Born in Cookstown, Ontario, in a family of nine, Emily Ferguson Murphy became the first female judge that Edmonton, Alberta has seen. Emily is the daughter of a wealthy landowner and a businessman. Being in a family of prestigious job titles, Emily grew up around politics and law, sparking her interest in the subject. When she reached the age of nineteen, Ferguson married a man name Arthur Murphy, and being the female in the marriage, Emily took his last name.
The two of them left their life in Ontario and moved further west. While on a walk, she and Arthur came upon a tired wilted woman whose husband had stripped her of their money and home, and fled the area, leaving her homeless with their starving children. This struck Emily cold that someone would be so cruel. However, this was a sign. From then on, she was motivated to protect women and fight for their justice. Many of the rural women living in Alberta cheered Emily on, for they knew that she had the passion and the enthusiasm to make a difference in someone’s life. With the proper knowledge and support, Emily Murphy was able to persuade the government to pass a new law that ensured women one-third share of their husband’s property; this is known as the Dower Act of 1911.
As years passed, she became more and more interested in politics and laws that she founded the Federated Women’s Institute for rural women. Later on, she was initiated in the Equal Franchise League where she met Nellie McClung. The two of them became friends and shared their views on life. They had very much in common; they both felt that women should have the same rights as men. Together, they helped women get the chance to vote each four years in an election. In each province, there was at least one female who fought for their rights.
The Local Council of Women in Alberta protested that a woman should take part in court when dealt with trials involving females. The Attorney General took the idea and processed it, later on agreeing with their idea. He appointed Emily to the job. It is unfortunate though, that Judge Murphy was only in court for not even a day. She was challenged by a lawyer who proved that women were not considered persons, so she was not able to stay in her occupation. On October 18, 1929, women were finally considered women, thanks to the help of the women who stood up for what they felt was right, including Emily Ferguson Murphy. |
