MURRAY, Lyman A.
Commemorative and Biographical Record of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, 
WI. Chicago: Ogle, 1901, p 439-440

Lyman A. MURRAY, one of the most successful business men of Kilbourn City 
[Columbia County, WI], and essentially the architect of his own fortune, is a 
native of Sauk County [WI], born in Dellona Township, 28 Nov 1852, the oldest 
son of Alexander and Charlotte L. (MONTGOMERY) MURRAY, natives of Scotland 
and NY, respectively, who were married in WI in 1849. The maternal 
grandfather was William MONTGOMERY. The father was born in Greenock, 
Scotland, 28 Jul 1817, and in early life was a sailor, the last three years 
of his service being with the government in the Mexican war. In 1849 he came 
to Sauk County, WI, and entered 160 acres of land in the northern part of 
Dellona Township, which he cleared, broke, and improved with good buildings. 
As the greater part of his life has been spent upon the water, his first [p 
440] attempt at farming was somewhat amusing. His first team was a yoke of 
oxen, which he hitched by placing the yoke wrong side up and attached them to 
the plow with an 11-foot chain. The team being so far in advance of the 
plow, the furrows were very deep. His first attempt at mowing was also 
ludicrous, the scythe being thrust into the ground and bent double. But 
being a very intelligent man, he soon learned the mysteries of farming, and 
became a successful agriculturist. He afterward bought 85 acres of land five 
miles from Reedsburg [Sauk County], WI, which he improved in a substantial 
manner. He served his town in an official capacity, and was accounted a very 
competent officer. His wife died in Dellona Township, Sauk County [WI], 11 
Mar 1895.

During his boyhood Lyman A. MURRAY attended the common schools of Sauk County 
and the high school of Reedsburg, and completed his education at the State 
University of WI, making his own way through college by working on the farm, 
teaching school in Sauk County, and havesting in MN. He was very industrious 
and enterprising, and his success in life is due entirely to his own efforts. 
After leaving the university he was principal of the school at Delton for a 
time, and for one year was principal of the high school at Prairie du Sac. 
He was again chosen for the latter position, but on account of ill health was 
obliged to resign, and in 1882 accepted the position of state agent for a 
school supply company, sellling school charts. He later sold a line of 
general school supplies, and thoroughly canvassed both MN and WI until 1888, 
when having gained some valuable experience he was able to build up a 
business of his own along the same line. By perseverance and strict 
attention to his business he has built up an excellent trade as a 
manufacturer, importer, and dealer in school supplies, his orders coming from 
far and near. Since May 1884 he has made his home in Kilbourn City, Columbia 
County [WI], where he purchased lots 16, 17, and 18, block 74, on Capital 
Street, and has erected thereon a good residence and office.

On 01 Jan 1880 Mr. MURRAY married Miss Robinnia MURRAY, of Kilbourn City 
[Columbia County, WI], who was born in Sterling, Scotland, 12 Sep 1846, and 
in 1851 was brought to America by her parents, Thomas and Isabella MURRAY. 
After residing for five years in Oswego [Oswego County], NY, the family came 
west and settled in Old Town, Newport, Sauk County, WI, in its earliest days.

Mr. MURRAY is of a studious dispostion, and although he takes no active part 
in political affairs, keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the 
day, and during the campaign of 1896 made many speeches in the interest of 
free silver. His business has made him well known in many states, and he 
commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact.

Contributed by Cathy Kubly