P.J. Murray is possessed of those advanced ideas and progressive principles regarding agricultural life which seem to be the chief prerogative of the average native of Illinois. He was born in Kane County in 1852, and is the eldest of four children born to Patrick and Ann (Kane) Murray, both of whom were born in the "Emerald Isle." At an early day they emigrated to the United States, and after residing some time in Pennsylvania, they removed to Illinois, and here they both died in Kane County, some years ago. P. J. Murray received such education as the district schools of Kane County afforded, and his youth and early manhood were spent in aiding in the development of the home farm. After working in the pineries of Northern Michigan for some time, he went to Louisiana, and in January, 1882, came to Poinsett County, where he engaged in mercantile business, and also had the contract for grading five miles of the Kansas City & Memphis Railroad. After completing one mile the company raised the grade, and Mr. Murray threw up the job, then returning to his store, to which he gave his undivided attention for some eighteen months. He then commenced farming, and purchased a timber tract of eighty acres, which he began immediately to improve. He now has forty acres cleared and under cultivation, and is making a good living. He is an active Democrat in his political views, and is at present serving his third term as magistrate. He was instrumental in organizing a good school in his district. Socially, he is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and belongs to Jonesboro Chapter. He was married in Little River Township, in 1883, to Miss Lydia A. Davidson, a native of Dunklin County, Mo., and a daughter of Zachariah and Sarah Davidson, who were natives of that State. They removed to this county in 1877, and the father is now living with Mr. Murray, his wife having died some years ago. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Murray: Zachariah and Felix. Since locating here Mr. Murray has seen many changes take place, and the country rapidly fill up with a good class of settlers. The soil here is fertile, and will readily yield fifty bushels of corn to the acre.