Murray, Alexander, 1815-1884.

Union navy officer.

Alexander Murray was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1815. He entered the United States Navy in 1835. He served on the east coast of Mexico from 1846-47, participated in the capture of Alvarado and fought at Tampico, Tobasco, Tuspan and Vera Cruz. He commanded the steamship Louisiana of the North Atlantic squadron, and in 1861-62, defeated the Confederate steamer Yorktown, fought the battle of Roanoke Island and destroyed the Confederate fleet.

Under Captain William F. Lynch, and participated in an expedition in May 1862 in which he destroyed twenty-seven vessels. He served in the North Carolina sounds in 1863, was on special service in 1866-67, was lighthouse inspector in 1873-76, and served on the naval board after his retirement. Murray died in Washington, D.C., on November 10, 1884.