Frank J. Murray. Among the important business houses of Scottsville, Kansas, is the Fitzgerald Lumber Company, the efficient manager of which is Frank J. Murray, a member of one of the old pioneer families of the state, one that still owned the homestead secured many years ago.
Frank J. Murray was born in Cloud County, Kansas, not far from Jamestown. His parents were Patrick and Mary Murray, of Irish extraction. They came to Kansas in 1869 and were among the first settlers to locate near Parkerville. In 1872 they took up a homestead and through industry and perseverance Patrick Murray developed an excellent farm. As with other Kansas pioneers, hardships and discouragements were many for a time, but Mr. Murray was an industrious, thrifty man, one who attended strictly to business and he prospered under conditions that a less determined one might have found impossible. Mr. Murray died at his home in 1911, leaving many behind to mourn, a large family and numerous friends who remembered that he was ever willing to help a neighbor over a rough place in life if he could do so. He was a faithful member of the Roman Catholic Church. His widow still lives on the old homestead. They had twelve children born to them, ten after coming to Kansas, and nine are yet living.
Frank J. Murray was reared on the home farm. He completed the common school course and later was graduated from the Jamestown High School. Although young for the responsible position he holds, Mr. Murray is capable and gives entire satisfaction. The Fitzgerald Lumber Company was organized as such in 1907, the business being previously owned and operated by H. F. Burke, who in that year sold to the Fitzgerald people. The enterprise had ample capital and in Mr. Murray an energetic, shrewd manager, and it is in a very prosperous condition. The company handles lumber, farm implements, oils and paints.
In 1916 Mr. Murray was married to Miss Ethel Johnson, who was born in Jewell County, Kansas. They are members of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Murray belongs to the Knights of Columbus.