William Murray (New York 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.

Not to be confused with William J. Murray (politician).
William Murray
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York
In office
March 4, 1851 – March 3, 1855
Preceded byThomas McKissock
Succeeded byAmbrose S. Murray
Constituency9th district (1851–1853)
10th district (1853–1855)
Personal details
Born(1803-10-25)October 25, 1803
Middletown, Orange County, New York, U.S.
DiedAugust 25, 1875(1875-08-25) (aged 71)
Goshen, Orange County, New York, U.S.
Resting placeSaint James Cemetery, Goshen, New York
Political partyDemocratic (before 1856)
Republican (from 1856)
SpouseEllen Maria Matlack (m. 1837-1875, his death)
OccupationBanker

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.
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