Pat Murphy, an early pioneer of Spring Valley, left Ireland on the ship kangaroo in April 1864 and arrived 14 days later in New York. After working various jobs he came to monument Colorado in 1865 and homesteaded near Spring Valley in 1870.  The log cabin pictured was his residence and was said to be the best in the area. Mr. Murphy always walked to town and once was offered a ride to Colorado Springs but declined “because he was in a hurry”

The wagon picture shows James Pettigrew, a neighbor, and Pat taking milk to the creamery. Patrick Murphy lived to be 105 years old and climbed Pikes Peak at 101!