William Barnhart, son of Absalom and Elizabeth Murphy, was born at the old
Murphy homestead in Auburn township on December 26, 1855, and departed this
life January 15, 1936, at the age of 80 years and 19 days.

He was married to Sarah Jane Baker October 23, 1882.  To this union were
born five children; four sons, Ira, Henry, Leary, and Chris, one daughter
Annie, now Mrs. Willie Veach of near Auburn.

On September 11, 1896 the Grim Reaper entered his home taking from it the
wife and mother, leaving him, with these five small children.  With the help
of his aged mother and other relatives and friends, he kept his home
together, rearing all his children to manhood and womanhood.

Almost all of his life has been spent near Auburn except for one year south
of Terre Haute, Indiana, and the past three years with his son Ira near
Oakland, Illinois, where he was cared for during his last illness and at the
time of his passing.

In early manhood he was converted and united with the Christian church at
Fairview.  Later while living south of Auburn, he with his wife held
membership in the Missionary Baptist church at Freedom, afterward
transferring his membership to the Christian church at Five Points, where he
remained a faithful member till his death.  His faith in the Christ and His
Church was the simple, trusting faith, that accepts and obeys, without fear
or doubting.

As a friend, he was always ready with a cheery word, and a helping hand.
Words of discouragement or discontent were foreign to his sunny disposition.
His cheerful outlook on life has been a help to many in time of stress.

As a father, he was kind and indulgent, the welfare of his family being his
only care.  Besides his children, he leaves one brother Wellington Murphy,
with whom he has been closely associated the past three years as they lived
on adjoining farms.  This association afforded him much enjoyment in his
declining days.  One sister survives Mrs. Alvin McHenry of Fontanet,
Indiana, seventeen grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a host of
other relatives and friends, who will sadly miss "Uncle Dick," as he was
familiarly called by not only nieces and nephews, but many of his other
younger friends.

Submitted by;
Cindy McCachern