Hugh Brown Murray, 23 Scotland Street, Stornoway

Seaman HUGH BROWN MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: Seaforth House, 23 Scotland Street, Stornoway
Son of Alan and Isabella Brown Murray, of Stornoway.
Service unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Richard Bennett
Service number: 983/TS
Date of birth: 10 March 1866
Date of death: 1 December 1917 at the age of 52
Died in Haslar Hospital
Interred: Sandwick Cemetery Northwest Old Ground 298
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial; Nicolson WW1 memorial, right panel

The 1871 census shows Hugh as a 6-year old at 3 Kenneth Street, Stornoway, with his parents Allan (41, sawyer) and Isabella (38). He is the third of 4 children, John (10), Donald (8) and Ann B (2). The family is in the 1881 census at 20 Inaclete (Newton Street), with the addition of Dorothea Janet (5). By 1901, Hugh is a fish salesman's clerk, residing with his now elderly parents at 20 North Beach Street.

Stornoway Gazette
Many Stornowegians at home and away will regret to learn of the death of Mr Hugh B. Murray, youngest son of the late Mr Allan Murray, which took place last weekend at Haslar Navy Hospital. The deceased was trained in the office of the late Mr J. F. Macfarlane, inspector of poor, registrar etc., and afterwards received a banking appointment in Duluth, USA. An excellent clerk and bookkeeper, yet he could not thole the deck. Leaving Duluth, he went out West, but the lure of the sea was strong, and for a time he took up employment aboard ship. Returning to Stornoway, he acted as assistant to the late Mr Hector McL Ross, Inspector of Poor for Lochs and Barvas parishes, and was also employed in the clerical department of the Harbour Commissioners. At the outbreak of war he joined the RNR and since August 1914 served in the North Sea patrol. Two months ago, he was admitted to Haslar Hospital suffering from an internal malady which proved fatal. His remains were brought home for interment, and the funeral took place on Friday from the Cottage, the residence of the deceased's brother, Dr Murray. There was a large and representative attendance, testifying to the regard in which deceased was held by all classes and the community's sympathy with the bereaved relatives.