Ambrose Spencer Murray | |
|---|---|
 From 1859's McClees' Gallery of Photographic Portraits of the Senators, Representatives & Delegates of the Thirty-Fifth Congress | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 10th district | |
| In office March 4, 1855 – March 3, 1859 | |
| Preceded by | William Murray |
| Succeeded by | Charles Henry Van Wyck |
| Treasurer of Orange County, New York | |
| In office 1848–1851 | |
| Preceded by | None (position created) |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin F. Edsall |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 27, 1807 Wallkill, New York |
| Died | November 9, 1885 (aged 77) Goshen, New York |
| Resting place | Saint James' Cemetery, Goshen, New York |
| Political party | Whig (before 1854) Opposition (1854-1855) Republican (from 1855) |
| Spouse | Frances Wisner (m. 1836-1885, his death) |
| Relations | William Murray (brother) |
| Children | 6 |
| Occupation | Bank president Businessman |
Ambrose Spencer Murray (November 27, 1807 – November 9, 1885) was an American businessman and politician from New York. He is best known for his service as a U.S. Representative from New York.
Murray was a native of Wallkill, New York, and attended the local schools. He worked for several years as a clerk in his uncle's Middletown, New York, store, then moved to Goshen, New York, to begin a career in banking and business. He became the president of the Orange County Bank in 1845, and served until his death. Murray was also active in other businesses, including serving on the board of directors for several railroads and financial institutions.
As an opponent of slavery, Murray became active in politics as a Whig, and migrated to the Opposition Party and then the Republican Party as the abolition movement coalesced. He served as Orange County Treasurer from 1848 to 1851.
In 1854, Murray ran successfully for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was reelected in 1856, and served from 1855 to 1859. His tenure was noted for his continued opposition to slavery. In 1856, he was one of the two Congressmen who came to the aid of Senator Charles Sumner when Representative Preston Brooks committed his attack on Sumner on the floor of the U.S. Senate.
After leaving Congress, Murray resumed his banking and business activities. As a director of the Erie Railroad, he used his connections to obtain free tickets and passes for runaway slaves, facilitating their escape to Canada. During the American Civil War, Murray was a member of the committee that raised and equipped the 124th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Murray died in Goshen on November 9, 1885, and was buried at Saint James' Cemetery in Goshen.