Who was a key player on the opposing side against Alexander McSween during the Lincoln County War?

Lawrence Murphy was a significant figure opposing Alexander McSween during the Lincoln County War, which took place in the late 1870s in New Mexico. He was part of a powerful mercantile faction that controlled the region's economy, competing against McSween and his supporters. Murphy's business interests included a general store and other ventures that dominated Lincoln County, leading to tensions and conflicts that were central to the war.

The Lincoln County War was not just a personal rivalry but also a battle for power and control over commerce in the area, further fueled by disputes over law enforcement and local governance. Murphy's control and influence were substantial in the community, making him a primary adversary to McSween, who sought to challenge Murphy's monopoly.

Understanding the context of this conflict is essential, as it illustrates the socioeconomic dynamics of the time, where violence was often a means to resolve disputes over business and power within frontier society.