William Gray Murray rose to positions of great importance despite his humble beginnings. Prior to the Civil War, he led a distinguished life, as both a soldier?serving with distinction in the Mexican War?and as postmaster of Blair County, Pennsylvania. As colonel of the 84th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Murray ably led his regiment at Hancock and played a leading role in foiling the plans of Stonewall Jackson. Murray fell at the head of his regiment at the Battle of Kernstown.