The Big Lookout Frank Allen says:

John Murphy born at Epsom, England, came to Australia in 1840. After c oming to Monaro, he acquired "Glenbog", on which he ran 1000 head of c attle. Records show that he owned this property in 1864. Afterwards, h e selected land on Bibbenluke and Burnima Stations. He built his home near Bibbenluke village and called the property "Broadview". He also b ought the first portion of land sold at Bibbenluke village. John Murph y was the member of Parliament for Monaro from 1877 to 1880. He is rep uted to have opened the first store in Bibbenluke (on his selection on Burnima Station). John Murphy also owned the land on which Bombala Co urt House is built. It is said he laid the foundation stone of this bu ilding. He married Mrs Mary Albon (nee Thomas) in 1855. They had four daughters and two sons, Edgar and Coulson. Coulson Murphy was the firs t shire president of Bibbenluke Shire Council, and was the father of M r Coulson Murphy Junior of Bombala. John Murphy was a member of the fi rst Local School Board at Bibbenluke. Their religion was Episcopalian.

At page 30 frank Allen says:

Probably John Murphy's greatest triumph was his election to Parliament . Though bitterly opposed by the squatters, he was elected, and the la nd settlement question. He was a rare character, with but little capit al, he stood up to, and succeeded against the most powerful in the lan d. John selected one other portion of land. This was part of Burnima, and as Burnima at that time was not strongly held he encountered littl e opposition. This area now forms part of the property of Mr Peter Smi th, it is still known as the Murphy Paddock.