History of The Murray
[This story by Julia Mericle appeared in The Hawk Eye Apr 23, 2018]
Sam R. Bartlett, Francis Howland, and C.L. Rice, the company’s first president, incorporated the iron and brass foundry in 1870. According to an article in The Hawk Eye from about 1925, the origins of the name Murray are unclear.
The company purchased machine shops and a foundry from a foundry owner named Sowden, as well as several lots on Main and Elm Streets with plans to erect new buildings.
In July of 1870, C.H. Higbee took over as the principal owner.
The whole history is in the Burlington Public Library archives.