Joseph H. Murray, Undertaker, Dies

Joseph H. Murray, Undertaker, Dies Founder of Firm Succumbs at Age of 82 After Six-Week Illness Joseph H. Murray, 82, Camden's oldest undertaker, died yesterday in his home at 408 Cooper street, of complications. He had been ill for six weeks. Members of his family were at the bedside when he died. He was the father of Coroner Charles T. Murray. Mr. Murray was the oldest member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church. He had been a member of the official board of the church for 50 years, and at one time was superintendent of the Sunday school. Born in Camden on February 6, 1855, Mr. Murray became employed, after graduation from the Camden schools, by the Pennsylvania Railroad and later was in the ticket office at the Pennsylvania ferries. Always deeply religious, Mr. Murray quit his post at the ferries because he felt that it was not right to work seven days a week. He then became associated with the old Camden Post-Telegram, now the Morning Post. In 1900 he started in the undertaking business at 105 North Seventh street, later moving to 106 Broadway, then to 629 Market street and finally to the present Cooper street address, where he also made his home. While Mr. Murray, in years gone by, had been a member of several organizations, he dropped all of those interests and centered on the one thing that was paramount in his life, his church work with the First M. E. He was well-known for his charitable work, although he did his missions of charity without any flare of publicity. Mr. Murray retired from active business 10 years ago, and the business has since been carried on by his son, Coroner Murray, as Joseph H. Murray & Son. Coroner Murray entered his father's business in 1912, when he graduated from school. Mr. Murray's father, Wesley Murray, was well known in Camden and at one time was captain of the old volunteer fire company, the Weccacoe Hose Company, which for many years had its headquarters on Arch street, east of Fifth street. That building was torn down when the present city hall was built. In addition to Coroner Murray, Mr. Murray is survived by one other son, Carlton J. Murray, Camden florist; three daughters, Mrs. Sarah Dollar, of Camden; Mrs. Matilda Clark, of Sparrows Point, Md., and Mrs. Georgie Schwatka, of Baltimore, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Mr. Murray's wife, Georgie, died 18 years ago. Funeral services will be held privately by the family tomorrow. Rev. James S. Pemberton, pastor of the First M. E. Church, will preach the sermon. Burial will be in Harleigh Cemetery.