Jonathan Murray 1844 - 1908

Leading Businessman

A short biographical note on Jonathan Murray can be found in "The History of Maryborough and Wide Bay and Burnett Districts from the Year 1850 to 1895" written by George E. Loyau in 1897.

Loyau a former editor of the Maryborough Chronicle in 1861 claimed he had compiled the information "from authentic sources" and it gives some insight into one of Maryborough's leading businessmen. Other personal details are taken from Aldines History of Maryborough 1888.

Tea and Coffee Warehouse

The canny Scotsman Murray had a head for business and a good eye for a prime position in the town's central business district. He founded the family grocery business in upper Adelaide Street in 1871.

Ten years later he built a second store on the opposite side of Adelaide Street designed by Architect James Robertson. The building still stands today.

George Loyau described Jonathan Murray's premises as... "almost the only decent shop on the other side of Adelaide Street. Wharf street frontages - a regular back street, but leading to the steamers, with three hotels in its fifty yards of roadway, might be worth for warehouse purposes £40 per square foot."

Popular Energetic Citizen

Murray married Margaret Paterson Miller on 17 August 1876. She was the daughter of bookseller Thomas Miller. They had eight children, Jonathan, Janet, Marian, Alison, Thomas, Martha, William and Agnes.

According to Loyau, Murray was one of Maryborough's most popular and energetic citizens. He was born at Prestonpans, Edinburgh Scotland in 1844 and received his education there. He was the son of Jonathan Murray and Marian nee Cochrane.

After serving an apprenticeship to the grocery business in Galashiels the twenty three year old (according to Immigration Records) sailed for Brisbane aboard the Star of England arriving in Moreton Bay on 14 September 1863.

Making Maryborough Home

After spending about eighteen months in the metropolis (Brisbane), he came to Maryborough with his brother James and entered into farming pursuits for four years.

He was also associated with the late firm of Dowzer and Purser, a grocery and saddle business originally opened in the Old Township (West Maryborough) by Dowzer. The business was abandoned in 1865. He was a prominent man with Mr. G. T. Watson.

He finally settled in Maryborough in 1871 and entered into business on his own account.

Council Alderman

Since his arrival here Mr. Murray has taken an active part in many public movements, among which may be mentioned his connection as Alderman with the Municipal Council, of the Chamber of Commerce, the Wide Bay Pastoral and Agricultural Society, and the Maryborough Rifle Club in which he is considered a "crack shot", having gained several prizes for his skill."

Loyau noted for his flowery journalism and verbose narratives continued to wax lyrical over the Scottish storekeeper... "But it is more especially as President of the Caledonian Society he has rendered good service and the society owes its inception and prosperity for his energetic endeavours in its cause.

Generous Local Supporter

Mr. Murray is, as natural to suppose, a lover of the poet Robbie Burns, and is quite an authority on matters concerning that eminent "son of song". He is also a Presbyterian and Oddfellow, but very liberal in his support of all benevolent and educational institutions."

Murray took his eldest son Jonathan into the business in 1898 and the firm Jonathan Murray & Son continued to be listed in Post Office Directories until 1938.

Jonathan Murray died 2 October 1908 at his home "Rosemount" in Lennox Street. His youngest son William who served as a Sergeant with 52nd Battalion AIF died from wounds while a German Prisoner of War, 19 May 1918. Mrs. Margaret Paterson Murray nee Miller died in Maryborough, 15 July 1931.




Source: "The History of Maryborough and Wide Bay and Burnett Districts from 1850 - 1895" - George E. Loyau