Joseph L. Murray

JOSEPH L. MURRAY, Postmaster and general merchant at Cairo, Iowa, was born Oct 25, 1840, in Lancaster County, Pa., and is a son of Rev. Henry and Rebecca (Lininger) Murray, both of Pennsylvania. When he was but six months old, his parents removed to Stark County, Ohio, where the father had charge of a church, and remained there until 1855. Joseph received his early education in that county, and in 1855, at the age of fifteen, came with his father to Louisa County, locating two and a half miles southwest of Cairo. Remaining under the parental roof until attaining his majority, he then enlisted, Jan. 21, 1862, in the Union Army for three years' service, and was mustered in at Davenport. After being assigned to the 16th Iowa Infantry he was sent to St. Louis, from there to Pittsburg Landing, and later participated in the battles of Shiloh and Corinth, where he remained for some time, and then went to Bolivar, Tenn. Returning to Corinth, the regiment was subsequently sent to Iuka, in which battle they participated, then back to Corinth, and engaged in the fight when Price and Van Dorn undertook to again capture the city, but the brave Union boys repulsed them, following up the rebels until they captured all their equipments. The regiment of which Mr. Murray was a member then started for Vicksburg, and on the way fought the battles of Oxford and Holly Springs, where the enemy captured the train, and almost succeeded in taking the whole army prisoners. The regiment then returned to Memphis, and went down the river by transports to Vicksburg, where it received orders to cut a canal from the Mississippi River to Lake Providence. After digging about a mile and a half, the men then went by way of Milliken's Bend to Grand Gulf, seventy miles below Vicksburg, there crossing the river, and coming up on the Mississippi side. Landing at Vicksburg, they participated in the entire siege on that city, and were then engaged on the Meridian raid, which lasted forty-five days, after which they again returned to Vicksburg. There the gallant soldiers of the 16th Iowa Infantry re-enlisted, in August, 1864. Mr. Murray then obtained a leave of absence, and came home on a thirty-days furlough, returning to the regiment at Davenport, Iowa, from which place it was sent to Chattanooga, Tenn. From there he went to Nashville, and then started with Gen. Sherman on the famous march to the sea. At Tallahatchie he received a slight wound in his right hand, and at Tallahatchie Creek was wounded in the right shoulder, but notwithstanding he remained with the company. From that place a recommendation was sent to the Governor of Iowa for his promotion to the rank of Second Lieutenant of Company E. The commission was signed and sent back by way of Marietta, Ga., to Atlanta, but before reaching that city, at the battle of Peachtree Creek, where Gen. Benjamin Harrison won his star, he was entirely disabled for field service. From Atlanta he was sent back to Marietta, thence to Nashville, and while there gangrene set in on his wound. From Nashville he was sent to Chicago, from there to Davenport, where he lay in the hospital for some time. He had enlisted for a certain term of service, and determined to serve his time out, so he returned to the South and joined the regiment at Louisville, Ky. In August, 1865, at Davenport, Iowa, he was mustered out of service, still walking with a cane. For almost four years he fought in defense of the stars and stripes, which now float so proudly over the united Nation, and during that time was always found at his post of duty.

After the cessation of hostilities Mr. Murray returned to his home, and again engaged in farming, which he continued until 1867, but on account of ill-health caused from the wound received in the army, he was obliged to abandon that occupation, and engaged in mercantile business for two years. At the end of that time he sold out, and did not engage in any business until 1871, when he opened a general merchandise store, and has since followed that pursuit. He is a member of the firm of Murray Bros., of Cairo, Iowa, and carries a full and complete stock of goods. For fourteen years Mr. Murray has served as Postmaster of the town, although differing in politics from the present administration. In connection with his other business interests he has the management of his farm of 100 acres. In all public matters he takes an active part, and he and his wife are both devoted members of the Church of God. By his fair dealing and courtesy he has gained the confidence and goodwill of his patrons, and as a citizen, he is highly esteemed.

On the 21st of January, 1867, the marriage of Joseph Murray and Miss Sarah J. Allen was celebrated. The lady is a native of Belmont County, Ohio, and a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Bates) Allen. By their union three children have been born: Sadie, who is now deceased; Joseph B. and Lulu, who are both at home.

Politically, Mr. Murray is a stalwart Republican, and takes pride in the fact that he not only helped to win the star of Benjamin Harrison, but helped to make him the standard bearer of his party, and the successful candidate for President. See portraits of this honored citizen and his estimable wife.

SOURCE:  Portrait And Biographical Album Of Louisa County, Iowa, Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, IL, 1889, p. 325-8