On September 28, 1899, Paul Laurence Dunbar was in Colorado seeking relief from tuberculosis. With him were his wife Alice and mother Matilda. A friend in Chicago wrote to Matilda about someone else named Paul.
I thought I would write a note to see how you like your new home. Rob, Leck and all the children send their love to you. I was very sorry that I did not see you again before you left. Paul Dunbar Murphy is growing fast. He notices everybody now and just laughs like a big baby. I hope you like your new home and that it will help your son.
Elinora to Matilda Dunbar, September 28, 1899. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
Elinora's letter referred to Paul's half-brother Robert Murphy, his wife Electra (known as Leck) and their young son who was named after Paul. A few months later, Leck wrote to Matilda and also mentioned little Paul.
I think of you every day, and wish you lived in Chicago, but we cannot have everything we cry for. You don't know how I miss you. And for a while it was real pitiful to see Paul, when we would ask where you were, he would go in your room and come out jabbering something. I suppose he was asking where you were.
Electra "Leck" Murphy to Matilda Dunbar, December 11, 1899. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
Paul Dunbar died in 1906 and was buried at Woodland Cemetery in Dayton. In 1909, when his gravesite was moved and a new tombstone installed, Paul Murphy participated in the dedication ceremony.
The monument was unveiled by the poet's favorite nephew, Paul Laurence Dunbar Murphy, aged 9, of Chicago. In compliance with a wish in one of the poet's death songs, a willow was planted Saturday over his grave.
"Riley Lauds Paul Dunbar." The Cleveland Gazette (Cleveland, Ohio). July 3, 1909. Page 1.
The planting of the willow tree was done by the nephew and namesake of the poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar [Murphy].
"In Memory of the Sweetest Singer of the Negro Race." The Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio). June 26, 1909. Page 14.
At the same time, an initiative began to create a college scholarship named for Paul Dunbar, and Paul Murphy was suggested as the first recipient.
Provision for three scholarships in the creation of the Dunbar memorial fund was recommended by the late Rev. Edward Everett Hale. He suggested that the monument be made as simple as possible and that the balance of the fund be used to create a scholarship. The mother of the late poet, Mrs. Matilda J. Dunbar, has suggested that the first to profit by the scholarship idea be Paul Laurence Dunbar [Murphy], her grandson.
"Dunbar Fund will Pay for Scholarships in Memory of Colored Poet." The Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio). June 28, 1909. Page 7.
I have given a good deal of time and attention to the scholarship -- but it is a labor of love -- not only because I am an admirer of your son's genius but out of memory to my own father who gave the best years of his life to the freedom and education of your race. I am sorry that the scholarship does not grow more rapidly. But I am far from discouraged and will work on, believing that we will finally succeed.
Davis W. Clark to Matilda Dunbar, June 28, 1910. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
Dr. Davis W. Clark, of Boston, is still working on the proposition of raising a fund for a Dunbar scholarship in Wilberforce University. The first incumbent will be Paul Laurence Dunbar Murphy, a nephew of the poet.
"The Paul Laurence Dunbar Scholarship." The Dayton Herald (Dayton, Ohio). April 12, 1911. Page 6.