Betsey Murray's eldest son

I've thought Murray was quite a character for some time. He was known for his love of tansy wine, was called Captain until the day he died because he ran the military drills in his hometown during the Civil War but never served, and I'm proud to know he was an abolitionist and participated in the underground railroad.

Recently I've found a few new things out about Murray and would like to begin by sharing his obituary:

Birth: Feb.28, 1809

Death: Dec. 7, 1885

Published in the Illinois State Register Springfield, Illinois Friday, December 11, 1885 - Virden, Ill., Dec. 10--It is our painful duty to record the death of one of our oldest and most respected citizens--Captain Murray C. He had been complaining for several days of pains in his breast, but nothing was thought of the matter, though he had said he could not live long. About 2 o'clock Monday morning Mrs. C., was awakened by her husband's loud breathing, and speaking to him, he replied that the pains had extended to his arms, and was spreading upward. She hastily arose, secured a light and returned to his bedside, when she saw that he had passed away--death caused by paralysis of the heart. - Mr. C was well and favorably known here, where he has lived for years. He was rather an eccentric old gentleman, though a kind father and good neighbor. He was born in the state of Vermont in the year 1809. In 1833 he left his native state, and with his trusty rifle on his shoulder, walked all the way to this state. He assisted in laying out the present site of Jerseyville, and was at one time sheriff of Jersey county. He went back to New York, married, and together with his wife, rode back to Illinois on a wagon drawn by an ox team. He organized the first military company to leave Jersey county for the Mexican war. In 1837(?) he moved to his (what is now known as the Blue Mound) farm northwest of Virden. In 1861 he moved to his present residence in Virden, where he resided up to the time of his death. For more than fifteen years he was justice of the peace and police magistrate. He, in his official capacity, dealt out justice with that fairness which was one of the characteristics of his nature. He died in his 76th year, leaving an aged wife and eight children, six boys and two girls, (all grown) to mourn his loss. - Funeral took place from the Baptist church at 1 o'clock p.m. to day. --------- Published in the Illinois State Register Springfield, Illinois Saturday December 19, 1885 - Captain Murry C., deceased, we understand, has left a will dividing his property among his eight children, and had "entailed" it on the English plan, so that it remains in the family for generations to come. NOTE: The text was difficult to read in the article. Murray might've moved to Blue Mound in 1857.