David C. Murray Papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-1128

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

The Murray Family collection contains original copies of receipts and other financial documents from David C. Murray, plus copies, photocopies, and transcripts of letters written to David C. Murray from his brother Z.G. Murray. The receipts and financial papers date from 1851-1866. The letters date from 1868-1872. Other materials included are an original Warranty Deed from 1859 and a copy of a Certificate from 1861 which certifies David C. Murray as Treasurer of Wyandot County.

Dates

Creation: 1851-1872

Extent

.25 Cubic Feet (1 half legal manuscript box)

Creator

Murray, David C. (Person)
Murray, Z. G. (Person)

Scope and Contents

his collection is composed primarily of the correspondence from Z.G. Murray to his brother D.C. Murray. Their letters consist of information about their family’s health and the health of their neighbors. The letters also discuss the weather of the Ohio area Wyandot during the late 1800s, and how it affected their crops and budgets. Z.G. Murray’s letters describe his sales of crops and livestock at great length. These letters help to depict how people interacted during this time, and how they survived and did business with one another.

One of the letters found in this collection is written to D.C. Murray by a D. Bland. This letter discusses the same issues written above and provides deeper insight in to the lives of the people of the day.

The records provide valuable information of the Northwest Ohio area from 1858-1872 in regards to weather patterns and agriculture; however, it does suffer from large gaps in time. Often times the handwriting seems hurried and is difficult to read. Overall the collection does provide a good insight into how people lived in this area during the late 1800s.

Biographical Sketch

David C. Murray is the brother of Z.G. Murray, both of whom lived in Wyandot County, Ohio during the late 1800s. Z.G. Murray lived in Richland Township while D.C. lived in Salem Township. Both of the brothers are recorded as having been farmers. He is recorded as having been the Justice of Peace for Salem Township in the years 1855 and 1858. There is also evidence found in this collection that David was the Treasurer of Wyandot in the year 1861.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.