James Murray of Broughton
Biography
Birth: 1727
Death: 1797
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).
Also known as
- Murray of Broughton
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 while on 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)
Related links
Mentioned in
James Murray is mentioned in:
- Journal of my Jaunt, Harvest 1762
- London Journal 1762-1763
