Judge John P. Murphy
Among the men whose records have reflected honor and dignity upon the judicial history of Hamilton County appears the name of John P. Murphy, who as jurist, soldier and distinguished civilian made his life record one which commanded the esteem and confidence of his fellowmen. He ever employed his time and talents to good advantage and strong intellectual force was not only used in solving the intricate and complex problems of the law but also in throwing light upon the questions which effect municipal welfare and, therefor, are of vital interest to every citizen.
Judge Murphy was a native of Ireland, his birth occurred in Killarney in the world-famed lake region, on the 24th of June, 1844. He was, however, only seven years of age when brought to America by his parents, Jerry and Mary (Sullivan) Murphy. The family also contained a brother and sister who are still living--Dennis Murhpy and Mrs. Mary Healy, who are now residents of Michigan. On the arrival in the new world the family home was established at Detroit, Michigan, and Judge Murphy pursued his early education in the public schools, while subsequently he entered Notre Dame University at South Bend, Indiana, completing his more specifically literary education in that institution. Following his graduation he came to Cincinnati in 1859 and was identified with the interests of this city from that period until his demise, more then a half century later. He put aside all business and personal considerations, however, at the outbreak of the Civil War and responded to the country's call for troop in 1861, joining Company K, Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he saw active service in the battle of Antietam. Congress voted him a medal for capturing a rebel flag in that engagement. At length he was honorably discharged on account of wounds he had sustained in battle and he returned home, but when he had recovered from his injuries with the indomitable energy that always marked his movements, he reenlisted for active duty, joining the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Regiment of the National Guard in 1864. His regiment went out on the famous "hundred day service," but as the war was nearing its close did not participate in any noted engagements.
After the close of hostilities Judge Murphy returned to Cincinnati and ambitious to further his education matriculated in Antioch College in 1866. After leaving that institution he decided to study law and soon found an opening in the office of Judges Force and Kebbler, of that city. Carefully applying himself to the mastery of the principles of jurisprudence, he was in due time qualified to pass the required examination which secured him admission to the bar. He at once entered upon active practice and his advancement in his profession was continuous. Although progress at the bar is proverbially slow, no dreary novitiate awaited him. He soon gave proof of his ability to successfully analyze a case, determine its strong points and to present his cause in clear, forceful and logical manner. He had become well established in his profession as a capable and growing lawyer when, in 1876, he received the nomination for prosecuting attorney of the police court on the republican ticket and following his election filled the office for one term. He then resumed the private practice of law and a large and distinctively representative clientage was accorded him, to which he devoted his attention until 1896, when he was nominated and elected judge of the common pleas court. He received public endorsement of his first term of office in a reelection to a second term and for ten years sat upon the bench, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial, based upon a comprehensive knowledge of the law and correct application of its principles. His course reflected credit upon the judicial history of Hamilton County and in 1906 he retired from office as he had entered it - with the confidence and good will of all concerned.
On May 29, 1977, Judge Murphy was united in marriage to Miss Cora Dean, who survives him. Theirs was a hospitable home and their circle of friends very extensive. Judge Murphy was prominent in Masonic circles, holding membership with Avon Lodge, A.F. & A.M., while in Cincinnati Consistory he attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He was also a life member of Cincinnati Lodge of Elks, maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Lytle Post, G.A. R., and was a member of Cuvier Club. Judge Murphy was ever deeply and actively interested in affairs of public moment, served for a time as a member of the union board of high schools and at all times gave his aid and support to measures and movements for the public good. Death came to Judge Murphy suddenly, although he had been in ill health for about two years, and in the opening hours of 1911 he passed away. He was a man of fine personal appearance, with eyes that looked straight at one, and his broad forehead was indicative of the strong intellect which ever characterized his life and was the domination element in his success as an able legist and jurist. Strong terms are used by the special committee of the bar association, which drew up the resolutions of the death of Judge John P. Murhpy. This committee was composed of Judge Moses F. Wilson, Judge Otto Pfleger and Judge William Littleford. After reciting the historical facts in his life the committee says: "John P. Murphy was best loved by those who knew him best. He was an uncompromisingly honest man - honest as a judge, honest as a friend and honest as a man. He hated sham. He spoke the truth bluntly, event to the extent sometimes of hurting the feelings of others - a thing that always caused him pain afterward. His eyes quickly filled with tears. He had a tender heart. He had all the impetuous generosity of his race. He found delight in the atmosphere of song, good cheer and friendship and in behalf of a friend he could never do too much or go too far. As a judge he was distinguished by his devotion to hard work and his determination to be fair and upright. Although he was an ardent republican, politics did not weigh with him when he was on the bench. Not even friendship, much as he valued it, ever went into the judicial balance as he weighed the case in hand."
From Cincinnati, The Queen City, Vol. III, by Rev. Charles Frederic Goss, S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1912