Grayson M. P. Murphy

Grayson Mallet-Prevost Murphy Sr. (December 19, 1878 – October 18, 1937) was an American banker and company director.

Grayson M. P. Murphy
Grayson Mallet-Prevost Murphy in 1918
Born	December 19, 1878 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	October 18, 1937 Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
Alma mater	Haverford College United States Military Academy
Occupation	Businessman

Early life

Murphy was born on December 19, 1878 in Philadelphia and attended Haverford College. He served as a volunteer in the Spanish–American War, and later attended the United States Military Academy, graduating in 1903. He was a lieutenant in the Philippine–American War, in charge of operations, 42nd Division. He was a recipient of the Army Distinguished Service Medal, as authorized by Congress on July 9, 1918.[1]

Business career

Murphy was a senior vice president of Guaranty Trust Company. He was also Founder and Head of G.M.-P. Murphy & Co. He served on the boards of directors of the Anaconda Copper Mining Company, Guaranty Trust Company, New York Trust Company, Bethlehem Steel, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, New York Railways, Fifth Avenue Coach Company, and Chicago Motor Coach Company.

Civic activities

Murphy was very active in the Association Against the Prohibition Amendment and voiced his opposition to the 18th Amendment at a Congressional hearing. His efforts contributed to the repeal of prohibition in the United States. He was the first European Commissioner of the American Red Cross during World War I.[2] Murphy was also implicated in the 1935 Business Plot exposed by General Smedley Butler to overthrow President Franklin Roosevelt in a military coup.

Murphy was the chief commissioner of the American Red Cross in Europe, and treasurer of the American Liberty League.

Death

Murphy died on October 18, 1937 in Manhattan, New York City.[3] His funeral was held at St. James Protestant Episcopal Church at Seventy-first Street and Madison Avenue in Manhattan.[4]

References

1. "Grayson M. P. Murphy: Army Distinguished Service Medal". Military Times. July 10, 1918.
2. "Major Grayson M.-P. Murphy". The Red Cross Bulletin. January 21, 1918. Retrieved 2018-02-22.
3. "Died: Grayson M.P. Murphy". Time magazine. November 1, 1937. Retrieved 2007-03-16.
4. "Rites for Colonel Murphy. Funeral Services Will Be Held Here Today for Financier". New York Times. October 20, 1937. Retrieved 2016-01-22.

Further reading

• "Major Murphy Sees His Duty in Army" (PDF). The New York Times. 1918-01-07. Retrieved 2009-01-06.

• Murphy, Grayson M.-P. (1918). "What the American Red Cross has been doing the past year". (address given on January 23, 1918 at a meeting in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New York): printed for distribution by the New England Division, American Red Cross: 15 pages. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)CS1 maint: location (link)