The Murray's in Pennsylvania

 

    John MURRAY I, a native of Scotland, immigrated from Ireland in 1732. Along with John were at least two of his children, William I and John II, and their respective families, as well as other friends. It is also believed that the Lindley family also came about this time. William married Isabella LINDLEY, the daughter of Thomas LINDLEY of Scotland. Arriving here they settled on the banks of the Swatara River, Pennsylvania. Mr. James E. Murray in his book about the Murray family writes “In July, 1958, on a research trip to Pennsylvania, I visited the colorful and historic frontier Paxton and Derry Presbyterian Churches.” He stated that the Murray family in Pennsylvania was associated with the Derry Presbyterian Church.

    From Pennsylvania Genealogies, Murray of Swatara, pg. 526:

    “John Murray (II) b. abut 1691, in Scotland, emigrated to the Province of Pennsylvania in 1732 in company with his brother and other friends. On the 10th of January, 1737, he obtained a land warrant from the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania, and on the '14th of ye 9th month,' 1739, had the same located upon two hundred acres and twelve perches of land adjoining the northwest side of 'Swahatawro' (Swatara) creek, then in Hanover township, Lancaster county, Pa. Adam Read, an early settler and prominent in frontier times, held an adjoining tract on the north by improvement. On the first of March, 1744, John Murray obtained another warrant, which was located, about a year afterward, east of the other tract is now within the limits of Lebanon county, the former, the homestead, being within the present bounds of Dauphin county, a short distance from Dixon's Ford on the Swatara. The date and death or name of John Murray's wife we have been unable to gather.”

    Also from the above reference on pg. 531:

    (From their son, Robert Murray's autobiography): “My parents were of respectable character, and in the middle station of life. My father possessed a good flour mill at Swatara, but being of an enterprising spirit and anxious to provide handsomely for his family, he made several voyages to the West Indies, in the way of trade, by which he considerably augmented his property. Pursuing his inclinations, he in time acquired large possessions, and became one of the most respectable merchants in America.... My mother was a woman of an amiable disposition, and remarkable for mildness, humanity, and liberality of sentiment. She was, indeed, a faithful and affectionate wife, a tender mother, and a kind mistress.”

    William Murray I died in 1773 on his farm. Mr. Murray goes on to say, “We are also of the opinion that William Murray, Sr. (I), the father of Samuel Murray, Sr. and William Murray, Jr. (II) is buried in the Newside (Derry) Cemetery Church yard in an unmarked grave, a custom practiced in that day because of a fear of raiding Indians invading the sanctuary of the church grave yard.” What is confusing is that if William Murray I had migrated to North Carolina with his two sons, why is he believed to be buried back in Pennsylvania? What may have happened is that he went with his nephew Robert, son of John II, who went to North Carolina about 1750, and several years later returned, later moving to New York. In reviewing the records of the Derry Presbyterian Church on the Internet in 1998, there is no record of any Murray being buried at that graveyard.

    There is no indication at this time that Andrew MURRAY I, our proven ancestor is tied to the Murrays of Swatara, but the connection is possible.

John Murray Descendants