About Murphy's Mules

Murphy's Mules was established in 1980 by Edward and Diane Murphy and is located in Farmersville, Illinois. Farmersville is a small village in Central Illinois, located 20 miles south of Springfield, Illinois and 70 miles northeast of St. Louis, Missouri. Presently, the operation is managed by Edward and son, Courtney Murphy. Our farm is home to approximately 20 sorrel draft mules, several Belgian draft mares, and two Mammoth jacks. These jacks stand for service on outside mares at our farm.

Our involvement in the draft Mule industry began around 1915 with Ed's grandfather, William Murphy. He owned, raised and showed mules until his death in 1969. His love and pleasure working with mules was passed on to Ed who purchased his first pair, Judy and Jack in 1980. We have since grown our operation which includes a prize-wining six mule hitch. Each year we have at least one pair of broke, show quality mules available for purchase.

Whether it be our quality hitch mules or our breeding jack stock, we pride ourselves on our attention to quality and our service to our customers. We are truly dedicated to the mules industry and feel very privileged to have the opportunity to make a mark in the breed's future. We invite you to browse through our site and please contact us if we can assist you in any way with your draft mule needs.

- Edward and Courtney Murphy

Katheryn and William Murphy with "Dixie"

William Murphy
(1895-1969)

The story of Murphy's Mules begins with William Murphy who began farming with mules around 1915. In the early 1930's he ran a trucking service hauling cattle and swine to the National Stockyards in East St. Louis, IL. He would attend the horse and mule auctions, buying and selling equine for neighbors and a nearby coalmine. The enjoyment he received from the mules led him to drive in local parades and loan his mules for others to show at local fairs.

In 1946, he began showing for himself and exhibiting at every major mule show in the Midwest. The highlight of his show career occurred in 1957 when "Dixie" was chosen as the Champion mule at five state fairs: Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

Edward Murphy
Courtney Murphy

At the age of eight, Ed was allowed to attend his first mule show at the Edgar County Fair. After that show, he became his grandfather's constant companion. Helping his grandfather show mules became the highlight of every summer for Ed. When William passed away in 1969, the mules were sold and many people thought Ed's interest in mules would also die. He continued to help other exhibitors show their animals as he waited for the right time to re-enter the mule business. In 1981, the opportunity presented itself and mules returned to Murphy Farms. Later that same year, William's original show wagon was rebuilt and was driven for the first time at the Illinois State Fair. That wagon remains as Murphy's signature yellow show wagon.

Courtney has spent most of his lifetime involved in every aspect of the mule operation. He has grown to become a partner and co-owner in the business.

Today, the Murphys are preparing the fourth generation of mule owners and lovers. Ed and Diane's grandchildren are helping show the mules and in a few years, learn to drive the famous yellow wagon.

It truly is a family operation!