William Murray (New York politician)

Not to be confused with William J. Murray (politician).

William Murray (October 1, 1803 – August 25, 1875) was an American banker and politician who served two terms as a United States representative from New York from 1851 to 1855.

William Murray
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York
In office March 4, 1851 – March 3, 1855
Preceded by	Thomas McKissock
Succeeded by	Ambrose S. Murray
Constituency	9th district (1851–1853) 10th district (1853–1855)
Personal details
Born	(1803-10-25)October 25, 1803 Middletown, Orange County, New York, U.S.
Died	August 25, 1875(1875-08-25) (aged 71) Goshen, Orange County, New York, U.S.
Resting place	Saint James Cemetery, Goshen, New York
Political party	Democratic (before 1856) Republican (from 1856)
Spouse	Ellen Maria Matlack (m. 1837-1875, his death)
Occupation	Banker

Biography

Murray was born near Middletown, New York on October 1, 1803,^[1] a son of William Murray Sr. and Mary Ann (Beakes) Murray. His siblings included Ambrose S. Murray.^[1]

Early career

William Murray attended the common schools, and was employed as a clerk in mercantile establishments, first in Middletown, and later in New York City.^[1] He subsequently engaged in a successful mercantile career in Goshen.^[1] In 1844, he was chosen as one of New York's presidential electors, and cast his ballot for the Democratic ticket of James K. Polk and George M. Dallas.^[2]

Congress

In 1850, Murray was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Democrat, representing New York in the 32nd Congress.^[1] He was reelected to the 33rd Congress and served from March 4, 1851, to March 3, 1855.^[1]

Later career and death

After leaving Congress, Murray engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was an organizer of the Republican Party in New York.^[1] He served as president of the Goshen Bank from 1857 until his death.^[1]

Murray died in Goshen on August 25, 1875.^[1] He was interred at St. James' Episcopal Cemetery in Goshen.^[3]

Family

In 1837, Murray married Ellen Maria Matlack of New York City.^[4] They were married until his death, and their children included sons Henry (1841–1874), Robert (1843–1903), and William (1844–1897) and daughter Abbey (1846–1929), the wife of William D. Van Vliet.^[5]

References

1. Joint Committee on Printing, U.S. Congress (1928). Biographical Directory of the American Congress. 1774–1927. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office. p. 1347 – via Google Books.
2. "The Electoral College". The Evening Post. New York, NY. December 5, 1844. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
3. Spencer, Thomas E. (1998). Where They're Buried. Baltimore, MD: Clearfield Company. p. 247. ISBN 978-0-8063-4823-0 – via Google Books.
4. "Married: William Murray, Junr. and Ellen Maria Matlack". The Evening Post. New York, NY. July 15, 1837. p. 3 – via Newspapers.com.
5. "Death Notice, Mrs. Ellen Maria Murray". The Argus. Middletown, NY. September 20, 1895. p. 5 – via Newspapers.com.

External links

• United States Congress. "William Murray (id: M001116)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• William Murray at Find a Grave

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Thomas McKissock	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 9th congressional district March 4, 1851 – March 3, 1853	Succeeded by Jared V. Peck
Preceded by Marius Schoonmaker	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 10th congressional district March 4, 1853 – March 3, 1855	Succeeded by Ambrose S. Murray