The eldest son of Mary Growney and Bernard Murphy, Michael Murphy was born around 1854 in the townland of Island, Munterconnaught, County Cavan.

Michael sought opportunities abroad, and emigrated to Newark, Essex County, New Jersey.

The 1880 United States Federal Census captures Michael established in Newark, working as a leather dresser at approximately 27 years of age.

Michael married Sarah Clice, and the couple made their home in Newark. Together, they welcomed a daughter:

• Mary

Sarah passed away a decade later, in Newark on 5 October 1889.

Michael married Margaret Higgins on 23 November 1890 in Newark, New Jersey. The wedding ceremony was witnessed by Philip Lynch and Mary Harvey.

Michael and Margaret had the following children:

• Catherine

• Bernard

• Margaret

• Michael