Charles Murray Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Murray, Rigg, Clay. Charles Murray, one of the prominent and highly respected farmers of Davenport township, was born I Scotland, April 8, 1850, and is a son of Charles and Barbara Murray. In the year 1856 the parents brought their family to the United States, landing at Philadelphia, whence they made their way to Scott county, Iowa, influenced in their choice of a destination by the fact that the father had a brother, George Murray, living in this locality. On reaching Scott county he rented land from his brother George until his savings were sufficient to enable him to purchase a farm, and in time he became the owner of two farms in Hickory Grove township. He afterward sold those properties and bought the farm upon which his son Charles now resides. At one time it comprised three hundred and twenty acres of fine land, highly improved, and the parents made their home upon this place until they were called to their final rest, the father passing away at the age of seventy-five years, while the! mother was seventy years of age at the time of her death. Charles Murray, who was one of a family of nine children, has lived in Scott county from the age of six years. He had begun his education in the schools of Scotland, but the greater part of his technical knowledge was received in the public schools of this county. He was trained in the work of the fields under the direction of his father and early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist as he plow his land and cultivates and harvests his crops. Throughout his entire life Mr. Murray has carried on general farming and stock-raising, making specialty of Poland China hogs and red polled cattle. He now owns eighty acres of arable land and his careful cultivation of his fields enables him to gather rich harvests annually. In November, 1872, Mr. Murray was united in marriage to Miss Christina Rigg, a daughter of William and Mary Rigg, of Sheridan township, and they have become parents of five children: William C., Margaret, Louisa, Edward and Elsie. All are yet at home with the exception of the elder son, William, who is living in Lincoln township. He married Lillie Clay and has two children, Clay C. and Clyde. Mr. Murray has always been a champion of the cause of education and is now serving as president of the school board. He has also acted for several years as school director, has been road supervisor and township trustee and in these various offices has discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. He attends the Presbyterian church and holds membership with the Mystic Toilers of Davenport. A resident of the county for more than half a century, he is well known here, many of his stanchest friends being those with whom he has been acquainted from boyhood, a fact which indicates a well spent and honorable life. Moreover, he has been an interested witness of events which have shaped the history of the county and on many occasions has given his support to movements for the public good. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES