By David Jenkins
Staff Writer
One hundred plus years ago, four Murphy brothers served their country during World War I.
It was because of their service, and their connection to Murphy, that the portraits of Joe Burtram, James Cleveland, Wayne and Oscar Dennis Back are on display at the Collin County Historical Museum in McKinney.
The oldest of the four, Joe, was born July 1, 1890 in Monticello, KY to James McGoffin and Louise Hopkins Back. Three years later the family moved to Murphy. Joe attended Dublin School and later spent time at Peabody College in Nashville. He joined the armed forces around the start of World War I.
Joe was a balloon tender in the armed forces within the 54th Balloon Company in the Signal Corps. His job involved holding long ropes attached to a hot air balloon. The soldiers would let the balloons rise high enough to view the enemy from eight to nine miles away.
For the full story see the July 13 issue and the e-Edition at https://www.etypeservices.com/Murphy%20MonitorID247/default.aspx
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