Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1480

MURRAY, THOMAS JAMES, a successful business man of Springfield, Ill., was born at Atlanta, Logan County, Ill., December 1, 1858, son of James and Bridget (Brennan) Murray. James Murray was born in County Carlow, Ireland, August 15, 1818, and his wife was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1835. He was a blaster by occupation and came to the United States about 1854. He and his wife had six children. Thomas J. Murray received his education in the public schools of Springfield and afterward went to work in the rolling mills there. He worked seven years in the employ of the Illinois Watch Company, and then embarked in business on his own account. He has been in this business for twenty years and has met with gratifying success, having a good trade.

Mr. Murray was married, in Decatur, Ill., October 4, 1894, to Miss Nora Cullen, daughter of John and Kate Cullen, who was born in Decatur, in March 1871. Her parents were natives of County Waterford, Ireland. Mr. Murray and his wife have no children. He is well known as an enterprising business man, of strict honesty and integrity, and has many warm friends. He is a devout member of the Catholic Church. He is a Democrat in politics and was a member of the Board of Supervisors when the State Fair was located in Springfield. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He has spent all of his life in Springfield and has been a witness of many changes and improvements.