Captain James Murdoch (May 10, 1814 - April 17, 1900) was a Scottish mariner. He received his early training in 1828, under Captain George Wilson and served on the Betsy, then he was first in command of the vessel Mary Agnes and afterwards he was captain for six years of the large sloop Hearts of Oak. He then bought 64 shares in the Freedom and sailed her for 25 years, he used it to trade to Holland from Troon, Scotland. The Freedom was Captain Murdoch's last command. On one very stormy voyage, when nearing the Cumberland coast, he was washed overboard, but a succeeding wave luckily washed him back on deck. He died aged 85 at the Scaur well, and his remains lie in Co'en Kirkyard (Colvend Churchyard).
Family
Married to Agnes Cumming, the couple had nine children:
- Mary Murdoch
- Samuel Murdoch
- William Murdoch
- Jane Murdoch
- Agnes Murdoch
- Margaret Murdoch
- John Murdoch
- Elizabeth Cumming Murdoch
- Andreina Murdoch
[Link to Murdoch Family Website http://web.ukonline.co.uk/clan.murdoch/jamesmurdoch1.htm]
