Origins & Early Life

Emily Murphy (born Emily Gowan Ferguson; 14 March 1868 – 27 October 1933) was a Canadian women's rights activist and author. In June 1916, she became the first female magistrate in the British Empire. She is best known for her contributions to Canadian feminism, specifically to the question of whether women were "qualified persons" to serve in the Senate under Canadian law. Murphy is known as one of "The Famous Five" (also called "The Valiant Five")—a group of Canadian women's rights activists that also included Henrietta Muir Edwards, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney and Irene Parlby.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 1927, the women launched the "Persons Case," contending that women could be "qualified persons" eligible to sit in the Senate. The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that they were not. However, upon appeal to the Judicial Committee of the British Privy Council, the court of last resort for Canada at that time, the women won their case. However, there has been some criticism of her later work, mainly for her role in the Sexual Sterilization Act of Alberta and her allegations that a ring of immigrants from other countries, particularly China, would corrupt the white race by getting Canadians hooked on drugs...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adah Isaacs Menken — Contemporary (Died in 1868) (1868): American actress, painter, and poet known for sensational stage performances.
• Arnold Sommerfeld — Contemporary (Born in 1868) (1868): Pioneering theoretical physicist known for quantum and atomic structure models.
• Benjamin Guinness — Contemporary (Died in 1868) (1868): Anglo-Irish brewer and philanthropist who significantly expanded the Guinness brewing empire.
• 13th Dalai Lama — Contemporary (Died in 1933) (1933): Spiritual leader of Tibet who championed national independence and modernization.
• Adolph Caesar — Contemporary (Born in 1933) (1933): Acclaimed American actor known for his deep voice and Off-Broadway staple status.
• Akihito — Contemporary (Born in 1933) (1933): 125th Emperor of Japan; reigned during the Heisei era (1989-2019).
• Aamir Khan — Shared historical date (03-14 · Born) (1965): Iconic Indian actor and filmmaker, known for his dedication to cinematic perfection.
• Albert Einstein — Shared historical date (03-14 · Born) (1879): Pioneering theoretical physicist known for the theory of relativity and E=mc2.
• Abu Bakr — Shared historical date (10-27 · Born) (573): First Rashidun Caliph and esteemed companion of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Bernie Wrightson — Shared historical date (10-27 · Born) (1948): Master American comic artist celebrated for intricate horror and science fiction illustration.
• 1868 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1868
• March 14 (03-14) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 14
• 1933 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1933
• October 27 (10-27) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on October 27