Michael Murray, 1892

For a long time I ignored the Canadian reference to names that matched the forebears I was searching for here in Australia but the number of coincidences and frustration made me take a proper look. Because of the Whitby connection this Michael Murray may well be the husband of the sister of my great grandfather. My great grandfather Thomas John Hyder came to Australia from Ireland in 1874. In 1876 his sister and legal guardian, Jane Murray, husband of the pictured Michael Murray if my assumptions are correct, placed a notice in the Sydney newspaper cautioning ministers and registrars not to marry her brother because he was under age. He did marry later in 1881 after becoming a reverend in the Anglican church. Our archived newspaper website here allows me to track his movements as a minister and a Freemason. Jane and Michael Murray were both born in Ireland, went to Australia, married, returned to Ireland and then went to Canada between 1876 and 1878. They had children in all three countries, the last three being born in Whitby.

There is more if you would like more details and I would love to hear from anyone who can fill in some missing pieces or confirm my theories. Sincerely Kathleen

Hi Kathleen,

Thanks for your note. Glad you were able to find an image of Michael Murray. Let us know how we can help by emailing archives@whitbylibrary.on.ca