Edward Murphy Jr.

Edward Murphy Jr.
United States Senator from New York
In office March 4, 1893 – March 3, 1899
Preceded by	Frank Hiscock
Succeeded by	Chauncey Depew
Personal details
Born	December 15, 1836 Troy, New York
Died	August 3, 1911 (aged 74) Elberon, New Jersey
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Julia Delehanty (1842-1915) (m. 1867)
Children	9 (8 lived to adulthood)
Alma mater	St. John's College (now Fordham University)
Profession	Brewer Businessman Politician
Religion	Catholic

Edward Murphy Jr. (December 15, 1834 – August 3, 1911) was a single term United States Senator from New York, a businessman, and mayor of Troy, New York.

Birth and early years

Edward Murphy was born in Troy, New York and attended local schools, and enrolled at the Collège de Montréal in anticipation of a career in the priesthood. He later decided on a secular career, and graduated from St. John's College (now Fordham University) in 1857. Murphy's father was a brewer, and after completing college Murphy joined his father in the business. After his father's retirement Murphy operated the brewery and eventually merged with another local brewer to form the partnership of Murphy & Kennedy.

Career in public service

A Democrat, Murphy was a delegate to numerous local, state and national party conventions. He was a city alderman from 1864 to 1866. From 1874 to 1875 Murphy was Troy's fire commissioner. He was mayor of Troy from 1875 to 1883. From 1888 to 1894 he was chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee.

In 1893 he was elected a U.S. Senator from New York, and he served from March 4, 1893 to March 3, 1899. In 1899, he was defeated for re-election by Republican Chauncey M. Depew. Murphy was Chairman of the Committee on Relations with Canada (53rd Congress).

Later years

He resumed his former business activities and was also the president of the Troy Gas Company and vice president of the Manufacturers' National Bank of Troy. He was also a major investor in the Troy City Railway and the city's electric company. For several years he was chairman of the Democratic Party in Rensselaer County before relinquishing the position in 1903.

His daughter Julia married Hugh J. Grant, a prominent New York City politician.

Death

Murphy died at his summer home in Elberon, New Jersey on August 3, 1911, aged 74, and was interred in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Troy, New York.

External links

• United States Congress. "Edward Murphy (id: M001090)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• Edward Murphy Jr. at Find a Grave