Career
Murphy became the first County Treasurer of Washington County, Arkansas in 1836, and served until 1838. He became a master in chancery in 1841. From 1837 to 1838, Murphy ran the original government land lines for Franklin County, Arkansas.
On November 30, 1844, the noted Indian Missionary Cephas Washburn, along with Murphy and other prominent individuals, secured a charter for a college known as the Far West Seminary. Murphy became the chairman of the Board of Visitors with the intent of establishing a facility that would educate both whites and Indians. Murphy served in this capacity until the building was destroyed by fire on February 17, 1845.
Murphy was elected to the General Assembly of Arkansas twice as the representative from Washington County, in 1846 and 1848. Murphy served on the Banking Committee and attempted to introduce reforms but was stymied by the powerful political cabal known as "The Family".
Murphy ran into financial difficulties around 1849 and left for California in an attempt to improve his fortunes in the California Gold Rush. He returned to Arkansas in 1854 with nothing to show for his efforts. Upon his return he moved to Huntsville, Arkansas in Madison County, Arkansas.
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