Murphy - Dan W. - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Smartsburg, April 29 – After a well-prepared dinner here Friday friends of the school had the pleasure of listening to a most interesting program, the main feature of which was the production of an original play and series of songs written by Dan Murphy. The melodies of the songs were composed by Prof. Charles Harris, who has had charge of the music in the township schools. Those who saw the play and listed to the songs fully appreciate the ability of Dan and Prof. Harris. Mr. Murphy has been principal of the Smartsburg school for the past eight years and in appreciation of his services as a teacher, the patrons present him with a gold watch chain and pair of link cuff buttons in connection with a petition signed by all the patrons asking him to return next year. The teachers during the year were Dan Murphy, principal; Paul Carver, intermediate and Hazel Lucas, primary. - kz

Source: Crawfordsville Journal Review 12 March 1955 p 8

Dan W. Murphy, 79 who for 58 years was a teacher in Montgomery County schools with the last 37 being spent as principal of the Smartsburg schools, died Friday at 3 p.m. at his home, 108 W. College St. He had been in failing health for two and a half years.; Born in Crawfordsville, May 10, 1875 he was the son of Martin and Margaret O’Brien Murphy. In 1905, he married Sadie Barton.  He was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Survivors include the widow; one son, Thomas W. of New York City, NY and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Mat. Funeral services will be held Monday at 9 a.m. at St. Bernard’s with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Rev JC Keating will officiate. Rosary services will be held Sunday at 8 p.m. at Bright Funeral Home which is where friends may call - kbz