Middleburg Library

Photo: Artist's conception in oil in Town of Fulton History Local History Sec. IX History Room.

Timothy Murphy was an experienced Revolutionary War scout who helped establish and defend the early settlements of the Schoharie Valley. He had the advantage of knowing the language and customs of the area Indians who feared his cunning, his speed in the woods and his unequaled marksmanship. He was able to inspire courage among the farmer-settlers in the Schoharie Valley and was noted for his defense of the Middle Fort at the time of the Johnson-Brant raid of the valley. As a member of the famed Morgan's Rifle Corps, he is credited with firing the shot which killed British General Simon Fraser at the Battle of Saratoga; that action led to the successful conclusion of the Revolutionary War. Timothy Murphy settled in the Schoharie Valley after the war, having married a local girl. His activities during the war are substantiated as fact; however there are wondrous tales about the exploits of this favorite son, which are embellished as they are repeated. Come and explore the many books and references about Middleburgh's folk hero, Tim Murphy, in the local history section of the Middleburgh Library.