Emily Murphy

Emily Murphy Web (I made it.)

Emily Murphy was born in Cookstown, Ontario, on March 14th, 1868. Emily was born into a prominent family and lived a comfortable life, the child of wealthy parents. She was one of six children and chores were divided equally among her brothers. She had three brothers and enjoyed doing many of the activities they did such as fishing, riding and playing cricket. Emily grew up in a lively household where many conversations around the dinner table included legal affairs and politics. Her uncles included a Supreme Court Justice and a Senator. Her Uncle Thomas, who was a politician, influenced Emily’s interest in politics. When attending Bishop Strachan School for girls at 15, she met her future husband, a Minister. Four years later in 1887, they were married.

Emily Murphy and her family (http://www.edukits.ca/famous/photo_f5_murphy.html)

Emily and her husband had four daughters, two of whom lived to adulthood. When her daughter Doris became ill and died from diptheria, a family Doctor suggested they move out west to Manitoba. A few years later they moved to Edmonton, and it was here that Emily Murphy began to write her Janey Canuck stories and had them published in a collection called The Black Candle. During this time, Emily became interested in the plight of women and the many hardships they suffered. She became active in civic affairs, particularly in anything to do with the rights of women. It was at this time that Emily met a women who was left homeless because her husband sold the farm and left her with no property because she had no way to own property. This shocked Emily that, in Alberta and in Canada, women were the property of men and forbidden to have property. In 1917, because of Emily Murphy, the Dower Act was passed. This protected a woman’s right to one third of her husband's property. She worked fearlessly to change laws to help protect women and children. She was the first woman Magistrate for the city of Edmonton and the British Empire. She wrote many articles on the evils of drugs and helped to change legislation that involved drugs. When her first case was before the courts, a lawyer challenged her, stating she was not “recognized as a person”! For twelve years, Emily labored to have women recognized as persons. She found women who were equally as interested in women’s rights as herself, and asked them to join her. Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Henriette Edwards and Irene Parlby, now known as the Famous Five, brought the case before the Supreme Court of Canada. The case was struck down by the Court, but it didn’t stop Emily and her group. They brought the case before the Privy Council of Britain, and in 1929, had it finally declared that women were “legal persons” under the B.N.A. Act.

Emily Murphy died in her sleep at the age of 65 in 1933. She left an important legacy behind, and her courage and determination to fight for the rights of women has not been forgotten. Her dedication to changing the laws for women means that all women can live and work in this country without barriers. Canada’s Senate Chamber has a plaque dedicated to the work of the Famous Five and Emily Murphy. There is also a statue in Ottawa of the Famous Five.

I have chosen Emily Murphy for my hero because she was a pioneer in the fight for women. She worked hard to give women rights. If it weren’t for her women wouldn’t be “persons”. She was tough, determined and committed to her cause. I admire her vision for change. I’ve learned that it’s important not to give up on what you believe in and that you can work hard to make change. Emily Murphy is my hero because she represents all the qualities that I value and would like to have.