Alick J. Murray

Alick Murray
Born	c. 1850 South Australia
Died	18 April 1929
Occupation(s)	Sheep breeder, pastoralist
Known for	Champion merino ewe awards, president of the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society (1907–08)

Alexander James "Alick" Murray (circa 1850 – 18 April 1929) was a distinguished sheep breeder and pastoralist based in South Australia.

History

Alick was the third-born son of John Murray from Murray Vale Estate at Mount Crawford, and the nephew of Alexander Borthwick Murray, both well-known figures in sheep breeding.

For many years, he was an active member of the Roseworthy College council, providing valuable livestock contributions to support the college’s agricultural programs.

In January 1887, the four sons of John Murray—John of Rhine Park, Eden Valley; T. Hope of Mount Beevor, Nairne; Alick at Mount Crawford; and W. A. at Cappeedee, Hallett—purchased their father’s flock from the executors and divided it equally among themselves, preserving its superior quality for exhibition purposes. Alick upheld his family’s tradition at Mount Crawford Estate, securing the champion merino ewe award at the Adelaide Royal Show on eight occasions, including an impressive streak of seven consecutive wins beginning in 1897. Additionally, he earned recognition as a prominent breeder of Jersey cattle.

Following the compulsory government acquisition of Mount Crawford Estate around 1919 to establish the Warren Reservoir, Murray retired to his Medindie home known as "The Avenues." His livestock operations were transferred to his brothers’ properties at Catarpo and Petherton stations.

Murray held significant leadership positions such as president of the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society during 1907–08 and chairman of the Mount Crawford district council.

In corporate affairs, he served as a director for Elder Smith & Co Ltd beginning in 1901, was a founding director of Elders Trustee and Executor Co., and held a directorship at Yudnapinna Pastoral Company.

An avid polo player and breeder of polo ponies, Murray was granted life membership in the Adelaide Polo Club. The Mount Crawford polo team featured Alick himself, his sons Cyril and Eric, nephew Elliott Murray, and son-in-law Ronald Angas, achieving considerable success in competitions.

Family

Alick was born to John Murray (circa 1812 – 1886) and Alison (circa 1820 – 1895), who emigrated from Scotland to South Australia in 1853.

He wed Alice Elizabeth Bowman (1862–1928), daughter of Edmund Bowman from "Barton Vale," Enfield, on 23 June 1891. Their offspring included:

• John Cyril Murray (1892–1947) of Caterpo Station, Mount Bryan, who married Cathleen Eliza Wilson in 1917
• Eric Moray Murray (1894–1953) associated with Petherton Station
• Monica Alice Murray (1896–1973), who married Ronald Fyfe Angas (1889–1978) from Collingrove, son of Charles Howard Angas