Madalyn Murray O’Hair

Date of Birth: April 13, 1919

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: September 29, 1995

Biography

Madalyn Murray O’Hair was a prominent American atheist activist and writer, recognized as one of the most influential atheists in the history of the United States. She was born as Madalyn Mays in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. O’Hair is best known for her role in the landmark Supreme Court case Murray v. Curlett, which led to the prohibition of mandatory prayer and Bible reading in public schools. O’Hair’s activism began in earnest in the late 1950s and early 1960s when she founded American Atheists, an organization dedicated to defending the civil liberties of atheists and advocating for the complete separation of church and state. Her outspoken views and public appearances made her a highly controversial figure, often referred to as “the most hated woman in America.” Throughout her life, O’Hair published numerous writings and made regular appearances on radio and television, where she debated religious figures and promoted atheism. Her work extended beyond activism; she also contributed to various publications and authored several books on atheism and secularism. Her life came to a tragic end in 1995 when she, along with her son Jon Garth Murray and granddaughter Robin Murray O’Hair, were kidnapped and murdered by former American Atheists office manager David Roland Waters and his accomplices.

5 Interesting Facts about Madalyn Murray O’Hair

1. Madalyn Murray O’Hair was the founder and first president of American Atheists.

2. She was instrumental in the 1963 Supreme Court case that ended Bible reading in American public schools.

3. O’Hair was a prolific writer, contributing to atheist literature and penning several books.

4. She was often referred to as “the most hated woman in America” due to her outspoken atheism.

5. Her tragic kidnapping and murder in 1995 shocked the nation and underscored the dangers faced by outspoken activists.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Madalyn Murray O’Hair

1. “An atheist believes that a hospital should be built instead of a church.”

2. “An atheist strives for involvement in life and not escape into death.”

3. “Religion has caused more misery to all of mankind in every stage of human history than any other single idea.”

4. “Religion is a crutch, and only the crippled need crutches.”

5. “No god ever gave any man anything, nor ever answered any prayer at any time – nor ever will.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Madalyn Murray O’Hair’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $500,000.

Children

Madalyn Murray O’Hair had two sons: William J. Murray, who later became a Christian evangelist, and Jon Garth Murray, who was actively involved in her atheist activism and was tragically murdered alongside her.