Philanthropist. He was the only son of John Mullanphy, St. Louis' earliest millionaire. Educated in Europe, he was disinherited by his father because his expressions of generosity were considered to be "reckless habits," and the great Mullanphy fortune was divided among his seven sisters. They later re-divided their inheritance to include him. In 1840, he was appointed a Judge of the Circuit Court and in 1847 was elected Mayor of St. Louis. Never married, Mullanphy's will was in litigation for 9 years before being declared void because it was written while he was under the influence of alcohol. Rather than allowing such evidence to be admitted to the court and spoil his public image, his sisters relinquished their claims to his estate. Mullanphy founded the Travelers Aid Society, St. Vincent De Paul Society, Mullanphy Hospital, Mullanphy Park and Playground, Mullanphy School, Mullanphy Immigrant Home and countless other bequests to the poor and unfortunate who came to St. Louis in his era.
Philanthropist. He was the only son of John Mullanphy, St. Louis' earliest millionaire. Educated in Europe, he was disinherited by his father because his expressions of generosity were considered to be "reckless habits," and the great Mullanphy fortune was divided among his seven sisters. They later re-divided their inheritance to include him. In 1840, he was appointed a Judge of the Circuit Court and in 1847 was elected Mayor of St. Louis. Never married, Mullanphy's will was in litigation for 9 years before being declared void because it was written while he was under the influence of alcohol. Rather than allowing such evidence to be admitted to the court and spoil his public image, his sisters relinquished their claims to his estate. Mullanphy founded the Travelers Aid Society, St. Vincent De Paul Society, Mullanphy Hospital, Mullanphy Park and Playground, Mullanphy School, Mullanphy Immigrant Home and countless other bequests to the poor and unfortunate who came to St. Louis in his era.
Bio by: Connie Nisinger
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