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An unexpected find during the trip to Bombay (Mumbai) was the grave of Frederick Augustus Murray, shared with Martha Hassett and David Vincent Hassett. Also in the grave plot was Cecilia Veera Hassett Murray (Cecilia’s records will be explored in a later post). I suspected that Frederick Augustus Murray had married one of the Hassett daughters (probably of James and Martha Hassett) and that Cecilia was his daughter.

After a search for Frederick’s records (see two previous posts on resources and resources II) some of this became clear. His baptism record confirmed that Frederick Augustus Murray was born on 11th March 1875:

In addition:

1. Baptism date: 17th April 1875
2. Birth date: 11th March 1875
3. Parents names: James Alexander and Susan Anne Murray
4. Abode: Kurrachee
5. Profession (father): Librarian and Curator Frere Hall Library

A fascinating discovery here is that Frederick’s father was the Librarian and Curator Frere Hall Library:

Photograph of the Frere Hall, Kurrachee (Karachi) from the ‘Crofton Collection: Topographical and architectural views mostly in India’, taken by an unknown photographer in c. 1865. Built in 1865, the Frere Hall is now known as the Liaquat Hall on account of the Liaquat Municipal Library on the ground floor. The building is an incredible example of Anglo-Indian architecture, complete with Gothic steeples and was built in memory of Sir Bartle Frere, Commissioner of Sind, 1851-1859. Designed by Colonel Clair Wilkins, the gardens around the building were added in 1887-88 by Mr. Benjamin Flinch. The building was the hub of Karachi’s social activities; serving as the Town Hall where regular public meetings, concerts and theatrical performances were once held.

Source: British Library

Frederick’s burial records – there are two – confirm that he died on 21st November 1927, aged 53 years:

The Sewri Cemetery record reveals:

1. Burial location: Sewri cemetery
2. Death date: 21st November 1927
3. Age: 53
4. Nationality / Profession: European Taxidermist
5. Burial date: 22nd November 1927
6. Cause of death: Chronic Bronchitis and Emphesema
7. Person whom buried: Alex C. Blain

Frederick’s age appears to have been rounded here to 53 years. As stated on his memorial inscription his actual age at death was 52 years and 8 months. His nationality is stated as European and his profession was a Taxidermist. His cause of death:

Bronchitis is an infection of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi), causing them to become irritated and inflamed.

Source: NHS

emphysema – damage to the air sacs in the lungs.

Source: NHS

A second burial record was found for Frederick, which confirms most of the above, but has a different burial site:

1. Burial location: Wesleyan Church
2. Death date: 21st November 1927
3. Age: 53 years
4. Profession: Taxidermist
5. Burial date: 22nd November 1927
6. Cause of death: Acute Bronchitis
7. Person whom buried: Alex C. Blain

The Wesleyan Church in Bombay is a Methodist Church. Presumably a service took place there before the burial at Sewri Cemetery.

Discovering Frederick Augustus Murray at Sewri Cemetery was a great find and locating his official records has shed some light on who he was, but didn’t show his connection to the Hassett family. On discovering Cecilia Veera Hassett Murray’s records, it all became clear.

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Interact with the Anglo-Indian Project

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