Lawrence Murphy – Behind the Lincoln County War
Lawrence Murphy, a figure shrouded in both ambition and controversy, stands as a pivotal, though often unseen, force behind one of the most infamous conflicts of the American West: the Lincoln County War. His journey, from Irish immigrant and Civil War veteran to influential New Mexico businessman, ultimately culminated in a legacy marred by accusations of corruption, monopolistic practices, and the instigation of violent feuds. Understanding the man behind the name is crucial to comprehending the complex web of events that defined the Lincoln County War.
Born in County Wexford, Ireland, sometime between 1831 and 1834, Lawrence Murphy’s early life remains somewhat obscure. Like many of his countrymen, he sought opportunity in the burgeoning United States, immigrating before the outbreak of the Civil War. He demonstrated an inclination towards military service early on, enlisting in the United States Army in Buffalo, New York, in 1851. This marked the beginning of a decade-long career in the army, a period that would profoundly shape his future and lay the groundwork for his later success in the New Mexico Territory. He re-enlisted in 1856, indicating a commitment to the military life. His service took him across the country, exposing him to different landscapes and cultures.
In 1861, after being discharged from Fort McIntosh in Laredo, Texas, Murphy made a significant decision that would forever alter the course of his life. He traveled west to the New Mexico Territory, a land of vast potential and untapped resources. Shortly after his arrival, he enlisted in the First New Mexico Volunteers at Santa Fe, further demonstrating his continued commitment to military service. This decision positioned him perfectly to capitalize on the opportunities that arose in the wake of the Civil War.
Murphy’s military service concluded in 1866 when he was mustered out at Fort Stanton, New Mexico. Instead of returning east, he recognized the immense possibilities present in the rapidly developing territory. Fort Stanton, strategically located, would become the center of his initial business ventures. It was here that he partnered with another veteran, Emil Fritz, a collaboration that would establish him as a prominent figure in the region. Together, they formed L.G. Murphy & Company, a venture that would quickly become synonymous with both prosperity and unscrupulous dealings.
L.G. Murphy & Company began as a general store and brewery, strategically located to serve the needs of Fort Stanton and the surrounding community. However, the true key to their success lay in their ability to secure lucrative government contracts. Leveraging their military connections, they were awarded contracts to supply beef, vegetables, and other essential provisions to Fort Stanton and the local Mescalero-Apache Reservation Agency. This influx of government funds provided a solid foundation for their burgeoning business empire. It was this foundation upon which Lawrence Murphy would build his influence in Lincoln County.
However, the methods employed by Murphy and Fritz to maintain their dominance were far from ethical. They allegedly engaged in a scheme to sell land that they did not actually own to aspiring farmers and ranchers. They extended credit to these individuals, knowing that many would be unable to meet their payments. When these settlers inevitably defaulted, Murphy and Fritz would foreclose on their land, cattle, and crops, effectively seizing their assets. These seized goods were then used to fulfill their government contracts, creating a cycle of exploitation and enrichment. This unethical practice would be one of the factors that contributed to the Lincoln County War.
Furthermore, the pair cultivated relationships with a powerful group of corrupt politicians in Santa Fe, known as the Santa Fe Ring. These influential figures protected Murphy and Fritz’s illegal interests, shielding them from legal repercussions and further solidifying their control over the region’s economy. This political backing allowed them to operate with impunity, further exacerbating the resentment felt by the local population. This resentment would eventually boil over, contributing significantly to the tensions that ignited the Lincoln County War.
In April 1869, another key figure entered the picture: James J. Dolan. Dolan, a fellow veteran who had mustered out of Fort Stanton, was hired by Murphy as a clerk for L.G. Murphy & Co. Dolan quickly proved himself to be an ambitious and ruthless individual, perfectly suited to Murphy’s business practices. He would eventually become Murphy’s right-hand man and a central figure in the events leading up to the Lincoln County War.
The year 1869 also saw the formation of Lincoln County, a development that presented new opportunities for Murphy to expand his influence. Recognizing the potential for political power, he sought and obtained a commission as a District Probate Judge in the new county seat at nearby Lincoln. This position granted him significant authority within the local government, allowing him to further protect his business interests and solidify his control over the region.
However, the cracks in Murphy’s empire began to appear in May 1873 when James Dolan was involved in an incident that would ultimately contribute to the downfall of L.G. Murphy & Co.’s store at Fort Stanton. Dolan allegedly attempted to shoot and kill a Fort Stanton Captain named James Randlett. This act of violence strained relations with the military authorities and brought unwanted scrutiny to Murphy’s business practices.
Around the same time, Murphy’s partner, Emil Fritz, was diagnosed with kidney disease. Facing declining health, Fritz decided to sell his interest in the company to Murphy and return to his native Germany. This left Murphy as the sole owner of L.G. Murphy & Co., placing even greater responsibility on his shoulders. In September 1873, L.G. Murphy & Co. was evicted from Fort Stanton, primarily due to Dolan’s confrontation with Captain Randlett, as well as accusations of price gouging and exploiting the local Mescalero-Apache population. Despite this setback, Murphy managed to retain his government contracts and quickly made plans to establish a new business in Lincoln, New Mexico.
Construction began on a two-story building for the new L.G. Murphy & Co. store in Lincoln. This building, which quickly became known as "The House," symbolized Murphy’s ambition and his desire to dominate the local economy. In April 1874, James Dolan bought into the business, and the store was renamed Murphy & Dolan Mercantile and Banking. The business officially opened its doors, ready to continue its operations. Murphy was able to secure lucrative government contracts once again, this time with Fort Sumner, and continued his business practices.
In an area thriving with cattle ranching, land speculation, and mining, Murphy & Dolan Mercantile and Banking was immensely profitable. Due to its political ties, "The House" effectively monopolized the region’s economy, dictating prices and controlling access to resources. This monopolistic control fueled resentment among the small farmers and ranchers in Lincoln County, who were forced to pay exorbitant prices for goods while receiving meager compensation for their cattle.
In November 1876, Dolan and Murphy brought in an additional partner named John H. Riley. However, Murphy’s own health began to decline. In March 1877, he was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Faced with a terminal illness, he sold his interest in the business to Dolan and Riley, and the company’s name was changed to Jas. J. Dolan & Co.
The following month, a rival store was established by Alexander McSween and John Tunstall near the Dolan store. This marked the beginning of the Lincoln County War. This conflict pitted the Dolan faction against the McSween-Tunstall faction in a struggle for political and economic control of the region. The feud played out through courtroom battles, cattle rustling, gunfights, and murder. By the time the violence subsided, nineteen people had lost their lives.
Lawrence Murphy, the man whose actions had set the stage for the conflict, would not live to witness its conclusion. Spending most of his time in Santa Fe seeking treatment for his cancer, he succumbed to the disease on October 20, 1878. Though he died before the height of the Lincoln County War, his legacy as a ruthless businessman and a key instigator of the conflict remains a significant part of the history of the American West. Lawrence Murphy‘s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the devastating consequences of corruption. The actions of Lawrence Murphy reverberated throughout Lincoln County and beyond, leaving a permanent stain on the landscape of New Mexico. While he may have sought wealth and power, Lawrence Murphy‘s name is forever linked to violence and injustice. The name Lawrence Murphy will always be remembered. Lawrence Murphy’s story will be told for years to come.