82 Huntsville, Arkansas |
| Resting place | Huntsville Cemetery, Huntsville, Arkansas |
| Political party | Unionist |
| Spouse | Angelina A. Lockhart Murphy (died February 15,1860) |
Isaac Murphy (born October 16, 1799 or 1802 – died September 8, 1882) was an important figure in Arkansas history. He was a teacher and a lawyer from Pennsylvania. In 1834, he moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas with his family.
Murphy became very involved in politics. He is most famous for being the only person to vote against secession multiple times. This happened at the Arkansas Secession Convention in 1861. Secession meant leaving the United States.
After the U.S. Army took control of Arkansas in 1863, Murphy was elected governor. This happened during the Reconstruction period after the Civil War. He was known for being careful with money. He also tried to bring people together after the war.
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Early Life and Learning
Isaac Murphy was born near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His father was a wealthy paper maker. Isaac went to school locally and then to Washington College. This college is now called Washington & Jefferson College.
In 1825, he became a lawyer in Pennsylvania. Five years later, in 1830, Murphy moved to Clarksville, Tennessee. There, he worked as a teacher.
In Tennessee, he met and married Angelina Lockhart in 1830. Angelina's father did not approve of the marriage. He disagreed with Murphy's views against slavery. Because of this, Angelina's father did not leave her any inheritance.
In 1834, the Murphys moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas with their new baby daughter. Arkansas was a territory at that time. In Fayetteville, Murphy worked as a teacher, a surveyor, and a lawyer. Arkansas became a state in 1836.
A Career in Public Service
Murphy quickly became active in local politics. In 1836, he was elected as the first county treasurer for Washington County, Arkansas. He served in this role for two years.
In 1841, he was appointed as a master in chancery. This was a legal position. From 1837 to 1838, Murphy also helped map out the original government land lines for Franklin County, Arkansas.
In 1844, Murphy helped start a college called Far West Seminary. He taught both white and Native American students there. Sadly, the school building burned down in 1845. This put Murphy in debt because he had invested his own money in the school.
In 1846, Murphy was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives. He represented Washington County and was re-elected in 1848. He tried to make changes to the banking system. However, powerful political groups stopped his efforts.
Around 1849, Murphy faced money problems. He traveled to California to try and find gold during the California Gold Rush. Like many others, he was not successful. He returned to Arkansas in 1854 without any new wealth.
After returning, he moved to Huntsville, Arkansas. His daughter, Mary Lowe Pierson, was teaching at a new school there. It was called the Pleasant View Female Seminary. Murphy and two more of his daughters also helped work at the school.
In 1856, Murphy was elected to the State Senate. He represented Madison and Benton counties. This area of Northwest Arkansas was a strong supporter of the Union before the Civil War.
The Civil War and Secession
When the country faced the Civil War crisis in 1861, Murphy was elected to represent Madison County. He was chosen because he supported staying in the Union. His county also voted to remain part of the United States.
After Fort Sumter was attacked, President Abraham Lincoln asked states for soldiers. The Arkansas Secession Convention met again. They voted to leave the Union. Murphy and four other delegates voted against it.
The convention leader asked the five to change their votes. The other four delegates did, but Murphy refused. At first, many people in Huntsville supported his stand. But as the war continued, more people in the area began to support the Confederacy.
As the war began, Murphy had to leave his home in Huntsville. He spent much of the war traveling with the Union army. In 1863, the Union army captured Little Rock, Arkansas, the state capital. Arkansas's Confederate government then went into hiding.
With President Lincoln's approval, a special election was held. Isaac Murphy was elected as the new governor of Arkansas in 1863.
Governor During Reconstruction
As governor, Murphy worked to heal the state after the war. He tried to bring people together, even while fighting continued in southern Arkansas. He publicly stated, "We have all done wrong."
After President Lincoln was assassinated, Congress began to push for stricter Reconstruction policies. This was because some Southern states were limiting the rights of freedmen (formerly enslaved people). In 1866, violence against former slaves broke out in several states.
In response, Congress passed the 14th Amendment. This amendment gave full citizenship and rights to freedmen. Congress also passed the Reconstruction Acts of 1867. These acts divided the former Confederate states into military districts. The U.S. Army controlled these areas. States had to create new constitutions that protected the civil rights of former slaves. They also had to accept the 14th Amendment.
Murphy was allowed to stay in office during this time. However, he faced criticism from both sides. When Murphy left office, his government had a budget surplus. This money was then used for public projects.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time as governor, Murphy returned to Huntsville. He lived a quiet life, farming and practicing law. He died suddenly at his home on September 8, 1882. He is buried in Huntsville Cemetery.
In 1974, a historian named John I. Smith wrote about the Huntsville massacre. This event involved the execution of prisoners of war in 1862. Smith said that Murphy was involved in these deaths. A memorial was built in Huntsville to remember those who died. It was dedicated on September 30, 2006.
