J. A. Murphy, a contractor and builder of Council Bluffs, and also the owner of a planing-mill, sash, door and blind factory, which was erected in October, 1889, is one of the most important business men in this city. He came here in 1881 and erected the Union Elevator for the Pool Lines, and after its completion he decided to remain here. He has erected a number of buildings, among which are the David Bradley building, the Massalon, the Morselles, the Sandwich, Electric Motor, Merriam Block, Washington Avenue School building, the Grand Hotel, which is now under construction, and many other buildings. He does an annual business of about $75,000. The second year of his residence in Council Bluffs, Mr. Murphy had secured some $60,000 worth of work. At present he turns out all his work at his own plant, which is located at the corner of Twenty-first Street and First Avenue. It was erected at a cost of some $14, 000, and he employs about sixteen men in the plant and thirty to forty outside, all of whom are practical mechanics. He has in view the enlargement of his plant, as he has not sufficient space to do his work. Politically he is an adherent of the Democratic Party, of which he is a hearty supporter. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., Apollo Lodge, No. 139, of Chicago.

Mr. Murphy was born in Portage du Fort, Canada East, near Ottawa City, December 5, 1839, the son of Patrick and Rose Ann (Prentice) Murphy, and of Irish-Scotch descent. He attended school in his native country until nineteen years of age, when he commenced work in the pineries, continuing two years; he next served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade with his father, who was a contractor and carpenter. His father died when he was twenty-four years of age, after which he took charge of his business and prosecuted the same two years. He then left Canada, and in 1863 went to Chicago, where he remained until 1864. He then went South with Sherman, and served in the employ of the Government about two years and three months, when he was honorably discharged. Mr. Murphy then returned to Chicago, remained until 1869; thence he went to Montana for three and a half years; then back to Chicago for two years; next to San Francisco, California, three years; again returned to Chicago, where he remained until 1881; and then came to this city, where he has since made his home. During his travels from one place to another he was engaged at his trade. He has done much toward building up Council Bluffs, and in the fall of 1881 was the means of bringing 110 mechanics to this city from Chicago. At other times he has been the cause of bringing men from various parts of the country, and the result is that many are now permanent residents, and some are the best mechanics the city affords.

Mr. Murphy was married in Chicago, January 28, 1868, to Kate L. Wright, a native of Canada, and daughter of John and Isabella Wright, of Lancaster, Canada West, and of Scotch birth and German parentage. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy have three children: George, Maud, and Harry.