Biographies - Elmira Township

George Murray, son of Thomas and Janet (Scott) Murray, whose history is given in this chapter, was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland, May 12,1840.

He came to the United States with his parents in 1853, and here completed a liberal education. On growing to manhood he purchased eighty acres and at once engaged in agriculture and stock-raising. In 1867 he added eighty acres, sold the 160 acres in 1874, and the same year purchased 240 acres on sec. 27; 80 acres on sec. 26, and eighty acres on sec. 24, to which he has since added 160 acres. With this well-improved farm of 560 acres he has one of the finest farm residences in the whole county, which was completed last year, lawn and grounds well laid out and planted with ornamental trees and shrubbery, one of the best equipped farm yards in the county—all the result of a quarter century's attention to his business and an intelligent appreciation of the true position which a farmer should occupy.

He was married in 1866 to Miss Lusetta, daughter of Smith and Sarah (Jordan) Woodward, natives of Pennsylvania.

Of eight children born to them, seven are living, namely:—Orville, Margaret J., Nina J., Smith A., Lusetta, John T., and Evalina, all residing at home or attending school.

In politics he is a Republican, but farther than inquiring closely into a candidate's principles he does not meddle much in them. School interests always claim his attention and he is now school trustee.

In religious matters he is not a church member but supports the United Presbyterian Society. He commenced his battle with the world "barehanded" and conquered it.