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biography
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Murray, Alexander, naval officer, was born in Pittsburg, Pa., Jan. 2, 1816;
son of Magnus M. and Mary (Wilkins) Murray, and grandson of Commodore Alexander Murray, U.S.N. (q.v.). He entered the U.S. naval service in 1835 and served on the
east coast of Mexico, 1846-47. He was severely wounded at the capture of Alvarado, and took part in the capture of Tampico, Tabasco, Tuspan and Vera Cruz. He was
promoted lieutenant in 1847, and at the outbreak of the civil war was commissioned commander and given charge of the steamer Louisiana of the North Atlantic
squadron. After defeating the Confederate steamer Yorktown off Newport News, he took part in the capture of Roanoke Island and New Berne, N.C., and was left
in possession of Edenton, Feb. 12, 1862. He commanded the five vessels left by Commander William Smith on the Pamunkey river to protect McClellan’s base of supplies,
May, 17, 1862, and was on duty in the North Carolina sounds in 1863. He was promoted captain in 1866; was detailed on special service, 1865-66; was made commodore
in 1871; served as light-house inspector, 1873-76, when he was retired with the rank of rear-admiral. He afterward served on the naval board and died in Washington, D.C., Nov. 10, 1884.
THE TWENTIETH CENTURY BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY OF NOTABLE AMERICANS. Vol 3, Publ. 1904. Transcribed by Richard Ramos.
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