The Young and Murray Families
The Murray Clan ...

Hugh and Jean Murray

3-Hugh Murray, son of Hugh Murray and Anne nee Young, was born on 20 May 1789 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, died on 21 Dec 1845 at home in Colville Street, Hobart Town, Van Diemen's Land at age 56, and was buried on 24 Dec 1845 in St Andrews Presbyterian Cemetery, Hobart.

Hugh married Jean Carmichael, daughter of Andrew Carmichael and Lillias Cross, on 1 Dec 1813 in St Cuthberts, Edinburgh, Scotland. Jean was born on 7 Jan 1788 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, died on 11 Oct 1871 in Geelong, Victoria at age 83, and was buried in Geelong Western Cemetery.

Hugh Murray       Jean Carmichael               

 Hugh and Jean had eight children:

The story of  Hugh and his family's arrival in Van Diemen's Land is told here.  Hugh played an important part in the life of the Church of Scotland in the district. The settlers at the Macquarie River soon began to consider the establishment of a place of worship after the form and service of the Church of Scotland. At a meeting at Winton (Adam Turnbull's property) on 2 Jan 1826 a committee was appointed to expedite the business and obtain subscriptions. The members of this committee were George Taylor, Adam Turnbull M.D., James Reid, Hugh Murray and John McLeod. Services had been held previously in Hugh Murray's dining room. 

The Colonial Times and Advertiser Friday 20 Oct 1826

WANTED: Contractors for building the Presbyterian Church and dwelling house at the Macquarie River. Plans and specifications of the work may be had on application to Hugh Murray Esq, Secretary; and offers will be received  till Monday the 20th, October

Mrs. Hugh Murray laid the foundation stone of the church which was built at Kirklands.

Kirklands     Kirklands today    Kirklands today

Kirklands today

Hugh applied for an additional grant in 1830, having improved his property by a dwelling house, outbuildings, two miles of four-railed fence and the cultivation of 100 acres. He had 1800 sheep and 25 cattle. He also expected to receive from 80 to 100 pounds a year from the estate of his mother-in-law, Lillias Carmichael, who had recently died in Scotland. The police magistrate at Campbell Town reported that Murray was 'generally understood to have little surplus capital, being of rather expensive habits'. Pictured below is his original house at St Leonards.

Hugh Murray's Colville Street House

Hugh was granted an additional 800 acres (324 ha) but he sold his property in 1831 to Charles Baskerville Viveash who changed the name from St Leonards to Baskerville.  The property was later owned by the Headlam and then Finlay families.  In 1906 G.L. Finlay built a new Federation style mansion, pictured today below, in an idyllic setting on the bank above the Macquarie River near the bridge.  By 1948 Hugh’s original house was still standing but abandoned.   The property operated for a while as Baskerville Hall Bed and Breakfast with a fine restaurant but has now contracted to about 80 acres and is being lovingly cared for and restored by two retired owners. They were told when they bought the property that the original homestead had been a little further up the river and that the sandstone footings were long ago removed to form some garden beds around the new home, photo below.  It’s address today is 1030 Macquarie Road, Campbell Town.

 

Baskerville_today    Baskerville_footing _stones    Google earth image baskerville

Hugh moved to Hobart and established himself as a wine and spirit merchant, first in Liverpool Street and later in Collins Street, and he took a leading part in the development of the colony. His letters show him to have been a shrewd man of business, of true Scottish caution. "He is a screw - be you as sharp with him," he writes to Mr. Walter Davidson, of Campbell Town, of the carrier who was trying to overcharge.

He advertised in the Hobart Town Courier on Saturday 24 Sep 1831:

WINE & SPIRIT VAULTS,
Liverpool Street.

HUGH MURRAY begs to intimate, that he has entered into possession of the above premises, to resume his former business of WINE and SPIRIT MERCHANT, and assures his friends and the public, that they may depend on having their orders for every article in the trade executed with punctuality, and with Wines and Spirits &c of the best quality.

Having opened a correspondence, with his old connections in business, in Edinburgh and Leith he expects shortly to receive some choice Wines, &?c, which he will be able to offer to his customers on the most reasonable terms.

N. B. Dealers will be supplied with every article in the trade, at the lowest wholesale price.

 British Hotel, Liverpool Street, Hobart Town    British Hotel Liverpool Street Hobart TownCourtesy Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office

The British Hotel and Brandy (later Wine) Vaults in Liverpool Street,
demolished to make way for AG Webster and Sons new warehouse in about 1906

The British Hotel and Brandy Vaults was built in about 1823 by James Ogilvie, originally from Banff, Northern England.   In 1826 Ogilvie renovated the building and leased it to John Martin.  Ogilvie died in 1828.  Hugh Murray took over the hotel, operating as both a retail and a wholesale Wine and Spirit merchant.   In October 1842 Hugh relocated to custom built premises in Collins Street.  Ogilvie’s widow and her new husband James Thompson resumed running the British Hotel which also served as a city coach depot.

His new premises were in Collins Street midway between Elizabeth and Argyle Streets, opposite what is now Drysdale House.  He announced his relocation in the Colonial Times  Tuesday 24 Oct 1843 on page 1:

REMOVAL

Mr. H. Murray intimates that he has this day removed to his new stores, in Collins-street,
where his business as wine and spirit merchant will be carried on in all respects as formerly.  

In November he advertised his new stock:

The Colonial Times 21 November 1843 page 2  

WINE STORE,
COLLINS STREET,
OPPOSITE "THE TRUMPETER" OFFICE.

 MR H. MURRAY, In reminding his Friends that he has removed his Business from the Premises in Liverpool street, so long occupied by him, to the above, built expressly by him for a Wine & Spirit Store, intimates that his present STOCK, the largest he ever had on hand, consists of
 Every description of Wine, in cask and bottle Most superior Brandy, Holland's, and Jamaica Rum
 Bronte Madeira and Masala, in hades and quarters, strongly recommended as something superior for family use
Tarragona and Cape Wines
Dunbar's Porter and Ale, in any quantity, &c. &c. &c, all which will be sold to his regular customers, or for CASH, at very low prices.
The trade will find it for their advantage to apply
. A few hogsheads, quarters, and octaves of East India Madeira, very superior

WINE STORE COLLINS STREET

November 17, 1843.

The new Wine Cellars building no longer exists; probably demolished when the AMP Building was constructed. After his death in 1845 the Wine Cellars were operated by his son, Andrew, until he was lured to Victoria by the huge land holdings that Hugh Murray senior and his family had acquired around Colac.

Hugh Murrays new Wine Store

Hugh built a fine house on the corner of Colville and Argyle Streets on what was then the northern fringes of the city. It was one of the grandest homes of its time in the area. Colville Street was renamed Gormanston Street in 1897 and then renamed again to Federal Street in 1899.

Hugh Murray was active in the Presbyterian Church. He helped create Kirklands and joined the petitioners for government aid for a minister for St Andrew's Church in Hobart, and helped to raise funds for the erection of Scots Church, Melbourne. He was one of the first trustees of the Hobart Savings Bank.

In 1839 shortage of foodstuffs saw prices soar and this caused some distress. On 24 August a large committee was formed to raise funds to “to relieve the prevailing distress consequent upon the present high prices of provisions'. Hugh Murray was appointed as Treasurer and Secretary. Money was collected by subscription and through ministers of various religious denominations who made special collections at their churches. In only a couple of week £591 had been collected, including £150 from Sir John Franklin.

Hugh died at his home in Colville Street, Hobart, on 21 December 1845 and was buried in the Presbyterian cemetery in Church Street. His Hobart Town properties were advertised for sale as follows:

Hobart Courier Saturday 7 February 1846

Most desirable Mercantile Premises and Genteel Family Residence, also large Allotment of Ground in Colville-street, the property of the Estate of the late Hugh Murray, Esq.

MESSRS. L0WES AND MACMICHAEL

Have the honour to announce that they are instructed by James Thomson, Esq.,

TO SELL BY PUBLIC AUCTION,

On MONDAY, the 23rd March next, at 2 o'clock precisely,

At the Exchange Mart, Elizabeth-street,

THE following VALUABLE PROPERTIES, belonging to the Estate of the late Hugh Murray

LOT 1
Comprises the spacious Mercantile Premises in Collins-street, admirably adapted for any kind of business, only recently erected, and most substantially built of free stone. The large cellars are cut out of the solid rock, and perfectly dry. The stores are admirably arranged, with extensive yard room, while the situation, from the recent improvements in the neighbourhood, (particularly the splendid building erected by Messrs. Lewis & Sons,) is one of the best in Town for carrying on a large business.

LOT 2.
The commodious and substantial Two-story Brick Residence, together with the extensive garden, yard, out-offices, and premises situated at the angle of Argyle and Colville-streets, at present in the occupation of Mrs. Murray.

In announcing this property for sale, the Auctioneers feel great confidence in recommending it to the inspection of those who are desirous of securing one of the best finished, and most conveniently arranged, family residences near town. The garden is in the highest order, and well stocked with the choicest fruit trees.

LOT 3.
An allotment of Ground situated immediately opposite Lot 2, having a frontage of about 200 feet to Colville road, and about 100 feet to Argyle-street.
Terms in a future advertisement.

N.B.-The Stores in Collins-street can be inspected at any time, but the property in Colville-road can only be seen by cards from the Auctioneers.

 

    George Franklands mapHughs house from Carr Street    Hughs house from the Domain    Hughs house from Mortimer Avenue

The first picture above is an extract of Surveyor George Frankland's famous 1830's Hobart map showing his house and Lot 3 (above) opposite. The second is a rear view of his house looking south down Carr Street.  The third is an 1890's photo from the Domain showing George, Wellington, Worley and Federal Streets running from Letitia Street.  Near the top right can be seen Hobartville, now the Friends School, built in the 1830s. The fourth,1890's, picture was taken from Mortimer Avenue looking over the top of Mimosa in Elizabeth Street. The fruit trees can be clearly seen in the rear garden.  The first three photos are courtesy Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office. The fourth is courtesy Robert Vincent North Hobart Heritage Study 1999.

The house was later known as Melmerby, the home of Joseph Benson Mather. Today, known as 67 - 69 Federal Street, it is the headquarters of the local Greek community, the Hellenic Club.

 

     Hugh Murray's house today    Hugh Murray's house today

The Presbyterian Burial Ground associated with St Andrew’s (now Scots) Church where Hugh was buried opened in 1829. The cemetery was transferred to the Council and re-named St Andrew’s Park in 1935. St Andrew is the Patron Saint of Scotland.

    St Andrews Park    St Andrews ParkCourtesy Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office

 It was converted to a beautiful council park and most of the headstones were set in the surrounding wall. Hugh Murray's headstone, however, was left in its original position, as were those of the first minister of the church and a couple of other dignitaries. His mother's headstone looks over the park from the boundary wall. A cairn was also erected in 1937 in memory of all the Scottish pioneers.

St Andrews Park, Church St. entrance    St Andrews park Pioneers memorial cairn

Hugh Murrays headstone   

Many members of the greater family were buried here:

Mrs Anne Thomson
Died
29th December, 1838
Aged 81 years
_________________________
William Thomson
her Son
29th June 1832
Aged 32 years.
_________________________
Mrs. Anne Macrobie
Died
17 August 1840
Aged 38 years
_________________________
Hugh Murray
Wine Merchant
Hobart Town
Died
21st December 1845
In the 56th year of his age
To whose Memory
This Stone Is erected
_________________________
Sacred
To the Memory of
Mrs. Susannah Turnbull
Who died on the 17th May, 1845
Aged 74 years
_________________________
To
The Memory of
Stephen Coombs Esq.
Who departed this life
November 19th, 1850
Aged 70 years
_________________________
Sacred
To the Memory of
Mary
Wife of
Bernard Conolan
Who departed this life
On the 8th March 1851
Aged 27 years
Also, Annabella Conolan
Who died on the 25th July, 1850
Aged 4 years & five months