Deciding to pursue a business career instead, Murphy attended St. John's College (now Fordham University), from which he graduated in 1857.

Long active in politics as a Democrat, Murphy was a delegate to many of the party's local, county, state, and national conventions.

[1] He attended the local schools, and enrolled at the Collège de Montréal in anticipation of a career in the priesthood.

[3] As mayor, Murphy enhanced his personal popularity by not accepting his salary, and instead distributing it to various city charities during each year's Christmas season.

[4] He then personally deposited $250,000 at Manufacturers' National after first ensuring that a crowd of account holders was on hand to witness his action.

[4] When word of Murphy's deposit spread, the run on the bank ended, and its officers and directors were able to take steps to restore it to solvency.

[4] Murphy also enhanced his reputation by taking steps in 1876 to ensure that supporters of Great Britain's continued rule over Ireland could demonstrate peacefully.

[4] Beginning in the 1840s, Protestant supporters of British Unionism conducted an annual Orange Day parade in Troy each July.

[5] Murphy was chosen as a delegate to the national convention in 1896, but did not attend because of ill health, and was replaced by alternate Wilson S.

[7] Murphy attended the 1900 Democratic National Convention as a delegate, and again supported Bryan for the presidential nomination.

[8] Murphy's name appeared in several news accounts as a potential candidate for the vice presidential nomination, but he disclaimed any interest and made no move to obtain it.

[10] As chairman, Murphy won praise for planning and executing strategies that resulted in Democratic victories in all but one of the statewide elections that took part during his tenure.

[1] They were the parents of nine children, eight of whom lived to adulthood; Edward, Julia, William, twins Joseph and John, Jane, Richard, and Helen.