The Middlebury register and Addison County journal. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1883-1885, 1885-07-17
A Notable Career.

Orson $. Murray, who died at his home
in Fosters. Warren county. Ohio. on the
llth of June. was remarkable man.
lie was born in Orwell on the 2}d of
September, 1906. His educational adj
vantages were limited in early life, but
he finally succeeded in completing elias
steal course at Castleton and Shoreham
academies. though not till after his mar
riage. Among his teachers was Silas
Wright. Mr.. Murray fitted himself for
the ministry and was ordained by the
Baptists His first newspaper article,
published in 1881, was upon the subject
of total abstinence from the use of intox-
icating beverages, which he became con-
WINGED as early as his 18th year was the
only true course. 1t is claimed and is
probably true, that he was the first to
make public such views. lie next inter-
ested himself in the anti-slaveTy move
ment and wrote much for William Lloyd
Garrison's famous paper, the Liberdtor.
Mr.. Murray was identified with this
movement from about 1881 on. He Wig
orously opposed the Liberan colonization
scheme, which had many prominent sup
porters North as well as South. At the
time of his death Mr.. Murray was one of
the four survivors of those who attended.
the formation of the National Anti-Slav-
cry society, the other three living being
the poet, Whittier; Elizur Wright of
Massachusetts and Robert Purvis of
Pennsylvania. He was the only Vermont
delegate. II, 1885. through Mr.. Murray's
efforts, the Vermont Anti-Slavcry society
was established. Mr.. Murray was the
first to present to legislative body a
resolution against slavery. This he did
in the Vermont legislature, which ut his
instance petitioned Congress to abolish
slavery and the slaye-tradc in the District
of Columbia and to prohibit Interstate
traffic.
In 1885 Mr.. Murray became the pro-
prietor of the Vermont Teiegrdph. which
was the State organ of the Baptist de-
nomination and was published at Bran
don. But about 1871 his views upon re-
ligious subjects underwent IA change and
he made the Telegraph an anti-religious
journal. In 1874 he removed to New
lork city and established The Regcneru-
tor, an anti-religious and anti-slavery pa
per. which he published in that city till
1914 and from that date to 1876 in War
rem county, Ohio. whittier he removed in
lSll. During his career as a publisher
he cultivated farm and depended upon
u
be free to advocate his peculiar views.
For the past % years or more he has
lived in retirement at the place of his
death. though during that time he has
been frequent contributor to the news
papers upon current topics. He was a
vigorous writer.
His religious opinions he held to the
close. In accordance with his wish the
funeral services were conducted without
the assistance of Il clergyman. 1t was
his wish, also, that his remains should be
cremated, and they were taken to the
crematory at Lancaster, Pa, and re-
duced to ashes.
Among the tributes to his memory that
have appeared is the following, written
to Mr.. Murray's son. who is the editor OF
the Cincinnati Price current:
DANvERs, Mass, 9Th no 27th, lSSj
Dear Friend
have read, not without deep emotion in tn,
paper OF the 18th inst. the account of the dealt
and funeral of my old friend Orson :. Murray
with whom in 1898 signed the declaration of III,
newly-formed American Anti.Slavery society
There were sXty-three of lis then; there onl,
three now living.
Our paths of duty separated soon after: bu
from time to time heard of his faithful and un
selfish labors for freedom and humanity, an,
knew that his life in after wears was in accord
His faith was not as mine; but trust that h,
er in Hea\ en-, that the lifelong love OF goodness
which he cherished was love of Him.
| am truly thy friend.
JOHN q. WHITTIER.
We know of but one relative of the de
ceased now living in the county, sister
Mrs. +. ii. Dean of West Cornwall
, There are many in this vicinity. however
who knew him in his Younger days.