Biographies- Montgomery County

McMURRAY, J.S.

J.S. McMurray was born in Ohio of immigrant parents in about 1838. He came to Linden in 1870 where he is listed on the Madison Twp. census for that year as being age 32 a Physician with wife Caroline age 28 and sons Allen and Charles. He joined the Montgomery County Medical Society in 1874 and was quite an active member. Years later, he moved to Frankfort, Indiana and established a good practice, remaining there until his death.

February 25, 1908

DR. J. S. McMurray passed away Tuesday morning. had been ill but a short time.

Was Born in Ohio but Most of His Active Life was Spent in This city

Short Sketch of His Life.

On Tuesday at 10:30 o'clock at his home on West Clinton street, occurred the death of Dr. J.S. McMurray, one of the pioneer physicians of the city and County, a man who had a wide acquaintance. While not feeling well for some time he was taken ill but A week ago, being afflicted with eryesdpelas(?). This brought on an acute attack of Bright's disease and the physicians in charge were unable to stay the March of the disease. Born in Ohio.

The deceased was born in Mercer County, Ohio, near Selina, and he spent his boyhood in that County. With a brother he learned the trade of a painter and paper hanger but not being satisfied with this calling he began the study of medicine, even while at work at his trade. He was one of a family of six children and knew the hardships of the early life, he having to acquire his own education by close application to his studies not having the advantages of school life. He was a self-made man and rose in life by his own personal efforts. After being admitted to practice of medicine, after his graduation from the old Indiana Medical college, he came tot his city, where on august 10, 1862, he was married to Caroline Smith. They went to housekeeping near Stockwell, remaining there a year and then went to Linden. Later the family at Rolling Prairie, then returned to Linden and on March 20, 1879, came to this city and the remainder of his life was spent here. Mrs. McMurray died seventeen years ago; the children by the union being, Allan McMurray, of Bloomington, Ill., B. E. McMurray and Walter McMurray of this city, and Mrs. Charles Hartman, of Cincinnati. He has three brothers, David J. of LaPorte, Thomas Z. of North Vernon and Andrew of California. Married again.

In June 1891, Dr. McMurray was married the second time, his wife being Miss Florence Strouse of this city, who survives him. He has been practicing medicine for forty-five years and during this time he had started twenty-two young physicians out of office, the last one Dr. Hall, of Lebanon, being with him when the end came as was the members of the family. An Active Life.

Dr. McMurray had an active life. He was Master of the Linden Masonic lodge for fifteen years and aided in its organization. He was also the originator of the Green Lawn Cemetery and at his death was a stockholder in the company. When gas was discovered, he was one of the prime movers in having it piped to this city. He was interested in the brick works, and various other local enterprises and was a man that always worked for the interest of the city. As a physician he ranked high in the profession. He was a member of the Clinton County Medical Society and was one of the best Latin scholars in the city. He was a member of the Masonic order, being a Knight Templar and was also a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was recognized as a man whose opinions were of value above all lines of life's activities, being broad minded and well posted upon the current events of the day. He was genial and companionable and had many friends.

The funeral arrangements are not completed but the services will be held some time Thursday afternoon from the house, with interment at Green Lawn. Rev. Stark will conduct the service.

Transcribed by: Tracy Jones 3-10-2002

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