W. M. Murphy - Submitted for the USGenWeb by Richard P. Sevier 9/8/2014

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W. M. Murphy - Madison Parish, Louisiana

From Madison Journal June 21, 1935

W. M. Murphy Dies At Home Wednesday
Prominent Attorney Expires After Illness of Several Weeks

W. M. Murphy, President of the Madison Parish School Board and one of the leading lawyers of northeast 
Louisiana, died here Wednesday afternoon after an illness of several weeks following a paralytic stroke.

Mr. Murphy was stricken shortly after commencement night when he made a short talk to the graduating class.

Mr. Murphy was born in Touse, Missouri, in 1859, and came to Tallulah in 1882 as a telegraph operator 
when the V. S. & P. railroad was opened between Vicksburg and Shreveport. He was later made depot agent 
of the line here.

In his spare time he studied law and was admitted to the Louisiana bar in 1890, practicing in this parish 
for a number of years. He served three terms as State Senator from this district, from 1896 to 1908, and 
later during the period of real estate development in this section of the state be became attorney for 
the Howard Cole Realty Company, making his headquarters in St. Louis, Mo., Kansas City and New York.

He returned in 1925 to Tallulah to resume his law practice and was elected President of the Parish School 
Board several years ago, a post he held up to the time of his death. He was deeply interested in the history 
of the parish and was the author of a brochure on the subject.

He was first married to Miss Lizzie White of Tallulah, and to this union were born five children, two of whom 
survive. One of them is Judge W. M. Murphy of Orlando, Florida. Mrs. Murphy died when her youngest child was 
six years of age. He was married to Miss Minnie Spann of Tallulah in 1904. Besides his widow and Judge Murphy, 
he is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Vivian M. Griffith of St. Louis, and six grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 Friday morning (today) at the residence by the Rev. L. A. Materne 
of the Baptist Church, assisted by the other ministers. Interment will be made in the Silver Cross Cemetery here.

From Madison Journal July 19, 1935

LAW GROUP ACT IN REMEMBRANCE OF W. M. MURPHY
District Court and Association Express Regret At His Passing

At a session of the Sixth District Court held on the 8th day of July,  with Hon. F. X. Ransdell presiding, and 
at a called meeting of the Tallulah Bar Association held on the 20th day of June, A. D., 1935, all members being 
present, the following proceedings were had:
Whereas, this Association hears with deep sorrow that the Almighty God in His wisdom and, in accordance with His 
government of mankind, created in His image, He, on the 20th day of June, A. D., 1935, called from its earthly 
habitation the spirit of W. M. Murphy, the Nestor of this Bar; now therefore, Be It Resolved, that in the years 
of association, professionally and socially, we recognize that in the passing of our Brother we have lost an 
able, conscientious and generous lawyer, who loved his profession, never denying his services to any applicant 
because of inability to pay; who served in public places faithfully and efficiently; a gracious and hospitable host.
He walked erectly and uprightly among men,
Peace to his manes.
Resolved Further, that these proceedings be spread upon the minutes of this association a copy be presented to 
the Sixth Judicial District Court, and to his family, to whom this association extends hearty sympathy in 
their bereavement.

JEFF B. SNYDER 
HENRY C. SEVIER
L. MASON SPENCER 
A. L. SEVIER 
R. K. BONEY 
IRA BAXTER 
W. S. HOLMES

RICHARD K. BONEY, President, Tallulah Bar Assn. Attest:
IRA BAXTER, Secretary, Tallulah Bar. Assn.

On motion of Richard K. Boney, seconded by Henry C. Sevier, the Court ordered the foregoing resolution spread upon 
the minutes of this Court and out of respect to the memory of our departed Brother, the Court be now adjourned 
until 10 a. in., July 10, 1935.