William Murdock
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William Murdock (Template:Circa 1710 Template:Ndash October 17, 1769) was an American statesman in colonial Maryland. During the tensions leading up to the American Revolution, he was an important spokesman for the rights of the colonists. He was a delegate representing Maryland in the Stamp Act Congress of 1765.
Background
Murdock was born around 1710 as the son of Capt. John Murdock, a merchant and his wife Katherine Barton. Murdock was likely a first, or second generation Marylander, his father was enormously wealthy.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> Around 1729, Murdock married Anne Addison.<ref name=":0" /> When his father died in 1733, Murdock acquired all of his landholdings.
In 1737 he first served in public office as sheriff of Prince George's County.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the time of his first election he was recorded to have owned 3,291 acres of land in Prince George's County.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> Murdock served as sheriff until 1740.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref>
In 1748 Murdock enlisted in Capt. George Beall's Troop of Horse, representing Prince George's County.<ref name=":2" /> He would go on to serve in Maryland's lower house, representing Prince George's County from 1749 to1751.<ref name=":2" /> From 1749 to 1769 he served as burgess for Prince George's County.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
In 1755, Murdock's first wife Anne died.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On January 1, 1757, Murdock married Anne's first cousin, Margaret Dulany, the widow of Alexander Hamilton and daughter of Daniel Dulany the Elder, one of Maryland's most prominent families.<ref name=":0" />
Stamp Act Congress
In 1765 when protests over the Stamp Act resulted in calling a Congress of the several colonies in New York City, the Maryland Assembly sent Murdock as one of its delegates.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Delegates from the Stamp Act Congress later produced the Declaration of Rights and Grievances.
Murdock died on October 17, 1769, at his home, Padsworth Farm, in Prince George's County, Maryland.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> At the time of his death, he was known to have at least 11 slaves and 2 indentured servants. His property holdings included at least 5,263 acres in Prince George's and Frederick counties, as well as lots in Annapolis.<ref name=":1" />
See also
References
External links
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