Hon. Wm D. Murray, a Biographical Sketch

Source: Georgia and Florida Biographies [database on-line].
Original Data from Biographical Souvenir of the States of Georgia and Florida,
Containing Biographical Sketches of the Representative Public, and many
Early Settled Families in These States. F. A. Battey & Company, 1889.
Transcribed by S. Lincecum about 2005.

Hon. Wm. D. Murray, merchant of Ellaville, Schley County, Ga, was born in Houston County, Ga, June 20, 1844. His father, John S. Murray, was born in Burke County, Ga, in 1799, but when a young man moved to Houston County, where he resided until 1846, at which time he removed to Taylor County, Ga, where he died in 1868. He was a farmer by occupation and was always looked upon as a leader among farmers. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years before his death and a christian gentleman in every respect. His wife, Julia A. (Royal) Murray, was born in Burke County also; she bore him eight children, viz: Catherine C., Anthony R., Asa, Mary E., Dora A., Wm. D., Joanna J. and Arthur C.

William D. Murray was brought up on the farm in Taylor County and educated in the common schools. During the late war he served a short time in the Confederate service in the commissary department at Milledgeville, Ga. At the close of the conflict he turned his attention to schoolteaching and followed the same (giving some little attention to agricultural pursuits) until 1882, when he engaged in the cotton commission and mercantile business at Ellaville, Ga, in which he has become very successful. He started in life a poor boy, but by his great energy and close application to business has accumulated considerable property and is now regarded as one of the most substantial men financially in Schley County. In 1882-83 he represented Schley County in the legislature; in 1884-85 he represented Schley, Sumter and Macon counties in the State senate, and was one among the prominent members of both these bodies. December 20, 1871, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine E. Howe, daughter of John F. and Emaline (Raines) Howe, of Schley County. Mr. Murray is a member of the F. and A. M. fraternity and of the M. E. Church.