JOHN A. MURCHISON. – The subject of this sketch is one of the younger men of Union county , having the distinction of being a native son of this section, and to his credit it may be said that he has so demeaned himself that his life reflects credit upon his native county and her institutions. Mr. Murchison is a man of energy, ability, and sagacity, which have given him a good success in his chosen line of occupation-farming- and he is numbered with the enterprising and successful agriculturists and stockmen of the county.
John A. was born in Union county, on the old farm that joins the town of Summerville, where he now lives, the date of this event being June 5, 1871, and his parents were Murdo and Marion (Matheson) Murchison. His parents were born in Canada, the father on January 6, 1818 and the mother on October 12, 1824, the former coming to Stark county, Illinois, in 1853, and the mother in 1849. In April, 1863, they were married, and immediately started across the plains, in the large train, known as the Scotch train, composed of two hundred and fifty wagons, the trip being completed without serious accident of any kind. They settled on the present home place in the suburbs of Summerville, where the father devoted himself to farming and raising stock, and has constantly given himself to those industries sinces that time. During all the years of hardship incident to pioneer life, they toiled faithfully on, and also were exposed to the ravages of the red men, whose hostile attitude brought much suffering and loss upon the residents of this valley. Many times they were forced to pay as high as ten dollars for a sack of flour, and other things needed cost in proportion. Three children were born to them: Belle, wife of John McRae, of Summerville; Bertie A., wife of Thomas A. Rinehart, of Summerville; John A., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Murchison died on January 22, 1901, after a good life of faithful achievements, beloved and esteemed by all.
Our subject was raised on the farm, receiving a good education from the public schools, and he has remained with his father nearly all of the time. On March 16, 1898, Mr. Murchison married Miss Katie F. Bunnell, daughter of Samuel Bunnell, late of Wallowa, and to them two children have been born; Marold M. and Marion O. Mr. Murchison owns two hundred acres of land in the vicinity of Summerville, valuable both for its timber and its agricultural purposes. Our subject is a member of the A.F.&A.M., Lodge No. 67, and the Eastern Star, No. 62, of Summerville. The father nad mother of our subject were faithful members of the Presbyterian church and stanch supporters of the Christian faith.