ordained as a priest in the Gambier Islands. Murphy was recalled to France in 1843 and left the congregation and returned to Ireland. Presumably, he died around 1844 or 1845. In 1842, while in Papeete, Murphy met American author Herman Melville. Melville would later base his character Father Murphy from his book Omoo on him. He wore a sort of yellow flannel morning-gown, and a broad-brimmed Manilla hat. Large and portly, he was also hale and fifty; with a complexion like an autumnal leaf, handsome blue eyes, fine teeth, and a racy Milesian brogue. In short, he was an Irishman; Father Murphy by name; and, as such, pretty well known, and very thoroughly disliked, throughout all the Protestant missionary settlements in Polynesia. In early youth, he had been sent to a religious seminary in France; and, taking orders there, had but once or twice afterward revisited his native land. References Resources French in Hawaii by Hawaii History 19th-century Irish Roman Catholic priests Hawaii Catholic priests Picpus Fathers Irish Roman Catholic missionaries 1806 births 1840s deaths People from Dundalk Roman Catholic missionaries in French Polynesia Roman Catholic missionaries in Hawaii 19th-century American Roman Catholic priests