John Murphy was born to a family of Irish descent in Nashua, New Hampshire, on January 2, 1876. He received his early education in the Nashua public schools and later attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic school. He finished his secondary education at Nashua High School. By the time of his graduation in 1893, Murphy had already started teaching in local schools.

After graduation, Murphy entered the Society of Jesus attending the Novitiate and Juniorate in Frederick, Maryland, from 1893 to 1898. This was followed by three years of philosophy studies at Woodstock College in Maryland. Murphy was then sent to John Hopkins University for a year to study Greek, Old English, and Latin. In 1902, Murphy started his teaching assignment as an instructor of Latin, Greek, United States history, civics, and mathematics at Boston College High School. From 1906 to 1910, Murphy completed his theological training at Woodstock College and was ordained by Cardinal Gibbons on July 30, 1909.

Murphy taught history at St. Joseph’s College in Pennsylvania from 1910 to 1911 and at Holy Cross College in Massachusetts from 1911 to 1912. He then had a year-long Tertianship in Ireland with his friend Bishop Thomas Emmet from 1912 to 1913. From 1913 to 1918, Murphy taught history and religion at Fordham University in New York. He also assisted with the editing of the magazine America in an unofficial capacity. During this time, he ministered at Ward’s Island Prison. From 1918 to 1929, Murphy taught at Regis High School in New York, Georgetown University, Fordham University Graduate School and Holy Cross College. His final and longest teaching assignment was at Boston College from 1929 to the early 1950s.

Outside of the classroom, Murphy actively gave public lectures. The lecture topics included Irish politics, the dangers of international Communism, and the persecution of Catholics in Mexico and Spain. He also caused a stir with the publication of his article "The Problem of International Judaism" in 1934.

Murphy died on August 2, 1954.

Sources

Harney, Martin P., S.J. “Obituary: Father John F.X. Murphy, S.J.”. Woodstock Letters. Vol. 83, 1954. 101-118.