Biography

James Murray. (1727-1799) (aka. Murray of Broughton)

Son of Alexander Murray (d. 1750) of Broughton and Euphemia Stewart, dau of James Stewart (d. 1773), 5th Earl of Galloway, and Catherine Montgomerie (d. 1757), dau of the 9th Earl of Eglinton. Married Catherine Stewart in 1752. Catherine Stewart was a sister of Keith Stewart and John Stewart, Lord Garlies. Murray's mother was sister of Catherine Stewart's father, making Murray and his wife first cousins. According to some sources they separated at some point, Murray opting for his niece, Grace Johnston, instead. Sometime MP for Wigtownshire.

James Murray built the impressive Cally House for himself in 1763. It is today a 56 room hotel known as Cally Palace (Link).

Life with James Boswell:

Murray and his wife arrived at Patrick Heron's estate Kirroughtrie on September 22, 1762. Boswell was staying there at the time as a part of his Harvest Jaunt of that year. On this occasion, Boswell described Murray as "a most amiable man, [who] has very good sense, great knowledge of the world, and easy politeness of manners." On September 23, he and Murray had a long talk about Boswell's idea of seeking a commission in the guards. Murray recommended Lord Adam Gordon for introduction into life and Boswell did go visit Gordon shortly after arriving in London in that same year.

Boswell next mentions going with Keith Stewart, Murray and possibly the Lord and Lady Garlies (Catherine Stewart's brother and sister-in-law) to a sermon on December 19, 1762. (Link)

External links:

• Robert Burns Enc.: Murray of Broughton
• Stewart family tree - from Stirnet

This article was last updated at February 06 2008 21:06:48 CET

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