William McMurtry facts for kids
William McMurtry (born February 20, 1801 – died April 10, 1875) was an important leader in Illinois. He served as the 11th Lieutenant Governor of Illinois and was also a colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Quick facts for kids
William McMurtry
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| 11th Lieutenant Governor of Illinois | |
| In office January 8, 1849 – January 10, 1853 |
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| Governor | Augustus C. French |
| Preceded by | Joseph Wells |
| Succeeded by | Gustav Koerner |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives | |
| In office 1836-1840 |
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| Member of the Illinois Senate | |
| In office 1842 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | February 20, 1801 Mercer County, Kentucky |
| Died | April 10, 1875 (aged 74) Henderson, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Ruth Champion (1795–1864)
(m. 1826–1864) |
| Occupation | Farmer, Politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Union |
| Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1832, 1861 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | 102nd Illinois Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Black Hawk War American Civil War |
Contents
Early Life and Family
William McMurtry was born in Mercer County, Kentucky. His parents were James and Elizabeth McMurtry. His great-grandfather, John McMurtry, fought in the American Revolutionary War. He died during the Battle of Cowpens.
In 1818, William and his family moved to Crawford County, Indiana. There, on November 23, 1826, William married Ruth Champion. Ruth was also from Mercer County, Kentucky.
In 1829, William and his young family moved to Knox County, Illinois. His father and brother also moved with them. William McMurtry lived in Knox County for the rest of his life.
Political Career
William McMurtry started his public service in Knox County. In 1830, he was chosen to lead the first grand jury of the Illinois Circuit Court. This was an important job in the local court system.
In 1832, he became the county's first school commissioner. This meant he helped manage the schools in the area.
From 1836 to 1840, William was a member of the Illinois House of Representatives. This is part of the state's law-making body. In 1842, he was elected to the Illinois Senate, another part of the state government.
Lieutenant Governor of Illinois
William McMurtry joined the Democratic team with Augustus French, who was running for governor. McMurtry became the candidate for lieutenant governor.
He served as lieutenant governor from 1849 to 1853. During his time in office, a new state constitution was created. Also, the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad was finished. This railroad was very important for travel and trade.
After his term, William McMurtry ran for a seat in the U.S. Congress in 1854. However, he did not win this election. After this, he did not seek elected office again. William McMurtry was known to be a close friend of Stephen A. Douglas, another important Illinois Democrat.
Military Service
William McMurtry also had a military career. During the Black Hawk War in 1832, he organized a group of about 70 to 90 men. These men were from Knox and Warren counties. They formed a company of mounted rangers, and William served as their captain. His brother James was a sergeant.
At the start of the American Civil War in 1861, McMurtry again helped organize soldiers. He led the 102nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment as a colonel. This regiment was made up of men from Knox County. However, William McMurtry only served for a few months. He received an honorable discharge because of his age and poor health.
Personal Life
William McMurtry was known as a smart person. Even though he didn't have a lot of formal schooling, he loved to read. He was also known as a good neighbor.
He was a Freemason and served as the treasurer of his local group. William and his wife Ruth had five children together.
William McMurtry passed away in Henderson, Illinois. This town was founded near his farm after he and his family had settled there.
Images for kids
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Rank insignia for a Colonel in the Union Army.
