Quick Facts
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John E. Murphy (February 13, 1900 – November 1, 1994) was an American jurist and politician who served as presiding justice of Peabody District Court and served two stints in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
Early life
Murphy was born on February 13, 1900, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He served in the United States Army during both World Wars. He graduated from Bentley School of Accounting and Finance in 1922 and Suffolk University Law School and 1926.
Politics
Murphy represented the 8th Essex district in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1935 to 1939. He ran for mayor of Peabody in 1938, but lost to Joseph B. O'Keefe by 709 votes. He challenged O'Keefe in 1940, but lost by a single vote. A recount later expanded O'Keefe's margin of victory to eight votes. Murphy returned to the House in 1951.
Judicial service
In 1958, Governor Foster Furcolo appointed Murphy a special justice of the Peabody District Court. He was appointed presiding justice in 1964 and remained on the bench until his retirement in 1972.
Death
Murphy died on November 1, 1994, at a rehabilitation center in Danvers, Massachusetts. He was survived by three children, one of whom John E. Murphy Jr., also served in the House of Representatives.
