In 1867 he again went West, and late that year was with Dan and Neil Bryant’s Minstrels, in San Francisco. A few months later he joined Morris Brothers’ Company, in Boston, and on April 20, 1868, made his appearance in New York with Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels.
Once more did Mr. Murphy take Horace Greeley’s advice, and went West, where in August, 1869, at Salt Lake City, Utah, with Johnny Mack, organized Murphy and Mack’s Minstrels.
His first appearance as a legitimate performer was made in San Francisco, September 16, 1867, as Pat Murphy in “The Happy Man.”
It was in New York City, May 8, 1871, that Mr. Murphy first produced his play of “Help,” in which he impersonated a negro and other characters.
Subsequently “Shaun Rhue” and “Kerry Gow” brought him name and fame, as well as wealth.
Mr. Murphy married Miss Martha Shattuck in the early 60’s.
At San Antonio, Texas, November 11, 1909, he wedded Miss May Firmier, an actress.
Joe Murphy was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., May 16, about 1835.
J. W. Hilton was one of the favorite bass singers in minstrelsy.
He was with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York, in 1860, and continued with them intermittently for several seasons. In the Summer of 1869 he went to Liverpool, England, with Smith and Taylor’s Minstrels, opening there June 21.