John E. Murphy

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 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. He was appointed presiding justice in 1964 and remained on the bench until his retirement in 1972.

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.