The Blount County News, 30 Jun 1881 It is with heartfelt sympathy for the family, that we announce the death of Dr. J.T. Murphree, which sad event occurred at his residence near Balm, on the evening of the 21st inst. In the prime of life, ardently attached to his profession, and full of sympathy for those suffering from disease, his loss is indeed a rare affliction. He died of typhoid malarial fever, no doubt contracted in the discharge of his professional duties. He was interred with Masonic honors on the 22d inst. Walnut Grove, Ala., June 25, 1881. Mr. Editor-We had a fine rain on the evening of the 21st inst., and farmers are looking serenely happy. The crops look very promising. Our town was shocked, amid the rejoicing over the rain, by the sad news of the death of the much esteemed Dr. James T. Murphree, caused by typho-malarial fever, contracted no doubt whilst rendering medical aid and relief to Mr. W.A. Murphree and family. I heard more than one man say, "The poor man's doctor of Murphree's Valley is dead." He was a man whom to know was to love. Col. John H. Campbell, the very efficient W.M., of Walnut Grove Masonic Lodge, at the request of the friends and relatives of the deceased, called the Mystic Band to assemble at 10 o'clock, A.M., on the 22d inst., to make preparation for the interment of the esteemed brother. The members assembled in Walnut Grove Hall, and from thence proceeded to the church near John D. Amberson's and deposited the mortal remains of the esteemed brother in the silent tomb, with the honors of the Craft, "Peace to his ashes!" The bereaved family have the warm sympathy of the people of Murphree's Valley and the surrounding country. W.A. Murphree and family are all sick with fever, with this exception the Valley is healthy; his friends and neighbors have kindly worked Mr. Murphree's crop. The Blount County News, 13 Jul 1881 Tribute of Respect. Walnut Grove Lodge, No. 263, F.&A.M., at its regular Communication held on June 25th, 1881, passed the following preamble and resolutions: Whereas, in obedience to the Divine summons of our Grand Master, the ruler of all things, our worthy brother, Dr. James T. Murphree, departed this life on June 21st, 1881, in the prime of his life. Resolved, That in this sad and unexpected bereavement Walnut Grove Lodge, No. 264, F.&A.M. has lost one of its most devoted members, our community one of its most deserving citizens, the church an acceptable member and his family has sustained a loss that to them is irreparable, but to him a gain, and as brethren of the deceased, we tender to the family of our brother our deepest sympathies in this their great affliction. Resolved, That a page in the Secretary's book be left blank as a memorial and to commemorate his many noble virtues. Resolved, That the members of this Lodge wear the usual badge of mourning for the next thirty days. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be furnished the widow of the deceased; also a copy to the editor of The Blount County News, with a request that he publish the same, J.E. Murphree, Secretary. Walnut Grove, June 25th, 1881.