Murphy Square

Murphy Square is a 4 Star Sign honoring four veterans sharing the name Murphy, located at the intersection of Central, Charter, Front and Lafayette Streets.

Private Henry G. Murphy served in the Massachusetts National Guard during World War I. He was born on September 24th, 1898 in Salem and worked as a machinist in Beverly prior to serving. Private Murphy initially enlisted on May 27th, 1917 to Battery D, 1st Field Artillery, Massachusetts National Guard (Battery D, 101st Field Artillery, 26th Division). He officially reported for duty on July 25th, 1917 and mustered on August 4th, 1917. He arrived in the theatre of war on September 9th, 1917. Tragically, he was killed in action in France on July 12, 1918. He was the son of Joseph Henry and Alice (Cook) Murphy and brother to Florence, Laura, Velma, and Herbert.

Corporal John T. Murphy, a native of 8 ½ Allen Street, served in the Massachusetts National Guard during World War I. He was born on January 3rd, 1897 in Beverly. Prior to serving, he worked as a machinist. Private Murphy initially enlisted on February 24th, 1916 to Battery D, 1st Field Artillery, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, where he served on the Mexican Border. He officially reported for duty July 25th, 1917 and mustered on August 4th, 1917 to Battery D, 1st Field Artillery, Massachusetts National Guard (101st Field Artillery, 26th Division). He arrived in the theatre of war on September 9th, 1917. Tragically, he was killed in action near Chateau-Thierry, France on July 20, 1918 during the Aisne-Marne Offensive. He was the son of Stephen and Catherine (Moore) Murphy and brother to Marian (Sister Mary Stephen), Julia, and Rose.

Private Joseph F. Murphy, a native of 8 ½ Herbert Street, served in the US Army during World War I. He was born on October 3rd, 1891 in Salem. Prior to his service, he worked as a shoe maker. Private Murphy initially enlisted on August 29th, 1918 to the 23rd Company, 6th Training Battalion, 151st Depot Brigade. Tragically, he died of disease in Camp Devens, Massachusetts on September 10th, 1918. He was the son of Bridget Murphy.

Private Francis J. Murphy, a native of 7 Watson Street, served in the Massachusetts National Guard during World War I. He was born in Salem on December 14, 1898. Prior to serving, he worked as a clerk. Private Murphy initially enlisted on May 24th, 1917 to Battery E, 101st Field Artillery, American Expeditionary Forces. He served during the Aisne-Marne Offensive from July 18th, 1918 to August 4th, 1918, the St. Mihiel Offensive from September 12th, 1918 to September 16th, 1918, and the Mene-Argonne Offensive from September 26th, 1918 to November of 1918. He was honorably discharged on April 29th, 1919 in Fort Devens, Massachusetts. His star was approved in his honor by the City Council on September 13th, 2001.