John Murray (sheep breeder)
John Murray Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1841 Aboard the City of Adelaide (ship), en route to South Australia |
| Died | 1908-07-04 |
| Occupation(s) | Merino sheep breeder, sheep judge, president of Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of South Australia (1901–1903), Justice of the Peace |
| Known for | Premier merino sheep breeder in South Australia |
John Murray (circa 1812–1886) and his son, also named John Murray (1841–1908), were influential figures in the breeding of merino sheep within South Australia.
John Murray
Born around 1812, John Murray managed the Murray Vale Estate located at Mount Crawford. He emigrated from Scotland to South Australia in 1841 aboard the City of Adelaide, accompanied by his wife Ellen (née Hope). His siblings included Alexander Borthwick Murray and Pulteney Malcolm Murray, both recognized for their contributions to sheep breeding, while another brother, William Murray, pursued careers as a gardener and jam producer.
Starting from 1846, Murray’s merino rams consistently received accolades at Agricultural Shows. Over a span exceeding forty years, he successfully enhanced fleece weights from 13½ pounds to 20 pounds without compromising wool quality. His breeding philosophy centered on preserving a pure lineage free from crossbreeding, aiming to cultivate large-bodied, wrinkle-free rams with robust health. This methodology led to the development of a distinct "South Australian type" merino that remained predominant in regional breeding circles for approximately seventy-five years. The breed’s durability was notably demonstrated in 1912 when Queensland buyer D. M. Aitkin acquired 1,000 ewes with an option to purchase an additional 2,000.
Eventually, other leading South Australian merino breeders—including J. H. Angas, E. Bowman, F. H. Dutton, C. B. Fisher, G. C. Hawker, A. McFarlane, George Melrose, A. B. Murray, Edward Stirling, F. Thomas, and the firm Duffield and Porter (later Koonoona Pty. Ltd.)—challenged the Murrays’ supremacy by introducing genetics from the Peppin bloodline. This transition was epitomized by Walter and M. S. Hawker’s purchase of the ram Hercules from Wanganella in 1913.
Family
John Murray was married to Alison Hope (circa 1820 – 9 June 1895 at Brougham Place). Their offspring included:
- John Murray (1841 – 4 July 1908)
- Helen (1846 – 24 April 1878 at Mars Hill, Gawler), who wed James Dawson (died 14 January 1882) on 27 February 1868
- Esther (1848 – 13 July 1923), married William "Willie" Crozier (circa 1840 – 22 June 1906) of Oaklands and Moorna Station
- Alison Hope Murray (1852 – 4 July 1894)
- Thomas Hope Murray (1854 – 29 November 1905), who married twice: first to Margaret Prendergast (died 24 August 1891), then to Florence Edith Daw (1859–1934) on 2 September 1892
- Alexander James "Alick" Murray (24 September 1859 – 18 April 1929)
- William Albert Murray (31 July 1862 – 3 December 1901)
The four brothers engaged in sheep breeding both individually and collaboratively, adhering to their father’s principles. Additionally, they bred and rode horses; notably, T. H. Murray and W. A. Murray were pioneers in breeding polled Angas cattle at Cappeedee station.
- John Murray took charge of Rhine Park estate near Mount Pleasant.
- Thomas Hope Murray managed Mount Beevor east of Nairne.
- Alick J. Murray oversaw operations at Murray Vale in Mount Crawford.
- William Albert Murray supervised Cappeedee station near Hallett.
John Murray (jun.)
Born aboard the City of Adelaide during his family’s voyage from Scotland to South Australia in 1841, John Murray Jr. was raised at Mount Crawford.
Upon marrying Mary Scott of "Delorain" near Kersbrook, he assumed management responsibilities for the Rhine Park estate assigned by his father.
He earned distinction as a premier merino sheep breeder, securing numerous awards at Royal shows and agricultural fairs throughout his career. Renowned as one of South Australia’s top sheep judges, he played an active role in the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of South Australia, serving as its president between 1901 and 1903—a role also held by his brother Alick J. Murray.
John was a respected elder and delegate within the Presbyterian Church at Mount Pleasant and was appointed Justice of the Peace in September 1888.
After enduring several years of illness, he passed away; management of Rhine Park then transferred to his son J. L. Murray. Following Willie Murray’s death, control of Cappeedee station passed to John’s son Walter S. Murray, while after Thomas Hope Murray’s demise Mount Beevor was sold to Norman Brice with its livestock dispersed.
Family
On 25 April 1867, he wed Mary Scott (circa 1843 – 13 September 1926). Their offspring comprised:
- Edith Alison (1868 – 5 February 1940), who became the wife of Alex James McDonald, the manager of Canowie Station, on 30 May 1901
- John Linley Murray (28 January 1872 – 1953)
- Elizabeth Rosina Murray (4 May 1874 – 10 September 1941)
- Walter Scott Murray (8 May 1876 – 21 November 1952), who married Ines Kate Goddard on 19 May 1904
- Helen Murray (16 August 1879 – 16 October 1941)
- (Olive) Mary Murray (born 8 November 1880), married George Burlingham on 17 September 1919
- (James) Elliott Murray (3 July 1884 – 1971), who was engaged to Valerie Anne Purves in 1946 and subsequently married outside South Australia