| For many years has been engaged in general
farming on section 10, Newport Township, is a native of Scotland, and was
born in Perthshire, November 22, 1816. His father, David Murrie, was
born in the same house, as was also the grandfather. David Murrie owned
and operated a small farm and was also a pit sawyer, making lumber in
the old way. He lived and died in his native land. His wife, whose
maiden name was Mary Brown, was also born in Scotland, and died in 1824,
two years prior to the death of her husband. In their family were eleven
children, of whom four came to America. One sister, Mary, wife of Joseph
Bower is living in Smithland, Iowa; David died in Millburn, October, 30,
1886; Helen was the wife of Thomas Horn, and died in Newport Township,
August 21, 1879. We find our subject beginning work at the age of ten
years, herding cattle during the summer months, while in the winter
season he attended school, where he acquired a fair education. He was a
young man of twenty-five years when he crossed the Atlantic with the
determination to try his fortune in America. He landed at New York on
the l9th of January, 1842, and in May of that year, went to Kenosha,
Wis. Soon afterward he settled in Benton Township, Lake County, where he
remained for two years, when he removed to a farm on section 10, Newport
Township, now his home, a part of which land he had entered from the
Government. No improvements had been made, the entire tract being in its
primitive condition, but he at once began clearing it, planted crops and
in the course of time where was once a barren waste appeared fields of
waving grain. Many valuable improvements were added, both useful and
ornamental, and in pointing out the best farms in Lake County, the
Murrie homestead would be mentioned among the number. It comprises one
hundred and eighty three acres of valuable land in the cultivation of
which our subject has become a well-to-do man. When he reached Kenosha
he had only $100 in American money and a Mexican quarter. The former was
paid for his land and the quarter was the only coin which he had for two
years. Little money was circulated in the Western country at that time,
as groceries and dry goods were taken in exchange for the products of
the farm.
On the 3d of October, 1845, in Newport
Township, Mr. Murrie was united in marriage with Jane Murray, who was
born in Glasgow, Scotland, January 24, 1827, and was a daughter of
William M. and Nancy (Riley) Murray, both of whom were born in Ireland,
removing thence to Scotland. Twelve children were born unto John and
Jane Murrie. Nancy, the eldest, was the wife of John Bonner, and died
April 27, 1872; Helen, who is now the wife of Norton B. Brunning of
Boone County, Iowa; William, died April 6, 1859; Melvina, now the wife
of Charles Gorham of Rockefeller, who carries on four large butter and
cheese factories in Lake County; Mrs. Elizabeth J. Bonner, of Fremont,
Neb.; Catherine, wife of John Bonner, a resident farmer of Millburn,
Ill.; John A. died November 7, 1885; Edward J. died May 20. 1861; Laura
L. wife of Albert C. Corris, of Russell, Ill.; David, Robert Grant, and
Freddie A., are single. Of the three last named the two first operate
the home farm, thus enabling their father who is in advanced years, to
live a retired life; Freddie A. the youngest of the family is living in
Nebraska.
On becoming a citizen of America, Mr.
Murrie supported the Democratic party. Later he voted with the Whig
party, and in 1856, supported Fremont for President, since which time he
has been a stanch Republican. However, he has never sought office,
preferring to give his entire attention to his business interests and
the enjoyment of home life. For thirty-five years he and his wife have
been identified with the Baptist Church of Newport, in which he has
served as Deacon for some time. Both are active workers and consistent
Christian people, who are held in high regard by all who know them for
their many excellencies of character. Almost half a century has passed
since Mr. Murrie came to the county, and the greater part of that time
has been spent upon one farm. He has left his home but seldom, one of
his trips away from Lake County being to revisit his native land, where
he spent some months in 1871. Mr. Murrie has led a busy, useful and
honorable life, winning the confidence of all with whom he came in
contact and well deserves representation in this volume among the best
citizens of the county.
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