HENRY B. McMURRAY is a leader among the representative citizens of Washington county. He is descended from Scotch ancestors, a race noted for the integrity and honor of its people. John McMurray was the pioneer of the family to land on American soil. He was married in Scotland to Mary Brown, and with his wife and infant daughter, Susanna, embarked on the most substantial vessel then procurable, sailing from Liverpool to America. When some weeks at sea the captain and mate had a quarrel, and during the trouble the captain shot the mate. He was supposed to be mortally wounded, but the captain sailed north, thinking the cold climate would benefit the victim. The experiment proved successful, and the mate was soon out of danger. They then resumed their journey, but owing to the long voyage the water supply gave out, and all on board seemed in imminent danger of meeting a horrible death. A rain fell, and, by spreading articles on the deck, enough water was caught to avert the danger. After a voyage of three months, crew and passengers were finally landed safely at New York. John McMurray soon after proceeded to Winchester, W. Va., where the family lived a few years, then moved to Washington county, Penn., resided in Buffalo township a short time, and finally, in company with his brother Peter, settled in Guernsey county, Ohio, while Samuel settled in Donegal township, this county. John took a large tract of land upon which he erected a log cabin, and there passed the remainder of his life. In those days the clothing of the family was made of flax, spun and woven by their own hands; the wheat which the settlers raised was carried on horseback to Wellsburg, W. Va., and then ground by a treadmill into flour. Special trips were also made to Winchester, W. Va., for salt. The settlers usually made these journeys in large parties, taking with them sufficient provisions to last until their return. On the outward trip they left provision for one meal at each stopping-place, so that by the time they arrived at Winchester the horses were unloaded and a supply of food ready for the homeward journey obtained. Grain was harvested by a sickle, and the ground cultivated with a wooden plow, while wagons and sleds were articles of luxury unknown to the pioneers. Amid all these privations and discouragements they bravely struggled on, the only effect of their trials being to unite them more closely into a bond of brotherhood. Politically John McMurray was a Federalist, and in religion a member of the Three Ridge Presbyterian Church at West Alexander. He died at the age of eighty-nine, and was buried at West Alexander, this county. The children born to this couple were as follows: Susanna, John, Jane, Samuel, William, James, Eliza and Mary. William McMurray, son of John and Mary (Brown) McMurray, was born March 29, 1805, in Donegal township, and remained on the home farm during his boyhood, receiving a subscription-school education. In early manhood he was united in marriage with Jane, daughter of William Martin. Mr. Martin was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, and in early life came to America, settling near Elm Grove, W. Va. He was married to Margaret Blayney, who bore him children as follows: Martha, Eliza, Andrew, Margaret, Jane and Mary. In politics Mr. Martin was a Democrat. His wife was a member of the Presbyterian Church. William and Jane (Martin) McMurray began their wedded life April 12, 1838, on a farm near West Alexander, this county, and afterward purchased the home place. In 1875 he moved to Burgettstown, Penn., where he died March 14, 1884, and was buried by the side of his wife, who had crossed the river September 4, 1864. Mr. McMurray was an energetic, enterprising citizen and in politics was formerly a Whig, afterward uniting with the Republican party. In religious faith he was an active Presbyterian. Henry B. McMurray was born September 24, 1840, in Donegal township, this county. His earlier education was received at the common schools; afterward attended the academy conducted by Rev. W. H. Lester of West Alexander, of which William McMurray, his father, was a trustee. In August, 1862, Henry B. McMurray enlisted in Company H, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, was sent to the Shenandoah Valley, and served till the close of the war, under Sheridan and Custer. He was taken prisoner at Ashby's Gap, and confined in Libby prison three and a half months, being released, together with several other prisoners, about ten days prior to the surrender at Appomattox. Mr. McMurray then returned home, and in 1865 opened a drug store at Burgettstown, where he has since remained. On August 3, 1876, he was united in marriage with Annie C. Watterson, daughter of Robert and Mary Wattereon, of Wheeling, W. Va., who bore him three children: Jennie C., Lee W. and Henry H. Mr. McMurray is a Republican in politics, and in religion is a member of the Presbyterian Church, serving as trustee. Henry B. McMurray's brothers and sisters were born on the following dates: John, December 5, 1843; William M., April 21, 1846; Martha J., November 12, 1848; Eliza Ann, March 5, 1851, and Mary Miller McMurray, May 2, 1856. John married Julia Kelly, of Pittsburgh, in July, 1865 (To them were born: Henry (deceased), Elie, Fred, Frank, Lizzie (deceased), and Lylie). William M., married Julia S. Moore at Burgettstown, September 4, 1878 (They are the parents of Fanny May, Nellie Moore, William M. and Florence Espin). Eliza married James Rooth, of West Alexander, in July, 1875. Martha Jane married Alvin Curtis, at Claysville, in September, 1868, and to them were born Jessie and Alvin Curtis.

Text taken from page 1054 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed March 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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