Adam Murray (soldier) facts for kids

Adam Murray (died 1706) was an Irish soldier who lived a long time ago. He is famous for fighting in a big war called the Williamite War in Ireland (1689–1691). He was a very important leader during the Siege of Derry in 1689, helping to defend the city.

Adam Murray's Early Life

Adam Murray was a Protestant farmer from a place called County Londonderry in Ulster, Ireland. His family might have come from Scotland. We know he had a wife named Mary and four children. His father was also alive in 1689, even though he was over 80 years old.

Joining the Army

We don't know if Adam Murray was a soldier before 1688. But in 1689, a rebellion started in Ireland. Protestants were fighting against the rule of the Catholic King James II. Murray joined the Protestant army, known as the Army of the North. He became an officer in charge of cavalry, which means soldiers on horseback.

He fought in a battle called the Battle of Cladyford. His horse soldiers were very brave. They only stopped fighting when they ran out of ammunition.

Defending Derry City

After the battle, Murray led many survivors to the city of Derry. At this time, Derry was one of the last places still controlled by Protestants. Murray's arrival was very important. Some leaders in Derry wanted to give up to King James. But Murray's men made the city's defense much stronger.

Because of Murray, some less determined leaders, like Governor Robert Lundy, left the city. Stronger officers, like Henry Baker and John Mitchelburne, took their places. Many people wanted Murray to be the new Governor, but he said no. Instead, he took charge of the city's cavalry.

The Siege of Derry

During the long Siege of Derry, Murray often led small attacks, called sorties, against the enemy. These attacks helped keep the spirits of the city's defenders high. However, in one attack in July, Murray was hurt in both legs. His cousin, James Murray, was killed.

Even though many soldiers and people in the city were lost, Derry held out. Finally, General Percy Kirke arrived in late July and rescued the city.

After being badly wounded, Adam Murray didn't play a big part in the rest of the war. He and his family often struggled with money. He didn't own much property, only his soldier's pay. His bravery during the siege made him a hero to Irish Protestants.

Adam Murray's Death

Adam Murray died in February 1706. He was buried at Old Glendermott, next to John Mitchelburne, who was one of his commanders at Derry. Murray didn't leave much money for his family. In 1707, his wife Mary asked for help and was given a small yearly payment of seven shillings.