Mary L. Stuart James was born in Deerfield, New Hampshire on September 1, 1846, the daughter of Capt.

[2] In the autumn of 1866, MacMurphy became head of the Senior department of the Albany Female Academy, a position she held for several years.

[3] Later, at the request of Eben S. Stearns, Principal, she accepted the position of preceptress at Robinson Female Seminary.

In 1895, she was called to Chicago as head of the history department in the Waller High School, remaining until 1911.

She served as chair of the Art Department, New Hampshire Federation of Women's Clubs, 1915–17.

By 1919, MacMurphy was residing in Derry Village, New Hampshire,[2] where she died at her home on January 31, 1934, aged 87.