John Murray (1741-1815)
Judith Sargent Stevens married John Murray in 1788 in Salem, Massachusetts. While her first marriage was childless and apparently not particularly happy, her marriage to John Murray was based on mutual love and respect, intellectual and spiritual companionship. The two had known each other and "mingled souls on paper" in letters for ten years before exchanging vows. During their marriage, Judith's literary and political career blossomed. Together and individually, the Murrays were "players" on the national stage. With John, Judith Sargent Murray gave birth to a son, Fitz Winthrop, in 1789 who died after a few hours, and to a daughter, Julia Maria, in 1791 who survived. It was Judith who first called John Murray the "Father of Universalism," and she helped complete and publish his Letters and Sketches of Sermons in 1812 and his autobiography in 1816. Courtesy of The Bostonian Society/Old State House.
John Murray
A younger depiction of John Murray, taken from an early 1800s edition of his autobiography.
Julia Maria Murray (1791-1822)
Judith's beloved daughter was born when Judith was forty years old. Two years earlier, Judith had given birth to a son who died. Judith considered Julia Maria a miraculous gift, and mother and daughter remained very close throughout their years together. In 1818, when Julia Maria's husband sent for her to join him in his native Natchez, Mississippi, Judith (who was then widowed) went with her. Sadly, Julia Maria died shortly after her mother passed away. As far as we know, she was not able to leave a lasting, written tribute to Judith. Courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Company.
Epes Sargent (1690-1762)
Judith's grandfather was the wealthiest man in Gloucester and also in Salem, where he later moved and where he died. His portrait by John Singleton Copley is considered one of the artist's finest and exemplifies the serious, dignified character studies for which Copley became famous.
Winthrop Sargent (1753-1820)
Judith's beloved brother had a successful military career, first serving under General Washington during the American Revolution and then under Generals Howe and St. Clair. He went on to become the Acting Governor of the Ohio Territory, and the first Governor of the Mississippi Territory. He married Rebecca Tupper who died in childbirth, and then Mary McIntosh Williams. Mary's four children, and the two sons she had with Winthrop, were (with one exception) all sent north to Boston for "Aunt Murray" (Judith) to oversee their education. Courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Company
Mary McIntosh Williams Sargent (1764-1844)
When Mary married Winthrop Sargent in 1798, she sent her children North for their education. Anna Williams lived with Judith at Franklin Place for several years; Mary Williams visited Judith in Boston on occasion; David and James Williams attended Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, and Harvard College. Mary and Winthrop had two children, George Washington Sargent and William Fitz Winthrop Sargent, who were also sent North as boys. A widow when Winthrop married her, Mary brought enormous wealth (including slaves) to their marriage. Courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Company
Fitz William Sargent (1768-1822)
Judith's younger brother became a successful merchant in Gloucester, following in his father's footsteps. He married Anna Parsons, to whom Judith became very close. Judith was a regular visitor to their home in Gloucester after she moved to Boston, and to their country estate in Newton, Massachusetts. Courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Company
Epes Sargent (1721-1779)
Judith's uncle was wealthy, cultured, and an early Universalist, joining Judith's father in starting the first Universalist church in America. When Epes and his wife were forced to leave Gloucester because of their loyalists leanings, Judith wrote a stinging essay in their defense in 1775, although she did not publish it until 1794 as part of her series, "The Repository," that appeared in the Massachusetts Magazine. This essay, and the rest of the series, have been published by the Judith Sargent Murray Society.
Catherine Osborne Sargent (1722-1788)
Epes Sargent's wife was, according to Judith and the Sargent family genealogy, an active participant in her husband's business affairs. No doubt, she was an important influence on young Judith.
Sarah Sargent Allen (1729-1792)
Judith's aunt Sarah married Nathaniel Allen in 1754. He was one of the men who built Boston's famous Long Wharf.
Mary Turner Sargent (1729-1813)
Judith's aunt by marriage was also one of her closest friends. The two women were regular correspondents, signing their letters with their respective nicknames: Judith as "Constantia" (which was also her pen name) and Mary as "Maria." Mary was born in what is now the House of the Seven Gables in Salem, and moved to Boston when she married Daniel Sargent. Courtesy of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
Daniel Sargent (1731-1806)
Judith's uncle Daniel Sargent was a successful merchant in Gloucester and Newburyport before he moved to Boston and opened his offices on Long Wharf which he also helped build. He was known as "a man of the highest character, noted for integrity and benevolence," according to the Sargent family genealogy. His concerns were simple: his family, and his business. Courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Company.
Daniel Sargent Jr. (1731-1806)
Like his father, Daniel Sargent was a successful merchant in Gloucester and Boston, and held positions of leadership with some of Boston's most important civic and business organizations (including the Mass. General Hospital and Boston Marine Insurance Company). Like most merchants, he was a Federalist and strongly opposed President Jefferson's embargo. He served Boston in the Massachusetts legislature, and as state senator. He was treasurer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the first captain of the Boston Light Infantry. Courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Company.
Abigail Adams (1744-1818)
Judith first met Abigail Adams in 1788, when she married John Murray and the two traveled through Braintree on their honeymoon. Courtesy of the Adams National Historical Park.
John Adams (1735-1826)
Judith greatly admired Vice President and President Adams and in 1798, when Judith published her book, The Gleaner, she dedicated the work to him. Courtesy of the Independence National Historical Park.
Martha Dandridge Custis Washington (1731-1802)
Judith became a lifelong friend of Martha Washington after meeting her in New York in 1790. Martha sought her out, and the two women enjoyed private conversations together away from the public eye. Judith also befriended the Washingtons' granddaughter, Eleanor "Nellie" Custis. When Martha died, Nellie sent Judith a lock of her hair. Courtesy of the Independence National Historical Park.
George Washington (1732-99)
Judith first met the president in 1790, when she and John Murray journeyed to Philadelphia. At the time, the fledgling American government was meeting in New York, and Judith watched President Washington preside over a session of Congress garbed in "purple satin robes." Like most federalists, Judith admired George Washington above almost any other man. Courtesy of the Independence National Historical Park.
Col. Samuel Hodgdon (1745-1824)
A close friend and business partner of Judith's brother Winthrop, the Boston-born Samuel Hodgdon served as Quartermaster General in Philadelphia under President Washington. He also served as a go-between for Judith and Winthrop when they exchanged mail while Winthrop was living in the Ohio and Mississippi Territories. Courtesy of the Quartermaster General Museum.
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