Agnes G. Murphy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Agnes G. Murphy
Born	Agnes Gillian Murphy 1865 Ireland
Died	15 March 1931 London

Agnes G. Murphy (1865 – 15 March 1931) was an Irish journalist and writer. She is famous for writing the first biography of the well-known singer, Dame Nellie Melba.

Early Life and Career

Agnes Murphy was born in Tullamore, Ireland, in 1865. She spent much of her life traveling and writing. In 1885, she moved to Australia to live with her sister, Lily.

Agnes started her career as a journalist in Melbourne. She worked for important newspapers like the Melbourne Punch and the Melbourne Herald. She was the social editor and the only woman on the Punch reporting team. Later, she became the editor of Punch. Her first novel, One Woman's Wisdom, was very popular in the United Kingdom.

Helping Women in Australia

In 1890, Agnes Murphy helped create the Austral Salon in Melbourne. This group aimed to support women's intellectual growth in Australia.

A year later, in 1891, Agnes and the Austral Salon raised money to help Tilly Aston attend university. Tilly Aston was a blind writer and teacher who became a champion for people with disabilities.

Life in London and Beyond

Agnes Murphy moved to London in 1895. She continued her journalism career, writing for many British newspapers, including The Pall Mall Gazette. She also kept writing her 'Ladies Letter' for Punch, using the pen name Rhoda.

Agnes started another Austral Salon in London. She was known for hosting many Australian singers and artists. She worked as a secretary for Dame Nellie Melba for two years. Melba trusted Agnes to write her biography, which even included some chapters written by Melba herself.

While in London, Agnes lived with the singer Ada Crossley in Swiss Cottage. Agnes was elected to the council of the Society of Women Journalists. She also worked as a public relations agent for musical performers, helping them get known.

Agnes loved to travel. She visited many places, including France, Spain, Italy, New York, and San Francisco. In 1904, she made history by becoming the first woman elected to the Geographical Society of California. She was a strong supporter of women's rights and Irish independence. Agnes gave talks and lectures around the world. She even worked for the New Zealand government on a tour of the US and Canada.

Agnes Murphy passed away in London in 1931. She was buried in Hampstead Cemetery.