Shipping Intelligence. Arrivals, The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, 5 March 1853, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article685214:

March 2.—Thomas Chadwick, barque, 461 tons, Captain Richardson, from the Downs 4th November. Passengers—[...]Very Rev. Dr. Gregory, Rev. Dr. Grant and servant, Rev. Messrs. Murphy, McCarthy, Welsh, Phelan, Tworney, Rockliff, [...]

---

The Diggings, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 30 April 1853, p 10, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114836087:

The Rev. Dr. Grant, who has lately returned from Europe and now stationed as resident clergyman at Bathurst, lately visited the Turon. The Rev. Dr. was accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Keating, also of Bathurst, and the Rev. Mr. Murphy, of Carcoar, and was highly pleased to see many of those places pointed out to him of which he so often read with admiration whilst in Europe. As the Turon has now obtained a world-wide celebrity for its vast auriferous treasures, it will not fail to attract the tourist's curiosity.

---

Death of the Rev. B. Murphy of Singleton, Freeman's Journal, 30 September 1863, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115429290:

Fortunately it has not often fallen to the lot of the Catholics of New South Wales to mourn the loss of one of their priests, but we deeply regret to have to record on this occasion the sudden demise of a young clergyman, who for the last ten years has been labouring in this distant part of the church. A telegram was received on Monday afternoon, announcing that the Rev. B. Murphy, of Singleton, whilst returning from Woburn in his dogcar, in company with the Catholic teacher, was suddenly seized with a fit of apoplexy, and before assistance could be reached, the reverend gentleman was a corpse. The very Rev. S. A. Sheehy, V.G., on receiving this sad intelligence at once started for Singleton. The Rev. J. Keating, of West Maitland, also started for the same place as soon as he heard of the sad event. Father Murphy will be buried this morning in the Catholic Cemetery of Singleton, and besides the Vicar-General and Father Keating, the following clergymen from the neighbouring districts will be present:— Fathers Kenny, Dunne, Phelan, and Cusse.

The Rev. B. Murphy was a native of Cavan, and studied in the College of All Hallows. The Very Rev. Dr. Gregory returned to the colony in March, 1853, accompanied by a band of young missionaries, among whom was the subject of this short sketch. Shortly after his arrival he was appointed to the mission of Carcoar, where for more than eight years he laboured assiduously in the discharge of his missionary duties. His mission was one of the largest in the arch diocese, including several of the gold fields, and we believe he was greatly instrumental in checking the further progress of the riots on the Lambing Flat diggings. As the result of his labours he has left several churches built during his stay in the Western District, and which will stand as a memorial of his missionary zeal. About eighteen months ago, His Grace the Archbishop removed him to the mission of Singleton, where up to the time of his untimely death he had been performing duty. Father Murphy was about 35 years of age, and to all appearance seemed likely to enjoy a long life, being, up to the moment of his death, in the enjoyment of excellent health. As the news of his death reaches the lonely homesteads of the scattered Catholics of the Carcoar district, many a prayer will be offered up for the repose of the soul of one who, when in life, often thought of his flock when offering up the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. We hope he is now enjoying the reward of his labours here below. May his soul rest in peace. will be the prayer breathed by thousands throughout the wilds of Australia.

---

Death of the Rev. W. Murphy, Sydney Morning Herald, 30 September 1863, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30936752:

It is with no common feeling of regret that we have to record this morning the death of one well known to all our readers, and as much respected and beloved by those who differed from him in faith as by those whose privilege it was to sustain towards him the most sacred relations. The Rev. Father Murphy, although but a short time in the district, had, by his kindliness of feeling, urbanity of manner, and Christian zeal, endeared himself to all, and it will be long ere the gap caused by his premature decease will be filled up. Yesterday the mournful news was received that Mr. Murphy had expired on his way from Woburn to Singleton, at Grasstree Hill. Further particulars are wanting, but we are informed that a magisterial inquiry into the cause of death was to be held. The body will be brought down to Singleton, and is expected to arrive at five o'clock this evening—Singleton Times of yesterday.

---

Singleton. The Late Rev. Bernard Murphy, The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, 1 Oct 1863, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18712406:

The remains of this lamented gentleman—who died yesterday on his journey from Woburn to Singleton, after a short illness—arrived in Singleton this evening, a little after five o'clock. The cortege comprised a largE number of vehicles and a long procession of horsemen. The deceased was in the very prime of manhood, and up to the date of the short illness (slow fever) which terminated his earthly career, was considered a remarkably healthy man. The Rev. Mr. Murphy had only been stationed in the district of Singleton about ten months, having been removed to Singleton from Carcoar; but during this short period he had won for himself, not only the highest regard of all the members of his congregation, but also the esteem of all other persons who became acquainted with him. The death of the Reverend Father Murphy will cause the second blank in the list of clergymen receiving State-aid in accordance to the provisions of the Grant to Public Worship Prohibition Act of 1862, the first clergyman receiving a stipend from the Government, who died since the passing of this Act, having been the Rev. Mr. Addams, of Windsor, minister of the Church of Scotland. We learn that the funeral of the Rev. Mr. Murphy will take place to-morrow morning, and that the Very Rev. Father Sheey, Vicar General, and several other clergymen have arrived in Singleton for the purpose of assisting in solemnising the burial services in accordance to the rites of the Roman Catholic Church.

---

Death of Father Murphy, Empire, Sydney, 1 October 1863, p 8, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60549121:

(From the Singleton Times.)

The hearse containing the remains of the Rev. Father Murphy arrived in Singleton from Muswellbrook last evening shortly after five o'clock, preceded by the Rev. Father Sheehy, Vicar-General, and the Rev. Father Phelan, as chief mourners, and followed by a long line of friends, not of his own church only, but of all denominations, including the Rev. James Blackwood, Mr. John Brown, Mr. W. R. Collett, Mr. James Rigney, Dr. Newton, Mr. C. Coghlan, Dr. Hartigan, Mr. James Moore, Mr. Kingston, Mr. Rotton, and others. Every place of business, and most of the private houses, were closed as the mournful profession passed by, and but one feeling—that of profound regret at the loss of a good man—seemed to animate the minds of the inhabitants.

On arriving at the chapel, which was draped in black, the coffin was carried in and placed before the altar, prayers were said, and an affectionate address was delivered by the Vicar-General. At the conclusion of the ceremony the Rev. Father Dunne arrived from Raymond Terrace. Workmen were engaged constructing a brick vault at the entrance to the chapel, and the body will be interred to-day.

In addition to the particulars contained in the letter of our Muswellbrook correspondent, we have gleaned the following details from Mr. C. Coghlan, who left Singleton for Woburn on Friday night. Arriving at the place on Saturday morning, he found Mr. Murphy recovering and in good spirits. He said he was glad that Dr. Newton had not gone up, as his presence had not been necessary. Mr. Coghlan told him he had left a messenger at Muswellbrook who would bring on a doctor if required. Mr. Murphy then said he was quite sure he would be able to reach Singleton without medical assistance. About noon he sat up, and partially dressed himself, spending the afternoon in reading. He also partook of some slight refreshment. During the day Dr. Fox called, but Mr. Murphy refused to see him. Mr. Coghlan spent the night in his room, and the reverend gentleman seemed to rest well. On Sunday morning he rose at ten o'clock, shaved and dressed himself, and expressed his regret that it was raining, as otherwise he would have started for Singleton. Between one and two o'clock he took a short walk with Mr. Coghlan, and after dinner (which he ate freely) the two gentlemen walked down the creek for at least three miles, Mr. Murphy appearing quite robust and hearty. On returning to the house, he said that as it was a fine moonlight night, he thought they might start at once. This proposition was objected to by Mr. Coghlan for fear of cold and rain. The evening was spent in walking the verandah, and in reading, and deceased retired to rest at about eleven o'clock, Mr. Coghlan again sleeping in the same room. Twice in the course of the night Mr. Murphy asked for drink, and was supplied with oatmeal tea. On Monday morning he rose shortly after six o'clock, and determined to start, which they did after breakfast, Father Murphy, taking only a little arrowroot. Mr. Joseph Ward drove the buggy containing the deceased gentleman, and Mr. Coghlan rode behind, leading another horse. At about fifteen miles from Woburn, the horse in the buggy was changed for the one Mr. Coghlan was leading, Mr. Murphy holding the reins, and giving directions as to fastening the traces. A mile farther on, Mr. Coghlan saw Father Murphy suddenly step out of the buggy and run towards him in an excited manner. Mr. Coghlan immediately dismounted and took him by the arms, asking him what was the matter. Mr. Murphy, in a bewildered manner, expressed his belief that they were going the wrong way, and put his hands to his forehead wildly, saying, "There's something the matter with my head." Mr. Coghlan tried to pacify him, and seated him on the ground. Mr. Coghlan said, "I wish we could get some water." Mr. Murphy exclaimed, "Oh yes, water, water," and a dray shortly after coming up, some water was obtained, with which his temples and face were bathed freely. All at once young Mr. Ward said, "He is dying;" and before Mr. Coghlan was aware of it, the spirit of the reverend Father had fled. Every means was used by Mr. Coghlan to endeavour to restore animation, without avail. Mr. Ward was immediately despatched to Muswellbrook, and soon returned with Dr. Fox, sergeant Shannon, and others. Dr. Fox immediately gave it as his opinion that deceased had died of apoplexy. The body was then conveyed to Muswellbrook, and laid in the church, and a magisterial enquiry was held the same evening—the decision arrived at being that death was caused by apoplexy. At nine o'clock yesterday morning the hearse started, accompanied by about forty persons from Singleton and Muswellbrook, including Father Phelan, Mr. John Brown, the Messrs McCosker, and others; and about three miles on this side the Chain of Ponds, the hearse, which had been brought up from Maitland that morning, met the procession, and the body was transferred to this vehicle. The cortege was met at every turn of the road by people from Singleton, the Very Rev. Father Sheehy having accompanied the Maitland hearse.

Mass will be said this morning, at seven and nine o'clock, and at eleven there will be high mass, after which the interment will take place.

Deceased was only thirty-three years of age. By his many amiable qualities, and by his Catholic liberality he had endeared himself to all. We can but echo the prayer which will proceed this day from the lips and hearts of hundreds—Requiescat in pace. !

---

Funeral Obsequies of the Reverend Father Bernard Murphy, Empire, Sydney, 2 October 1863, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60549240:

Yesterday morning masses for the soul of the Rev. Father Murphy, deceased, were celebrated at 8, half-past 8, 9, and 10 o'clock, in the Catholic chapel of Singleton, and at 11 o'clock a solemn dirge was chaunted. The building was densely crowded and many were unable to obtain admission. After the dirge, mass was sung by the Very Rev. S. A. Sheehy, V.G., the following clergymen being present at the office, and taking part in the ceremonial, viz.:—the Venerable Archdeacon McEncroe, the Very Rev. J. Keating, the Rev. A. Phelan, of Maitland, the Rev. J. Kenny, of East Maitland, the Rev. J. Dunne, of Raymond Terrace, the Rev. R. Cusse, of Newcastle, and the Rev. J. Maher, of Wollombi. At the conclusion of the mass, a discourse was delivered by the Archdeacon, who referred in laudatory terms to the character and career of the deceased pastor, imploring his hearers not to put off until too late the great business of conversion to life eternal. To the mind of man, he said, it would have seemed better that he (the preacher), who had laboured more years in the mission than his departed friend had lived in the world, should have been taken, as his work was almost done, and that a servant in all the vigour of youth and health should have been spared for many years of usefulness. But the Ruler of all knew what was best for all, and those who were left ought not to repine. He related several instances that had come to his knowledge of the self-denying zeal and charity of their departed brother, and exhorted his hearers, to be always ready. At the conclusion of the Rev. Father's discourse, the clergy took their places around the bier, and, after the usual forms, the absolution was pronounced by the Vicar-General, and the procession was formed. The coffin was then removed from the chapel and placed by the side of the vault prepared near the entrance of the church, after which the grave was blessed, and the remains were lowered into the tomb, the clergy chaunting the "Benedictus." It was long ere the assembled congregation could tear themselves from the spot, and many remained while the masons were at work building up the arch which will conceal the remains until the last great day. Among the congregation we observed several of the most respectable inhabitants of the district, not connected with the Roman Catholic Church, and on the countenances of all were evident traces of mourning and regret. The funeral arrangements were most satisfactorily conducted by Mr. Hyndes, of Maitland.—Singleton Times.

---

Death of the Rev. Bernard Murphy, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 3 October 1863, p 5, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115426330:

We have just heard a few additional particulars concerning the lamentable death of the Rev. B Murphy. He had just completed the circuit of his whole missionary district, and had just reached Merriwa when he had a severe attack of illness, our informant believes, of dysentry. He recovered to some extent, and thought himself able to continue his journey homewards on Monday last. He set out in a vehicle driven by the schoolmaster, but had not travelled far from Muswellbrook when he became suddenly very weak, got out of the conveyance, and sat on the road side complaining of his head, and of thirst. The schoolmaster supported him in his arms, got a little water and bathed his temples. In a few moments he died. But a short time before he had appeared in good spirits and spoke on ordinary topics as usual. When just dying he was heard trying to repeat the act of contrition.

---

Bathurst, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 14 October 1863, p 5, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115427452:

On Friday last a solemn office and High Mass were chanted for the repose of the soul of Father Murphy. The Church was draped in black, and the catafalque raised aloft in front of the large altar, round which the clergymen sat whilst reading the office. Many a tear fell during the ceremony from the assembled people who had known poor Father Murphy so long and so well. Many a noble act of his came up before their minds, as the people gazed sorrowfully on the symbols of mortality around. Many a fervent prayer ascended upwards, for the soul of him, whom, alas! his Bathurst admirers and friends were never to see again amongst them. Little did we think that when he left us some ten months past that one so young and vigorous would so soon pass away for ever. The clergymen stationed at Hartley, Wellington, and Orange were present, and it was owing to the necessity of attending the dying that the other clergymen of the Deanery could not be present. The church was densely crowded, as Protestants as well as Catholics attended, anxious to give this proof of their sincere regret for the death of him, whom people of all religious persuasions in the district deplore.

---

Epitome of News, The Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser, 24 June 1865, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article188135343:

A very beautiful monument in memory of the late Rev. Bernard Murphy has been erected in St. Patrick's Church, Singleton.

---

Fr T.J. Linane, From Abel to Zundolovich, Vol. 1, 1979, p 53: "Murphy, Bernard / Ir. / AH /Syd. 1853-63"

---

Kevin Condon, CM, The Missionary College of All Hallows 1842-1891, Dublin, 1986. Appendix: Matricula 1842-91:

No. 207: Bernard Murphy, 1848, from Magherafelt, Armagh; aged 20. Ord. for Sydney, 13.8.1852. Bathurst, 1853 (church at King's Plains); Carcoar, 1853-62 (built a church there; also at Cowra in 1857); Singleton, 1862-63. Quelled an incident among Chinese and other miners at Lambing Flat in 1861. Died 27.9.1863. Buried at Singleton.