Murphy 's mother died during the April 18 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire . Murphy 's father left him in the care of his cousin , San Francisco firefighter Lt. Tom Murphy ( later to become San Francisco 's fire chief and recognized as one of the pioneers of modern firefighting in San Francisco ) , and his wife Catherine . There are no records as to the whereabouts or fate of Murphy 's father after 1906 ; it was not unusual in those days for single fathers to leave their children in the care of relatives and go " traveling " , hopefully to find a new wife
1906 San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
Jimmy Murphy (racing driver)