Murphy, James Cross

Louisiana:  Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), pp. 317-318. 
Edited by Alcée Fortier, Lit.D.  Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.

Murphy, James Cross, president New Orleans Sugar and Rice Exchange--was born at Thibodaux, Lafourche parish, La., May 17, 1850; son of Edward and Josephine (Cross) Murphy.  Edward Murphy, the father, was born and reared in Ireland.  He came to America about the year 1845, and shortly thereafter located at Thibodaux and established a mercantile business there.  Later he removed to New Orleans and became a member of the firm of John I. Adams & Co., wholesale grocers.  This business prospered and he continued actively associated with it until the beginning of the Civil war, when, in 1861, he enlisted in Co.B., Lousiana Guards, Capt. Girardy belonging to the 1st La., regiment C. S. A. under Col. Blanchard.  He was soon promoted to the rank of 1st Lieut., but was killed Aug. 9, 1862, at the battle of Cedar Run, being, it is said, the first man killed in his company.  Previous to the war, however, he had become prominent in commercial circles in New Orleans and elsewhere through his well-known successful management of mercantile enterprises, and enjoyed an extensive acquaintance among capitalists and business and professional men of that period.  The mother died in 1853, when James Cross was only 3 years old.  He is the only child born of his parents that grew to maturity. 

His childhood was passed at Thibodaux, the place of his birth, but at the age of 14 years he was sent to New Orleans to attend school.  When his education had been completed he entered the service of the John I. Adams Co. as a clerk and continued with that firm about 3 years.  About 1869 he became a clerk in the sugar and molasses brokerage business of Richard Milliken, and continued in that capacity until this firm retired from business, when he became associated with Harry B. Farwell under the firm name of Murphy & Farwell.  This latter business was successful, and enjoyed increasing prosperity until the death of Mr. Farwell, when the firm of J. C. Murphy & Son was formed and has continued in business to the present time.  It is especially worthy of note here that Mr. James Cross Murphy, the present president of the sugar and rice exchange, has been successively elected to that position for 19 terms, holding the office much longer than any other official who has previously occupied it. 

In April, 1871, Mr. Murphy was married to Miss Flora Beasley, daughter of James W. Beasley, an extensive sugar planter whose plantation is situated near Napoleonville.  To Mr. and Mrs. Murphy 4 daughters and 3 sons have been born, namely:  Edward,  Josephine,  James,  Richard,  Flora,  Viola, and  Irving.  Mr. Murphy is a member of the Pickwick club of New Orleans and he and his family are well and extensively known in business, financial, and social circles of the city of New Orleans, the state of Louisiana, and the larger cities of various other states.