William Murray (New York politician) should not be confused with William J. Murray (politician).
| William Murray | |
| State1: | New York |
| Constituency1: | (1851–1853) (1853–1855) |
| Term Start1: | March 4, 1851 |
| Term End1: | March 3, 1855 |
| Predecessor1: | Thomas McKissock |
| Successor1: | Ambrose S. Murray |
| Birth Date: | 25 October 1803 |
| Birth Place: | Middletown, Orange County, New York, U.S. |
| Death Place: | Goshen, Orange County, New York, U.S. |
| Restingplace: | Saint James Cemetery, Goshen, New York |
| Party: | Democratic (before 1856) Republican (from 1856) |
| Occupation: | Banker |
| Spouse: | Ellen Maria Matlack (m. 1837-1875, his death) |
William Murray (October 1, 1803 – August 25, 1875) was an American banker and politician who served two terms as a United States representative from New York from 1851 to 1855.
Murray was born near Middletown, New York on October 1, 1803,[1] a son of William Murray Sr. and Mary Ann (Beakes) Murray. His siblings included Ambrose S. Murray.[1]
William Murray attended the common schools, and was employed as a clerk in mercantile establishments, first in Middletown, and later in New York City.[1] He subsequently engaged in a successful mercantile career in Goshen.[1] In 1844, he was chosen as one of New York's presidential electors, and cast his ballot for the Democratic ticket of James K. Polk and George M. Dallas.[2]
In 1850, Murray was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Democrat, representing New York in the 32nd Congress.[1] He was reelected to the 33rd Congress and served from March 4, 1851, to March 3, 1855.[1]
After leaving Congress, Murray engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was an organizer of the Republican Party in New York.[1] He served as president of the Goshen Bank from 1857 until his death.[1]
Murray died in Goshen on August 25, 1875.[1] He was interred at St. James' Episcopal Cemetery in Goshen.[3]
In 1837, Murray married Ellen Maria Matlack of New York City.[4] They were married until his death, and their children included sons Henry (1841–1874), Robert (1843–1903), and William (1844–1897) and daughter Abbey (1846–1929), the wife of William D. Van Vliet.[5]