MURRAY, John H.

MURRAY, MERNER, MERRITT

Posted By: Karyn - volunteer
Date: 6/22/2022 at 16:24:55

"The Red Oak Sun", Red Oak, Montgomery Co., Iowa.
1 December 1893

Death of John H. Murray.

John H. Murray, for 36 years an esteemed and respected resident of this county, died at the home of his daughter, in Frankfort township, on Monday morning, November 27. He was in his 71st year, and had been feeble and for several years, but his last illness, which was la grippe, was a short one.

Mr. Murray was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Aug. 11, 1823, and when about 10 years of age moved with his parents to Illinois, five years later moving to Jefferson county, this state.

He was married in Jefferson county, Sept. 10, 1848, to Miss Margaret Merner, and four children were born to them, three daughters and one son. In 1857, Mr. Murray moved to this county, being one of the earliest settlers.

When 15 years of age he united with the M. E. church, and through life he was an earnest and consistent Christian man. His kind deeds and noble qualities endeared him to a large circle of friends.

Mr. Murray had three brothers living in California and a sister living in Red Oak. The funeral services were held at Frankfort M. E. church on Wednesday afternoon and were very largely attended. Rev. J. G. Bourne, assisted by Rev. J. D. Graham, conducted the services. The pall bearers were W. W. Merritt, A. S. Iddings, John Gilchrist, Levi Barnett, O. N. Boyer and Jas. Roach.

W. W. Merritt in speaking of Mr. Murray to "The Sun" the day after the funeral said: “Mr. Murray in all the varied relations of life, in business dealings, in society, in his party, in the church of his choice, as neighbor and friend, husband and father, was an excellent type of Christian manhood, and in the years to come his memory and the influence of his life will be as a monument of God’s noblest work, ‘an honest man.’ He was never known to swerve from what he thought to be right. Unostentatious and unassuming, he was a man of deep convictions and decided views on all matters pertaining to the welfare of society. The little Methodist church in Frankfort is a witness of his interest and sacrifice for the cause he loved. He was always kindly and helpful and in cases of sickness or affliction was ever thoughtful and solicitous in relief or sympathy.