My Genealogy Hound

R. MANARD MURRAY, manufacturer, Piqua; born in Concord, Lake Co., Ohio, Nov. 28, 1841; is the son of Robert Murray, who for many years was engaged in purchasing cattle on a large scale and sending them East for sale. His mother, Sophronia (Parmalee) Murray, came to Ohio from Otisco, Onondaga Co., N. Y., and was descended from old Puritan stock. Her parents emigrated from Connecticut to the State of New York, prior to removing to Ohio. The subject of this sketch received the usual elementary training afforded by the district schools, and, when about 14 years of age, entered an academy at Kirtland, where he remained about one year; he then became a student at a Methodist institution at Willoughby, Ohio, and in 1857, went to Oberlin College, where he spent two years, not taking a regular course, but selected his studies; on leaving Oberlin, he attended the Law College at Cleveland, conducted by Judge Hadyn, graduated, and was admitted to the bar. On the outbreak of the rebellion, he enlisted in the 100-day service; returning to Cleveland, he entered the law office of Ranney, Backus & Noble. In 1864, he enlisted in the 100-day service, and became a member of the 150th O. N. G., who garrisoned the forts about Washington, and participated in the fight before Washington, with a part of Early’s rebel corps, July 10 and 11, 1864. After returning from the service, he engaged in the cattle trade in Iowa, remaining there, however, only one year, then returned to Ohio, and became collector for the First National Bank, at Painesville; in October, 1867, he became book-keeper, and in January, 1871, was elected Cashier. He was a member of the School Board of Painesville three years, and Treasurer of its funds four years. In the spring of 1878, he was elected Mayor, was also at the same time executor of a large estate, and, in addition to these public financial and fiduciary duties, he owned a farm of 100 acres which daily received his supervision. Feb. 1, 1879, he resigned his position in the bank, and arranged his financial affairs with a view to removing to Piqua, for the purpose of engaging in the enterprise known as the Piqua Handle and Manufacturing Co. Having formed a partnership with Mr. O. D. Gray, who had previously been interested in a like enterprise, in Wattsburg, Penn., they commenced business, Nov. 10, 1879, the style of the firm being Gray & Murray. The experience and ability of the firm assure the success of the enterprise; indeed, it has already become one of the substantial and important industries of Piqua. Mr. Murray is a well-informed and public-spirited citizen; he is also an able speaker, and often called on at public and political gatherings; social and agreeable as a gentleman, courteous and affable in all business relations, and a royal entertainer at his home.