Murphys of Norwood Have Done Their Share In the Interest of Law and Order-October 5, 1912

FOUR OF ONE FAMILY POLICEMEN.

The Remarkable Murphy Brothers: Four Norwood Brothers Serving in Law Enforcement

It is a rare and distinguished distinction for any family to produce a single member of law enforcement; it is an extraordinary phenomenon to find four brothers actively serving simultaneously as police officers. Such is the proud legacy of the Murphy family of Norwood, sons of James M. Murphy and the late Johanna Murphy, all born, educated, and raised right here in Norwood.

A historical snapshot of the brothers highlights their diverse assignments, athletic pursuits, literary talents, and deep roots in the community:

Sergeant John J. Murphy — Metropolitan Park Police

• Background: Formerly employed as a shipper at the Norwood Press and later with Ginn & Co. in Cambridge. Appointed to the Metropolitan Park Police in May, initially patrolling the Blue Hill Reservation, and promoted to sergeant in January 1911. He notably served as one of four sergeants deployed to maintain order during the tumultuous Lawrence textile strike.
• Athletics & Affiliations: Played second base for the Metropolitan Police baseball team. Standing 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 210 pounds, he was a member of Mt. Pleasant Council, K. of C.
• Residence: Married, living at 101 Wachusett Street, Jamaica Plain.

Patrolman Timothy C. Murphy — Boston Police Department (Station 16, Back Bay)

• Background: Worked as a bookbinder at the Norwood Press before enlisting in the United States Navy for a four-year stint. He served during the Spanish-American War and aboard President Theodore Roosevelt’s presidential yacht, completing his service as a coxswain with a formidable reputation as a Navy boxer.
• The “Boston Poet Policeman”: Widely celebrated for writing poetry of high literary merit, including published works in The Pilot.
• Affiliations: Member of the Spanish War Veterans and Mt. Pleasant Council, K. of C. Standing 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 200 pounds.
• Residence: Married, living at 72 Day Street, Jamaica Plain.

Special Officer James E. Murphy — Roxbury Theatre Detail

• Background: Worked as a bookbinder at the Norwood Press before transitioning into the insurance business. He also maintained a heavy involvement in professional athletics, managing and promoting notable wrestling stars.
• Physical Stature & Affiliations: Standing 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 220 pounds, he was a member of the Norwood Council, K. of C.
• Residence: Unmarried, living at 11 Hillside Street, Roxbury.

Patrolman Cornelius C. Murphy — Norwood Police Department

• Background: The hometown protector of the four brothers. After leaving school, he worked for 18 years as an iron molder at the Plimpton Foundry. He entered police work in July 1911 as a provisional officer before earning a permanent appointment as a regular patrolman on May 27, 1912.
• Beat & Community Standing: His beat covered the lower end of Norwood—a vibrant immigrant neighborhood comprising 28 different nationalities of European birth—where he earned the deep respect and affection of residents.
• Civic & Labor Roles: A member of the Norwood Council, K. of C., an honorary member of the Iron Molders Union, and past president of St. Catherine’s Total Abstinence and Literary Society. Standing 5 feet 7.5 inches and weighing 180 pounds.
• Residence: Unmarried, living at 525 Washington Street, Norwood.

The Broader Murphy Family Tree

The patriarch, James M. Murphy, arrived in Norwood in 1970, initially working for Winslow Bros. & Smith Co. before establishing himself in the local teaming business, owning a home on Walnut Avenue.

Beyond the four police officers, the Murphy family accomplishments extended across industry, labor leadership, and municipal service:

• Eugene L. Murphy: Served as the National Organizer of the International Molders’ Union of North America, traveling extensively for labor organization.
• Dennis T. Murphy: Employed locally as an inspector in the Norwood Water Department.
• Sisters: Mrs. Philip Abely and Mrs. James O’Kane, both lifelong residents of Norwood.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Norwood Messenger