Background
Murphy was born on January 15, 1823, in Waterford, Ireland, the son of produce dealer James Murphy (1786–1861) and his wife Ellen Murphy (née Mansfield).
Murphy was born on January 15, 1823, in Waterford, Ireland, the son of produce dealer James Murphy (1786–1861) and his wife Ellen Murphy (née Mansfield).
A native of Ireland, Murphy began his seafaring career as a teenager aboard merchant ships in the North Atlantic and served for two years in the Royal Navy. He joined the United States. Navy after settling in Erie, Pennsylvania, and sailed the Great Lakes as a petty officer on the United States Ship Michigan. During the American Civil War, he served aboard the United States Ship Metacomet and distinguished himself in the action at Mobile Bay.
He returned to Erie and the United States Ship Michigan after the war, continuing on that ship for twenty more years until retiring as a warrant officer
He had four siblings: James, Mary, John, and William. At age 14 he began a three-year term as a boy seaman aboard merchant ships sailing to North America.
He then joined the Royal Navy, serving two years on the HMS Montreal. In 1842, Murphy settled in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he helped outfit the newly built ship Michigan.
When the ship was commissioned into the United States. Navy as the United States Ship Michigan on September 26, 1844, Murphy followed it into the service.
He sailed aboard Michigan as a quartermaster for three years, then two years as a captain of the hold, and was subsequently promoted to quarter gunner, boatswain"s mate, and, in 1861, acting master"s mate. Later in 1861 he left Michigan and joined Admiral David Dixon Porter"s fleet as an acting ensign, serving for eight months until illness forced him to return home to Erie for three months of recuperation. Upon regaining his health, Murphy traveled to New York City and joined the United States Ship Metacomet as a boatswain"s mate, for service in the American Civil War.
At the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, he "performed his duties with skill and courage" despite heavy fire.
Served as boatswain"s mate on board the United States.S. Metacomet, during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. After the end of the war, Murphy returned to Erie and rejoined the United States Ship Michigan in 1865, serving as quartermaster and pilot.
He was appointed to the warrant officer rank of boatswain on January 28, 1882, which he held until his retirement in 1885.