James Ramsey Murray

James Ramsey Murray (1841–1905) was an American composer, music editor, teacher, and songbook compiler. Born at Ballard Vale in Andover, Massachusetts, on March 17, 1841, he developed musical ability early and later studied at George F. Root's music school in North Reading. He was associated with leading nineteenth-century American church musicians including William B. Bradbury and Lowell Mason. During the American Civil War he served in Massachusetts units before returning to musical work.

Murray became an editor for Root & Cady in Chicago and later taught music in Andover. From 1881 until his death he worked for the John Church Company in Cincinnati, an important publisher of school, Sunday school, and gospel music. He compiled and edited numerous collections and composed songs and hymn tunes for children and congregations. Contemporary New Church sources remembered him as an active member of the Church of the New Jerusalem in Chicago and Cincinnati.

His best-known connection with Christmas hymnody is the tune now called MUELLER or AWAY IN A MANGER. Murray printed it with the carol in Dainty Songs for Little Lads and Lasses in 1887, marking the music with his initials. Modern hymnological research generally treats him as the tune's composer, although the publication also repeated the false claim that Martin Luther had written the words.