Helen Spann Murphy - Submitted for the USGenWeb by Richard P. Sevier 3/23/2012

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Helen Spann Murphy - Madison Parish, Louisiana 

From Tallulah Madison Journal, October 11, 1957

Mrs. W. M. Murphy Dies Suddenly Tuesday Morning

Mrs. W. M. (Helen Minter Spann) Murphy, well known and beloved citizen of Tallulah and Madison Parish, 
died suddenly Tuesday morning, October 8th, at four o'clock in the morning at Madison Parish Hospital. 
Her death, which came as a shock and grieved a multitude of friends, occurred just twenty-two days before 
her eighty-fifth birthday. She was born October 30th, 1872 at Glen Olive plantation, East Carroll Parish. 
Her parents were Jeanette Craig and EIridge Mosely Spann.

After her father's death, she, her brother, the late Will Spann and her mother went to live with her 
maternal grandparents, William and Helen Craig, born in Scotland, and coming to America on their wedding 
trip, and later settling in East Carroll Parish. It was here at Fairview plantation that Mrs. Murphy spent 
a happy childhood, and when a young lady went with her grandfather Craig to visit in his native Scotland 
for a year. They traveled in Europe some, but Mrs. Murphy often said that most of their visit was in 
Bonny Scotland.

She was educated at Hillman College, Clinton, Miss, 1884-1888, attended La Chatauqua Ruston, La. in 1895 
and L. S. U. in 1936.

She taught in Madison Parish and many now remember her as their beloved teacher.

She was married here in Tallulah, February 19th, 1904, with Dr. Sproles of Jackson, Miss. officiating, to 
William Milton Murphy, a prominent lawyer, State Senator for twelve years, and was chairman of the State 
Judicial Committee. He was for many years a corporation lawyer in northern cities, among these was ten years 
in New York City, when Mr. and Mrs. Murphy were thrown with the literary group of New York. Mrs. Murphy had 
many of her excellent writings published by noteworthy publications; among them was a feature in the Atlantic 
Monthly, and the Louisiana Historical Review.

After Mr. Murphy's death in 1935, Mrs. Murphy continued to make her home here, and has become a notable figure 
in this community. In spite of being almost blind for several years, she continued to take an active part in the 
organizations to which she belonged, and was truly an inspiration to all who knew her. She was a communicant of 
Trinity Episcopal Church. She was a charter member of the Tallulah Book Club, a member of the Music Department, 
a charter member of Madison Parish Garden Club, and an active member until her death in Trinity Episcopal Auxiliary. 
She was past president of both the Book Club and the Garden Club. She was elected an honorary member of 
Delta Kappa Gamma, educational fraternity, at their meeting in Rayville, La. February 7th of this year. Her especial 
style of writing as well as her always delightful speaking ability, coupled with a most remarkable memory of both 
facts and recitation; and her keen sense of humor made her an addition to any group and she numbered her many 
friends among the very young, teenagers, middle age and her own age group. She once said, "I have always been 
interested in people and not inclined to sit in judgment". And this she truly practiced. She had rare personal 
charm, and in spite of her handicap, she always presented a cheerful attitude, and kept keen interest in people 
and events of the day. Her wise counsel and leadership were constantly sought.

She is survived by a niece, Mrs. Kenneth Phillips, and her son, Richard Phillips, and a nephew, Howard E. Spann, 
an attorney of Mansfield, La., and two grandnieces, children of her late nephew, Will Spann. They are Miss 
Helen K. Spann and Miss Connie Spann of Shreveport, La. The late Mr. W. S. Craig of Tallulah was Mrs. Murphy's 
first cousin.

Funeral services of the Episcopal Church were held at Trinity at three o'clock Wednesday afternoon, October 9th 
with the Rev. Wm. S. Spilman officiating. Interment with services was held at Silver Cross Cemetery.

Pallbearers were: Mr. Robert Amacker of Lake Providence, La., William Bell of Lake Providence, Jim Gilfoil, 
Mandeville Kell, W. P. Sevier, C. C. Adams and Maxwell Yerger.