Timeline: The Life of Emily Murphy

Mar 14, 1868

Born

Emily Gowan Ferguson is born in Cookstown, Ontario to a wealthy buisnessman and his wife. She was the middle child of six.
From a young age, she was surrounded by intelligence and wisdom. Her grandfather was a politician and her two uncles were a Senator and a Supreme Court justice. Even her brother went on to become a laywer, then a member of the Supreme Court.
Murphy attended a posh Anglican private school for girls. located in Toronto.

Jan 1, 1887

Married

(no specific dates give)
Emily marries her childhood sweetheart, Rev. Arthur Murphy. Together they have four daughters; Madeliene, Kathleen, Evelyn and Doris. Doris and Madeliene died in childhood.

Jan 1, 1889

The Murphys Move to England

(no specific date given)
Arthur moves the family to England.
Emily begins to write under her pen name; Janey Canuck.

Jan 1, 1901

The Murphys Move to Manitoba

(no specific date given)
The Murphys move to Swan River, Manitoba, where Emily's first book is published under her pen name. It is titled "Impressions of Janey Canuck"
Emily also writes many magazine articles.

Jan 1, 1907

The Family Moves to Alberta

(no specific date given)
The Murphys move to Edmonton, Alberta, where Emily begins her social activism.

Jan 1, 1910

Becomes The First Woman On The Edminton Hospital Board

(no specific date given)
Emily is appointed to the board.

Jan 1, 1916

The Dower Act is Passed

(no specific dates are given)
Emily becomes more engrossed with the rights of women and children. During this year, Emily pressures the government to give women the power to retain the rights of their land. The Dower Act is passed.

Jan 1, 1916

The Person's Case

(no specific dates are given)
Emily Murphy attemptes to listen to the trial of women who were labled prostitutes. She is forced to leave the courtroom, as the case is "too graphic for the delicate ears of a lady". An outraged Emily goes to the Attorney General. "If the evidence is not fit to be heard in mixed company," she argued, "then the government must set up a special court presided over by women, to try other women.” Emily's request was accepted.

Jan 1, 1922

"The Black Candle" Is Published

Emily publishes her book about the drug trade in Canada. The book is well recieved.

Aug 27, 1927

The Petition is Signed

Emily enlists the help of human rights activist Nellie McClung, ex MLA Louise McKinney and women’s rights campaigners Henrietta Edwards and Irene Parlby to sign a petition for women to be known as "persons" in the British North America Act and be able to serve in the Senate.