Murray Surname

The Murray surname is Scottish. I do not know the meaning of the name. Surviving family histories are not consistent on the origin of our Murray family. One source indicates our family came from Scotland, another source indicates that they came from England, and a third source indicates that they came from England via Ireland. The greatest likelihood is that the family was "Scotch-Irish"; or Scottish people who settled for generations in Ireland before many emigrated to America.

George Murray was born circa 1730, possibly in Ireland. He died circa 1772 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania.

According to family history, he emigrated from Ireland to Philadelphia, was a tanner, owned one slave and died at the age of 42.

1	Levi Murray

Levi Murray was born on November 20, 1758 ¹³, probably in Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania. He died in 1846 ¹⁴ in Gregg Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania. He is buried in the Madisonburg Lutheran and Refomed Church Cemetery, Madisonburg, Centre Co., Pennsylvania.

Levi was a tanner by trade. He was apparently born and raised in Philadelphia, but moved to Bucks County, Pennsylvania in his youth. Between 1787 and 1794, Levi was documented as living with his family in Bucks County (in Rock Hill Township and Durham Township). Sometime during the 1790s, he moved with his family west to what is now Union County, Pennsylvania; where they were living in 1799 and 1800. Then in about 1801, Levi moved with his family to Penns Valley in Centre County, Pennsylvania, where they remained. While living in Centre County, they were in the part of Potter Township that became Gregg Township in 1826. There, they were probably in the northeast part of the township and probably attended church in the village of Madisonburg, in neighboring Miles Township.

Levi wrote his will on June 19, 1839, in which he described all of his children. He died sometime in late 1846 (his tombstone provided his death year as 1846 and family history recorded his death in the winter of 1846). He had definitely died before April 1847, when his estate was probated in Centre County.

She was probably the daughter of Peter and Hannah Bleiler of Lower Milford Township, Bucks (now Lehigh) County, Pennsylvania. Peter died in 1779 and in a 1780 court record regarding his estate, his daughter named Elizabeth was described as being a minor over the age of 14 years (or born between 1759 and 1766).

1	Jacob Murray
2	William Murray was born on October 15, 1789 13,15 in Bucks Co., Pennsylvania. He died on December 17, 1857 15 in Centre Co., Pennsylvania. William never married or had any children. He served in the War of 1812 with his brother George. He afterwards worked as a farmer and lived with his brothers in Centre County, Pennsylvania.
3	George Murray was born on March 10, 1791 13 in Bucks Co., Pennsylvania. He died on September 13, 1878 in Harris Twp., Centre Co., Pennsylvania. He married Nancy McNabb on June 10, 1819 in Centre Co., Pennsylvania. She was born on May 4, 1799 in Pennsylvania and died on November 4, 1867 in Harris Twp., Centre Co., Pennsylvania. They had the following children: Eliza Murray (1820-1914) md. Jacob Houser Margaret Murray (1822-1873) md. John Sauer Sarah Murray (1823-died young) Jared Darius Murray (1826-1913) md. Mary Ann Hoffer Mary Jane Murray (1828-1838) Hannah Murray (1830-1885) md. John Sauer Alexander Murray (1832-1900) md. Mary Clark John Elias Murray (1835-1916) md. 1st ??? Comly md. 2nd Mary Ann Steele William Abner Murray (1838-1918) md. Lucy Alexander Almira Murray (1840-1921) md. Samuel Thompson Smith Levi Murray (1842-1894) md. Rebecca Harter
4	John Murray was born on November 28, 1792 13 in Bucks Co., Pennsylvania. He died in 1873 in Centre Co., Pennsylvania. John never married or had any children.
5	Catherine Murray was born on April 16, 1794 13 in Bucks Co., Pennsylvania. She died on November 9, 1876 in Portage, Wood Co., Ohio. She married George Zeigler circa 1815 in Centre Co., Pennsylvania. He was born on March 31, 1795 in Baltimore, Baltimore Co., Maryland and died on October 16, 1865 in Portage, Wood Co., Ohio. They had the following children: William Zeigler (1816-1903) md. Margaret Sweet George Zeigler (1818-1899) md. Catharine Barton John Zeigler (1819-aft. 1840) Hannah Zeigler (1821-1909) md. Stephen Landers Susanna "Susan" Zeigler (1822-1897) md. Daniel Sigafoos Elizabeth Zeigler (1824-1916) md. James Loker Levi Zeigler (1827-1910) md. 1st Clarinda O. Lary md. 2nd Catharine Van Veleer md. 3rd Frances Izora Becker Daniel Zeigler (1828-1908) md. Mary Ann Beigh James H. Zeigler (1830-1911) md. 1st Mary J. Mader md. 2nd Olive Barr Mary Zeigler (1832-1898) md. Matthew Irwin Ann Zeigler (1833-1860) md. William H. Lee Frances "Fanny" J. Zeigler (1836-1921) md. Henry R. Longacre Catherine Zeigler (1838-aft. 1850) Andrew Zeigler (1841-aft. 1850) Lafayette Marquis Zeigler Foster (1845-1920) md. Jane Henry George was a farmer. After their marriage, they lived for about 10 years in Centre Co., Pennsylvania. In about 1827 they moved to Venango Co., Pennsylvania and remained there about 20 years. In about 1845, they moved out west to Ohio. They lived in Ashland County, Ohio; then in Seneca County, Ohio; before settling in Wood County, Ohio during the late 1850s. George and Catherine remained there until their deaths.
6	Mary Murray was born on February 2, 1796 13 in Pennsylvania. She died on August 11, 1865 in Centre Co., Pennsylvania. She married Michael Zeigler circa 1821 in Centre Co., Pennsylvania. He was born on January 12, 1800 in Baltimore, Baltimore Co., Maryland and died on April 20, 1873 in Centre Co., Pennsylvania. They had the following children: Elizabeth Jane Zeigler (1823-1876) md. David Krape Levi Zeigler (c. 1825-???) Henry Zeigler (1826-1915) md. Mary Anderson William E. Zeigler (1828-1905) md. Elizabeth Krape Peter Zeigler (1830-1904) md. Leah Ruhl John Zeigler (1832-1883) Mary Ann Zeigler (1836-1884) md. Isaac Shoemaker Frain
7	Peter Murray was born on August 26, 1800 13 in Pennsylvania. He died in 1871 15 in Patton Twp., Centre Co., Pennsylvania. He is buried in the Grays Cemetery, Half Moon Twp., Centre Co., Pennsylvania. He married Elizabeth Anspach. She was born circa 1808 in Pennsylvania and died in 1892 in Patton Twp., Centre Co., Pennsylvania. She is buried in the Grays Cemetery, Half Moon Twp., Centre Co., Pennsylvania. They had the following children: Catherine A. Murray (c. 1830-1903) Mary Ann Murray (c. 1832-1892) Emma Margaret Murray (1839-1911) md. William Franklin Moyer Anna Elizabeth Murray (1841-1918) md. Robert Craig Neill Peter was a farmer. From 1856 to 1869, he was the postmaster of Buffalo Run, Pennsylvania. After the death of his older brother William, he apparently supported and provided a home for his other brothers John and Jacob.
8	Levi Murray was born on March 11, 1803 13 in Centre Co., Pennsylvania. He died before August 21, 1862 in Brady Twp., Clearfield Co., Pennsylvania. He married Maria Passmore. She was born in Bellefonte, Centre Co., Pennsylvania. They had the following children: Anna Rebecca Murray (1835-1921) md. Jesse Lee Test Ellen Maria Murray (1838-1918) Charles Murray (c. 1843-???)
9	Hannah Murray was born on August 21, 1808 13 in Centre Co., Pennsylvania. She died on May 7, 1894 in Marion Twp., Centre Co., Pennsylvania. She married John Duey on December 29, 1841 in Centre Co., Pennsylvania. They had one child: Elizabeth P. Duey (1843-1919)

Jacob Murray was born on December 4, 1787 ¹³ in Bucks Co., Pennsylvania. He died before March 22, 1861, probably in Patton Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania.

Father: Levi Murray
Mother: Elizabeth Blyler

Jacob apparently moved out of his parents' home before the 1810 census. Eventually he moved south to Woodbury Township, Bedford County, Pennsylvania. He was taxed there as a single freeman in 1815 and 1816, and was married soon after. Jacob was taxed or enumerated in Bedford County relatively continuously between 1816 and 1856. He and his family apparently lived both in the borough (village) of Martinsburg (in what is now Blair County, Pennsylvania) and also on rural land south of Martinsburg (in what is now Woodbury Township in Bedford County, Pennsylvania).

Jacob was apparently poor throughout his life. In surviving records, his occupation was always listed as laborer. He did not own any real estate and the only property he was ever taxed for was one cow. In 1825, his two oldest children were on the "poor gratis" list, meaning their parents were unable to pay for their education and relied on public funds. Later, one of his children lived most of her life in the county's poor house.

Sometime between 1856 and 1859, Jacob moved back to Centre County, Pennsylvania to live with his brother Peter. In 1860, Jacob was enumerated there in Patton Township. Jacob died sometime between August 2, 1860 (the census enumeration date) and March 22, 1861 (the date that John B. Longenecker was appointed administrator of his estate in Bedford County). His estate record was probated in Bedford County and described him as "late of Middle Woodbury Township". Although this suggests that he died in Bedford County, he most likely died while living with his brother in Centre County and his estate was just probated in the county where he had spent most of his life.

Mary Ann moved with her family from Frederick County, Maryland to Bedford County, Pennsylvania in 1800 or 1801.

The spelling of their last name has varied wildly in surviving records, including: Compson, Comston, Cumpston, Compston, Cumston, Cumpson, and Crumson. It seems that the spelling "Compson" became the standardized spelling for most descendants.

* Although Mary definitely died between 1836 and 1842, she had most likely died before 1838 when her brother and sister sold land from their father's estate without her.

1	Joshua Murray was born circa 1818 in Martinsburg, Bedford (now Blair) Co., Pennsylvania. He died sometime between 1842 and 1862. In 1840, he was living in Ohio. He apparently died without being married or leaving any children.
2	James Murray
3	Levi Murray was born circa 1822 in Martinsburg, Bedford (now Blair) Co., Pennsylvania. He died in April 1866 in Jo Daviess Co., Illinois. He is buried in the Clay Cemetery, Berreman Twp., Jo Daviess Co., Illinois. He married Mary Sheetz on September 26, 1848 at Yellow Creek, Stephenson Co., Illinois. She was born circa 1824 in Pennsylvania and died after 1880, probably in Nebraska. They had the following children: Elizabeth Murray (c. 1853-aft. 1880) Catherine Murray (c. 1855-aft. 1883) md. Daniel W. Dimmick Jeremiah "Jerry" Murray (1857-1926) md. Clara L. Myers Parmelia "Millie" Murray (c. 1860-c. 1882) md. Delmer W. McMurphy Ellen "Ella" Murray (c. 1863-1934) md. Joseph P. Dillon Levi moved west to Illinois sometime before 1848. Most likely he moved there in 1845 with his brother James. He settled in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, where he lived in Berreman Township. There he lived just across the county line (less than 10 miles away) from his brother James. Levi served in the Union Army during the Civil War. He enlisted in March 1865 and served for 9 months before his discharge at Norfolk, Virginia. Levi returned home and died 4 months later, probably at his home in Jo Daviess County, Illinois. Afterwards his widow and children moved to Stephenson County, Illinois and later to Nebraska.
4	Jacob C. Murray was born in September 1824 16 in Martinsburg, Bedford (now Blair) Co., Pennsylvania. He died in March 1879 16, probably in Huntingdon Co., Pennsylvania. He is buried in the Shaffersville Cemetery, Shaffersville, Huntingdon Co., Pennsylvania. He married Anna Hetrick circa 1853 in Pennsylvania. She was born in October 1824 16 and died in September 1877 16. She is buried in the Shaffersville Cemetery, Shaffersville, Huntingdon Co., Pennsylvania. They had the following children: Mary Catherine Murray (1855-1935) Isaiah Hetrick Murray (c. 1857-1941) md. 1st. Meriam Stantler Holsapple md. 2nd. Edna Frost William Murray (1858-1938) md. Matilda C. Kreiger George Murray (c. 1861-???) Jacob was a day laborer and moved frequently during his adulthood. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War.
5	Sarah Murray was born on or about September 11, 1828 in Martinsburg, Bedford (now Blair) Co., Pennsylvania 17. She died on September 27, 1888 in Warriors Mark Twp., Huntingdon Co., Pennsylvania 17. She is buried in the Shiloh Cemetery, College Twp., Centre Co., Pennsylvania. She married William Shadel sometime between 1850 and 1853 in Pennsylvania. He was born circa 1831 in Pennsylvania and died on October 27, 1888 in Warriors Mark Twp., Huntingdon Co., Pennsylvania. He is buried in the Shiloh Cemetery, College Twp., Centre Co., Pennsylvania. They had the following children Lucy A. Shadel (1853-1895) md. Conrad Fogleman Jacob Murray Shadel (c. 1855-1899) Catherine Emma Shadel (1857-1940) md. Charles Bathgate Elizabeth F. Shadel (1860-1920) Mary Alice Shadel (1864-1945) md. Charles W. Wasson Susan Etta Shadel (1867-1934) Laura J. Shadel (1870-1946) md. John I. Bennett In 1850, Sarah was living in Middle Woodbury Township in the household of Christian and Elizabeth Sauder. After their marriage, Sarah and William lived for several years in Half Moon Township in Centre County. Then, sometime between 1862 and 1870, they moved to nearby Warriors Mark Township in Huntingdon County, where they remained. Sarah was a member of a Presbyterian church at the time of her death.
6	Elizabeth Murray was born circa 1832 in Woodbury Twp., Bedford Co., Pennsylvania. She died after 1900, probably in Bedford Twp., Bedford Co., Pennsylvania. Elizabeth never married. She apparently had some kind of mental disorder (in 1870 she was described as "insane"). In 1844, she entered the Bedford County Alms House [Poor House] and lived there for the next 50+ years. She probably died there between 1900 and 1910.
6	John C. (or R.) Murray was born circa 1833 in Woodbury Twp., Bedford Co., Pennsylvania. He died after 1880, probably in Taylorville, Christian Co., Illinois. He married Lucy Ann Weaver on May 26, 1853 in St. Clair Co., Illinois. She was born circa 1832 in Illinois and died after 1880, probably in Taylorville, Christian Co., Illinois. They had the following children: Nancy J. Murray (c. 1854-aft. 1865) William A. Murray (1856-1923) md. Emma O. Powers John Riley Murray (1859-1941) md. Mary Etta Powers James W. Murray (1860-1940) Flora A. Murray (1863-1939) Mary "Mattie" E. Murray (1865-1925) md. James R. Berry Levi Murray (1868-1940) md. Ollie C. Williams Wayland "Wade" Murray (1874-1956) md. 1st Claudia B. Frost md. 2nd Hattie Rogers md. 3rd Nona Fay Linn John was a farmer. He moved out west to Illinois during the 1840s, probably in the example of his older brothers. In 1850, he was living in Monroe Co., Illinois. In 1853, he married in neighboring St. Clair Co., Illinois. He and his wife settled in Washington Co., Illinois, where they lived for about 20 years. Then in about 1875, the family moved to Christian Co., Illinois, where they remained.
8	Jemimah Murray was born after 1830 in Woodbury Twp., Bedford Co., Pennsylvania. She died after 1863. A "Jemima Murray" was described as one of the minor children of her parents in 1842. Then a "Jemimah Murray" of Mahaska County, Iowa was listed as one of the surviving heirs of Jacob Murray in 1862 and 1863. She has not been located in any other record and nothing else about her is known. Presumably, she moved out west with (or in the example of) her brothers (James, Levi and John); but does not appear to have lived with any of them.
9	George Murray was born after 1830 in Woodbury Twp., Bedford Co., Pennsylvania. He died sometime between 1842 and 1862. George was described as a child of Jacob and Mary Ann Murray in 1842 legal records, but had died sometime before 1862, when he was not listed as a surviving heir. It is possible he was the 14-year old George Murry who in 1850 was living in the house of William and Barbara Loose in North Woodbury Township in Blair County, Pennsylvania.

3rd Generation: James Murray was born on December 30, 1819 in Martinsburg, Bedford (now Blair) County, Pennsylvania 1,2,3. He died on May 3, 1885 in Manzanita Pct. (now Medford), Jackson Co., Oregon 1,3. He is buried in the Central Point I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Central Point, Jackson Co., Oregon. Father: Jacob Murray Mother: Mary Ann Compston Until recently, there was nothing known of James' parentage. His obituary only mentions that he was born at Martinsburg, Pennsylvania and moved to Illinois in 1845. Recent DNA research though revealed that he was somehow related to the family Levi and Elizabeth Murray of Centre Co., Pennsylvania. The strongest candidate for his father was their son Jacob Murray who in 1820 was living in Woodbury, Pennsylvania (the documented birthplace of James in 1819). The theory was solidified with an 1899 legal record in which James' daughters Mary Merriman and Ella Maule described themselves as the first cousins of Jacob M. Shadel (son of Sarah Murray Shadel). Then later we were able to locate legal records that specifically described James and his siblings as the children of Jacob and Mary Ann Murray. James was apparently enumerated in his father's household in 1820 and 1830. He was still living in Bedford County, Pennsylvania in 1840 when his older brother deeded him his interest in their family property. He moved out west to Illinois in 1845, when he was 24. He probably moved out west with his brother Levi. He was living in Stephenson County in 1850, boarding with a German family. Later the same year he married Flora Bartlow and they lived first in Loran Township and then in Jefferson Township, but were always in the vicinity of the community of Pearl City. They had 12 children, of whom 8 lived to adulthood. James and Flora eventually decided to move away from Illinois. In the fall of 1871, James and his family left Illinois and moved to southern Oregon.They purchased a farm of 160 acres along Bear Creek in what was called Manzanita Precinct, several miles northeast of Jacksonville. This farm was close to two cities that would spring up around them: Central Point and Medford. Today the land is within Medford's city limits and is bordered by the Crater Lake Highway. A Wal-Mart store sits on part of the land. According to James' obituary, James was raised as a Methodist Episcopalian, but changed his religious affiliation (the obituary is cut off there). James Murray died at his farm in Manzanita Precinct on May 3, 1885 from "paralysis of the heart," at the age of 65 years. He married Flora Ann Bartlow on November 3, 1850 in Loran Twp., Stephenson Co., Illinois 4.

They had the following children:

1	David Murray was born on August 29, 1851 in Loran Twp., Stephenson Co., Illinois 2. He died on December 2, 1855 in Loran Twp., Stephenson Co., Illinois 2.
2	Samuel H. Murray was born on June 3, 1853 in Loran Twp., Stephenson Co., Illinois 2. He died on September 8, 1918 in Central Point, Jackson Co., Oregon 5. He is buried in the Central Point I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Central Point, Jackson Co., Oregon. He married Martha Richardson on May 11, 1879 in Millville, Shasta Co., California. (She was born in March 1862 in Iowa and died on February 7, 1947 in Medford, Jackson Co., Oregon. She is buried in the Central Point I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Central Point, Jackson Co., Oregon.) They had the following children: Ruby Everett Murray (1880-1949) md. Daisy May Vanderkarr Olive J. Murray (1883-1901) Myrtle Ellen Murray (1885-aft. 1947) md. 1st. George Frederick Hamlin md. 2nd. Hayes Anna Lavena Murray (1889-1967) md. 1st. William Franklin Kelsoe md. 2nd. Patrick Marshall Morrison
3	James Murray was born on August 30, 1854 in Loran Twp., Stephenson Co., Illinois 2. He died on June 18, 1856 in Loran Twp., Stephenson Co., Illinois 2.
4	George W. Murray was born on November 15, 1855 in Loran Twp., Stephenson Co., Illinois 2. He died on November 7, 1930 in Hanford, Kings Co., California. He married Mary Isabell Merritt on May 11, 1879 in Millville, Shasta Co., California. (She was born on March 24, 1860 in Fox River Twp, Davis Co., Iowa. She died on March 3, 1935 in Hanford, Kings Co., California.) They had the following children: James Murray (c. 1880-bef. 1900) George Carl Murray (1882-1963) md. Ethel Linn Chester William Murray (1886-1953) md. Nola Owens Flora Jewel Murray (1889-1976) md. Owens Gladeus V. Murray (1891-1968) md. Louis C. Saylor
5	Mary Elizabeth Murray
6	John B(artlow?) Murray was born on November 15, 1858 in Loran Twp., Stephenson Co., Illinois 1,2. He died on January 31, 1883 in Manzanita Pct. (now Medford), Jackson Co., Oregon 1,2. He is buried in the Central Point I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Central Point, Jackson Co., Oregon.
7	infant male Murray was born and died on September 16, 1860 in Loran Twp., Stephenson Co.,Illinois 2.
8	infant male Murray was born and died on September 16, 1860 in Loran Twp., Stephenson Co., Illinois 2. (was twin to #7 above.)
9	Eleanor "Ella" Murray was born on August 27, 1861 in Loran Twp., Stephenson Co., Illinois 2. She died on December 4, 1931 in Multnomah, Multnomah Co., Oregon 6. She married Milton L. Maule on August 27, 1885 in Jackson Co., Oregon. (He was born in January 1853 in Ohio and died on December 7, 1902 in Medford, Jackson Co., Oregon.) They had the following children: Eleanor Flora Maule (1886-1955) Azariah Lewis Maule (1888-1961) md. Anita Cosgrove Roy Levi Maule (1889-1940) md. 1st Daisy Jersy Hockett md. 2nd Vera Ruby Nelson John Howell Maule (1892-1957) md. Mabel Garness Ellis Blanche Gladys Maule (1894-1925) md. Arthur West
10	Sarah Jane Murray was born on June 3, 1863 in Loran Twp., Stephenson Co., Illinois 2. She died on December 11, 1920 in Beagle, Jackson Co., Oregon 7. She married Monroe H. Gorden on November 27, 1884 in Jackson Co., Oregon. (He was born on August 25, 1858 in Decatur, Decatur Co., Iowa and died on March 26, 1944 in Medford, Jackson Co., Oregon.) They had the following children: Clara A. Gorden (1885-1968) md. Clarence Elcanie Wilhite Pearl Gorden (1887-1898) Milly Hazel Gorden (1889-1986) md. Elbert Leadner Glass Bessie Gorden (1892-1969) md. Earl M. Case Olive Gorden (1894-1976) md. Jesse Walker Martha Gorden (1896-1985) md. James Edward Rodgers Samuel Alfred Gorden (1899-1965)
11	William M. Murray was born on April 2, 1866 in Loran Twp., Stephenson Co., Illinois 2. He died on April 17, 1921 in Ashland, Jackson Co., Oregon 8. He married Addie Wilson on October 2, 1889 in Jackson Co., Oregon. (She was born circa 1871 in Oregon and died after 1921.) They had the following children: Grace Murray (1891-1957) md. Ernest Albert Schatzman Fred M. Murray (1894-1972) Gladys Murray (1898-1980) md. 1st. Cicero Grimms md. 2nd. Roscoe Blaine Miller
12	Anna E. Murray was born on January 16, 1868 in Loran Twp., Stephenson Co., Illinois 2. She died on March 28, 1905 in Ashland, Jackson Co., Oregon. She married Horace Greeley Fairclo on February 13, 1887 in Manzanita Pct. (now Medford), Jackson Co., Oregon. (He was born circa 1858 in California and died on May 3, 1919 in Mt. Laki, Klamath Co., Oregon.) They had the following children: James Carrol Fairclo (1888-1955) Bessy Murray Fairclo (1891-1985) md. 1st Walter Emile Eggert md. 2nd Judd Alonzo Mitchell md. 3rd Herman Austin Scullen Jay A. Fairclo (1895-1978) md. Grace Irene Pattin

4th Generation: Mary Elizabeth Murray was born on May 6, 1857 on her parents' farm in Loran Township, Stephenson County, Illinois 2,9,10,11. She died on October 7, 1923 in Medford, Jackson Co., Oregon 9,10,11. She is buried in the Eastwood I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Medford, Jackson Co., Oregon. Father: James Murray Mother: Flora Ann Bartlow Mary was raised in Stephenson County, Illinois, where her parents were moderately successful as farmers. In the fall of 1871, Mary and her entire family moved out west and settled on a farm of 120 acres in Manzanita Precinct, Jackson County, Oregon. Mary was 14 years old at the time of the move. She was the third surviving child and first daughter of a family of 10, and would surely have had a lot of childhood responsibilities. While living in rural Jackson County, Oregon, she formed the acquaintance and interest of a local young man named George Merriman who lived on a farm a few miles away. Sometime during the 1870s they formed a relationship and became engaged [at least before July 1877]. Mary was married to George Merriman on November 8, 1877, at her parents' house in what is now Medford, Oregon. After their marriage, Mary and George continued living in the area. They either lived with his parents or in a rented home in the vicinity. George was a blacksmith and at that time was the proprietor of his own shop in the newly formed town of Central Point. They continued living in the area until 1880, when George had the opportunity to work as a blacksmith in the town of Oakland, Douglas County, Oregon. The family moved to Oakland in late 1879 or early 1880. Meanwhile, in the early 1880s, a city named Medford was formed in Jackson County, Oregon, a few miles south of where Mary and George were raised. In 1884, Mary and George moved to Medford, Oregon and opened up one of the first businesses, a blacksmith shop, in the center of the town. After renting a home for a few years, in 1891 George and Mary purchased a home at 520 C Street (now Central Avenue) in Medford, Oregon. They lived at this home for the rest of their lives. Mary had a total of 10 children: William, Thomas, Mary, Creed, George, Blanche, Frank, Mollie, Vera, and Sharon. Sadly, three of those (William, Creed, and Frank) died in infancy. George operated his blacksmith shop for the rest of his life where he was moderately successful. He and his wife were pillars of the community. As for religious affiliation, there is no record of George and Mary ever attending any church. George was raised as a Baptist, while Mary's family had connections to the Methodist church. It is significant that most of Mary's children became Catholics, and the family also had connections to the Christian Science church. Mary was a loving woman. She enjoyed music and was a piano player. In their old age, the health of George and Mary Merriman deteriorated. In 1915, George Merriman died after a sudden illness at the age of 60. Mary continued to live at their Medford home with their youngest children: Vera and Sharon. She had severe rheumatism and ultimately became confined to bed. In 1917, she wrote her will and left the bulk of her estate to her son Sharon. In 1920, Mary was living temporarily in San Francisco, California, where three of her children lived. It seems that in her old age, she was cared for primarily by her daughter Vera Merriman Plymale. Mary died at her home in Medford, Oregon, on October 7, 1923 from endocarditis (heart failure). She was 66 years old. She was buried in the Merriman plot in the Eastwood I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Medford, Oregon. Mary married George Francis Merriman on Novemer 8, 1877 in Manzanita Pct. (now Medford), Jackson Co., Oregon 12. For information on their children, see his page.

1. Tombstone Inscriptions, Central Point I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Central Point, Oregon
2. Murray-Gorden family bible
3. Death notice of James Murray, unknown newspaper, c. May 1885
4. Marriage record, Stephenson Co., Illinois
5. Death certificate of Samuel H. Murray, 1918, Jackson Co., OR
6. Death certificate of Eleanor Maule, 1931, Multnomah Co., OR
7. Death certificate of Sarah Gorden, 1920, Jackson Co., OR
8. Death certificate of William Murray, 1921, Jackson Co., OR
9. Death certificate of Mary E. Merriman, 1923, Jackson Co., OR
10. Tombstone inscriptions, Eastwood I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Medford, Oregon
11. Obituary of Mary Merriman, Medford Mail Tribune, October 8, 1923
12. Marriage records, Jackson Co., Oregon
13. Bitner, Henry F. A Brief Account of our part of Part of the Murry Family. Typewritten family history, 1929, Lewisburg, PA [the birth, death and marriage dates in this source most likely come from the Levi Murray family bible held by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.]
14. Tombstone inscriptions, Madisonburg Lutheran and Reformed Church Cemetery, Madisonburg, Centre Co., PA
15. Tombstone inscriptions, Grays Cemetery, Half Moon Twp., Centre Co., PA
16. Tombstone inscriptions, Shaffersville Cemetery, Shaffersville, Huntingdon Co., PA
17. Obituary of Sarah Shadel, The Altoona [PA] Tribune, Oct. 4, 1888, Pg. 8