Family and Education

b. 21 Jan. 1782 at Leghorn, o.s. of Gen. James Murray of Beauport, 5th s. of Alexander, 4th Lord Elibank [S], by 2nd w. Ann, da. of Abraham Witham, British consul in Majorca. educ. Westminster 1797. m. 31 Jan. 1803, Elizabeth, da. of Edward Rushworth* of Freshwater House, I.o.W., 6s. 6da. suc. fa. 1794.

Offices Held

Ensign, 44 Ft. 1797, lt. 1798; a.d.c. to Gen. Don, I.o.W. 1798-9, to Sir James Pulteney, Holland 1799; capt. 9 Ft. 1799, half-pay 1802, 66 Ft. 1803; maj. 1804; asst. q.m.g. [I] 1808-9; lt.-col. 5 garrison batt. 1809; asst. adj.-gen., Athlone 1811-19; brevet col. 1819; maj.-gen. (ret.) 1830.

Biography

Murray followed his father’s profession and served with his kinsman Sir James Pulteney in the Helder and Ferrol expeditions. He was returned for Yarmouth while still under age by Lord Holmes, whose granddaughter he was engaged to marry. His return was clearly for the convenience of the patron until an arrangement could be made for the disposal of the seat, whereupon Murray vacated. He lost the use of his right arm during Peninsular service and was subsequently employed in Ireland.

He died 5 Dec. 1834, from ‘a cold caught in his humane exertions to save the lives of two young officers, who were drowned in the lake in front of his residence’ at Killenure, near Athlone.

Gent. Mag. (1835), i. 660.

Ref Volumes: 1790-1820

Author: Brian Murphy

Notes