George Welwood Murray

Born in Scotland in 1856 and coming to this country at the age of twenty, George Welwood Murray had just entered his eighty-eighth year when he died as calmly and courageously and confidently as he had lived. It may be that his exemplary life contributed to his longevity, for he neither smoked nor drank nor swore. In any event, his good sense, understanding and tolerance prevented him from shortening his life by worrying over the frailties of others or over the many things that happened in his lifetime which were not at all to his liking, economically and politically. These same qualities facilitated Murray’s career as a leader of the bar and an outstandingly useful citizen. Without effort on his part there came to him, because of his character and ability, both individuals and corporations greatly sought as clients by lawyers far less modest and far more adroit at business-getting. To the end of his life he continued his work as a member of the Board of Visitors of the Columbia Law School, as Chairman of the Legal Research Committee, as an original member of the Board of Directors of the Commonwealth Fund, and as Treasurer and member of the Council of the American Law Institute, positions which he had held since the organization of the Institute in 1923. In addition, he was a leader in the civic, church and business activities of Montclair, N.J. His achievements were recognized by Columbia University in conferring an LL.D. in 1930.

He was too fond of his books, his family and his home in Montclair to spend much time in the Century. But after he had retired from active practice he lunched there quite frequently—the last time only a month before his death. Then for the first time it was noted that the tall slim figure had lost its erectness and that the handsome, finely chiseled face had begun to show the passage of the years.

Geoffrey Parsons
1943 Century Memorials