Murray, Texas, Young County. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

The community was first settled by buffalo hunters Thomas Price and J.J. Murray in the mid 1870s. The community was granted a post office in 1880 and named after Murray. Murray was perhaps too close to the county seat to develop on its own and although early figures aren�t available, as late as 1980 there were only 29 residents. It has increased for the 2000 census to 45.

Murray, Texas Landmarks

The 1874 Murray Methodist Church
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, April 2009

Historical Marker: FM 209, W of Graham

Murray Methodist Church

When early pioneer Thomas Price purchased land in the old Fish Creek community in 1874, he found an abandoned log cabin which, along with his neighbors, he repaired and designated for use as a church. Early settlers, regardless of denomination preferences, worshiped together in the cabin.

The Fish Creek Methodist Society was organized in 1886, and a circuit riding minister from the Throckmorton District served the little church. When the membership outgrew the cabin, services were held in a nearby school from 1893 until it burned in 1897. A new school was built, and the church met there until 1907.

The Fish Creek community became known as Murray when a new post office was established with that name. In 1907, the W. L. Chandler family donated land to the church, two miles west of the original log cabin site. The church, formerly known as the Methodist Episcopal Church South of Fish Creek, was called Chandler Chapel for a short time, then renamed Murray Methodist Church. A church building was erected, featuring many interior fixtures donated by members of the congregation. The church continues to be a vital part of the community.

1986

Murray Methodist Church Tabernacle
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, April 2009

1907 postal map showing Murray in SW Young County
From Texas state map #2090
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

Texas Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories, landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact us.