William Alfred (Billy) Murphy (1858–1929)
William Murphy, n.d.
The death at Fremantle of Mr. William Alfred Murphy, secretary and organiser of the local Ugly Men's Associatton, removes a striking personality from the Port. English born, he was 71 at the time of his demise. He began life as an apprentice before the mast, and subsequently had a good deal of seafaring life. He was eventually in business in Sydney, and was a member of the first Labor Ministry in New South Wales. In 1893 he came to Fremantle, where he entered the Customs Department service. After eight years he entered into a private Customs agency business. He was Mayor of Fremantle for nine years, and for a brief period during 1910-11 represented the Port in the Legislative Assembly. During recent years his health had not been good, but he interested himself in and helped many charitable societies. There has not been in W.A. a more bohemian and jovial figure in local Parliamentary and municipal politics than the late Mr. Murphy, he being deeply mourned by all who knew him.
Original publication
Additional Resources and Scholarship
- interview, Daily Telegraph (Sydney), 7 February 1890, p 6
- profile, Daily Telegraph (Sydney), 3 July 1891, p 3
- profile, Freeman's Journal (Sydney), 4 July 1891, p 16
- speech at election rally, Sydney Morning Herald, 16 June 1894, p 7
- is standing for WA parliament, Truth (Perth), 4 June 1910, p 9
- profile, Evening Mail (Fremantle, WA), 10 June 1910, p 1
- tribute, Western Mail (Perth, WA), 26 July 1928, p 43
Related Entries in NCB Sites
Citation details
'Murphy, William Alfred (Billy) (1858–1929)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/murphy-william-alfred-billy-32851/text40916, accessed 13 April 2025.
William Murphy, n.d.
Life Summary [details]
Birth
3 March,
1858
Formby,
Lancashire,
England
Death
11 October,
1929
(aged 71)
Fremantle,
Western Australia,
Australia
Cultural Heritage
Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.
Religious Influence
Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.
Occupation or Descriptor
- customs officer
- labour politician
- liberal/conservative politician
- local government councillor
- local government head
- magistrate
- Member of Lower House
- merchant sailor
- merchant ship's master
- pro-conscriptionist
- shipping agent
- trade union official
Key Events
Key Organisations
- All-British Association (WA)
- Fremantle Bowling Club (WA)
- Fremantle Businessmen's Association (WA)
- Fremantle Literary Institute (WA)
- Fremantle Prison (WA)
- Mercantile Marine Officers' Association of Australasia (NSW)
- Australasian Federation League of New South Wales
- Ugly Men's Voluntary Workers' Association of WA
- Infant Welfare Association of WA
- Silver Chain Nursing League (WA)