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JAMES DIXON MURPHY

James Dixon Murphy was born in Duplin County, North Carolina,
on July 24, 1858, and died in Asheville, North Carolina, on July 13,
1931. He was the son of a highly esteemed physician, Dr. Hanson
F. Murphy, and Elizabeth Ann Murphy, his wife.

Judge Murphy spent his boyhood at Wallace, North Carolina, and was
educated at Clement High School. He studied law at the University
of North Carolina and at the Dick and Dillard Law School in Greens-
boro, North Carolina. He was admitted to the Bar in 1884 and
practiced his profession at Greenville, North Carolina, until 1891,
at which time he moved to Asheville, North Carolina, and continued
in the practice of his profession until his death, except for the
period that he served as Superior Court Judge, being appointed
on August 10, 1908, to fill the unexpired term caused by the death
of Judge Fred Moore.

In 1897, he was married to Miss Mary Bruce Moore, daughter
of the late Marcellus Moore of Greenville, North Carolina. From
this union four children were born, three of whom pre-deceased
their father. Mrs. Murphy died at her home in Lake View Park,
Asheville North Carolina, on June 3, 1930.

Judge Murphy was prominent in his profession. His knowledge
of law was highly esteemed both by the Judiciary and the Bar and
he was noted for his eloquence as an advocate wherever he prac-
ticed. He served his state in public office, occupying among
other positions the chairmanship of Buncombe County Board of
Education, Chairmanship of Buncombe County Democratic Executive
Committee, member of the House of Representatives from Buncombe County
in the General Assembly in 1905.

Probably his most outstanding service in the Legislature
was in his advocacy of the amendment to the Constitution of
North Carolina in the adoption of the "Grandfather Clause".

He was, from his early manhood, a great champion of the
cause of education, being a classmate of Dr. Alderman, Dr. McIver
and Governor Aycock, whose names in North Carolina are synonymous
with the fight for the education of the masses.

Judge Murphy served for many years as a Trustee of the North
Carolina College for Women, most of the time being a member of
the Executive Committee. His judgment was most mature and was
recognized by his fellow trustees on that board. He was one of
the trustees appointed by Governor Gardner for the combined Board
of the University of North Carolina, but his death prevented this
body from receiving the benefit of his sound views.

He was a Christian gentlemen, admired and respected by those
who knew him. His passing has left a breach in the friends of
education which will be hard to fill.

Junius D. Grimes, Chairman.