Biographies - Elmira Township

William Murray, son of Thomas and Janet (Scott) Murray, natives of Scotland, was born in Roxburghshire, May 22, 1835. Mr. Murray's father was born September 10, 1807 and his mother 1806. Both were descended from a long line of farmers, and when coming to America, in 1853, with their six children, their intention was to adhere to this independent life. The father died here August 8, 1854, his wife survived to see her highest hopes for the family realized, and died here May 27, 1873.

William Murray is the third son of this family. David and Gideon, his elder brothers, reside in Elmira and Toulon, respectively: Agnes and George also reside here, while Thomas, the youngest, lives at Des Moines, Iowa.

In February, 1863, William married Miss Isabelle, daughter of Robert A. and Hannah Faerbairn, Scottish farmers, who came to the United States in July, 1859. Mr. Murray purchased eighty acres in Elmira, which he sold in a few years and settled on a farm of 160 acres in Toulon township. After a residence of nine years there, he sold that farm and purchased 240 acres in Elmira, where he has made his home since and erected one of those comfortable farm residences common in this township.

To Mr. and Mrs. Murray seven children were born, the oldest dying in infancy, six now living, namely: Hannah, Thomas S., James, Janet E., Agnes J. and Eliza, all residing with parents.

The family belong to the United Presbyterian Church, and like their father are Republican in sentiment arid practice. To follow Mr. Murray's connection with the social, official and industrial life of the township and county rather belongs to history than to biography, and therefore, in the pages devoted to history, many references to him are made.