From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, page 387.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.



WESLEY D. MURPHY

Wesley D. Murphy, a well-known citizen of Wheeling, was born at 
Freeport, Harrison Co., Ohio, July 17, 1854, the son of William A. 
and Mary (Steadman) Murphy.  His father lost his life while in the 
military service of the Union, May 9, 1864, and his mother died May 
8, 1867.  Mr. Murphy was reared in his native place, laboring upon a 
farm and attending the common schools.  In his youth he went to 
Fairport, Belmont Co., Ohio, and was there employed at farm work 
until November, 1884, when he came to Wheeling, which has since been 
his home.  He found employment in driving a milk wagon for John 
Patton until February 12, 1886, when he engaged in the milk trade on 
his own account, with less than $5 capital, going in debt for his 
first two milk-cans.  He began by delivering on foot to his 
customers, but they increased so rapidly on account of his fair 
dealing and earnest attention to business, that he was soon among the 
foremost in his line of work, and popular and well-known dealer.  
This business he still continues, but he also, in the fall of 1888, 
started a grocery store, which he has since conducted quite 
successfully at No. 34 Zane street.  He is a member of the Senior 
Order of American Mechanics, and in politics is a republican.  On 
January 14, 1879, Mr. Murphy was married to Sarah J. Huntsman, of 
Fairport, Ohio, and they have six children, Albert O., Ross W., Eva 
I., Mary M., Estella M. and Wilbur D., the eldest and youngest of 
whom are deceased.  

(Linda Fluharty)