Bronze plaque mounted on a small brick wall in front of the Cookstown Post Office. It bears the coat of arms of Simcoe County in the bottom right corner. The inscription reads: "Emily (Ferguson) Murphy, born on a nearby farm, was raised in Cookstown. In 1887 she married Rev. Arthur Murphy, whose work took them to many Ontario towns and to England. Later they moved west, settling in Edmonton in 1907. A successful author, she wrote "Janey Canuck in the West" and other books and articles. A pioneer feminist, she fought daringly and stubbornly for women's rights. In 1916 she became the first woman Police Magistrate in the British Empire and Judge of the Alberta Juvenile Court. She was first President of Federated Women's Institutes of Canada 1919-21. She led the movement for recognition in 1929 of women as persons eligible for appointment to the Senate. Her character was warm, happy, determined and compassionate. "Janey Canuck" was an outstanding citizen, a great person. Erected by Simcoe County Historical Assosciation 1978"
