KING'S CHAPEL
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Picture
Portrait of Mrs. James Smith (Elizabeth Murray) by John Singleton Copley, 1769. This painting is in the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Please click on the image above to view further details about this painting.
In many ways, Elizabeth Murray was a woman ahead of her times. She became a successful businesswoman and shopkeeper, using her success to assist other women in securing economic independence at a time when unmarried women had few career opportunities. Born in 1727 in Scotland, Murray and her siblings came here as orphans. At 22, she began to import British goods, catering to the passionate consumer culture of the 18th century. She did the buying and selling -- a woman of fashion with her own Boston shop. A 1750s advertisement says Murray offered “flower’d Velvets and Capuchin Silks,…Bone Lace,…Sattins of all Colours…the newest fashion’d Hoops, Caps, Ruffles…Trimmings of all Sorts…” As an independent career woman, Murray was unusual but not unique. She trained others for business, helping them establish shops, and also ran an embroidery school. Her work continued through three marriages, in which prenuptial agreements protected her wealth when marriage often stripped wives of money and property. Two of her business proteges, Elizabeth and Ame Cumming, were also members of King's Chapel. The Cumming sisters described Murray as a "kind adviser." After Murray's death in 1785, she was buried next door in the King's Chapel Burying Ground, alongside her second husband, James Smith.

Learn more about Elizabeth Murray's life and legacy by visiting the Elizabeth Murray Project from California State University, Long Beach.

Do you have a female mentor in your life?
​

What women do you find inspiring?
Return to "Explore" Page
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King's Chapel
Est. 1686
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In the love of truth, and the spirit of Jesus Christ, we unite for the worship of God
​and the service of all​.
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 www.kings-chapel.org |  58 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02108  |  617-227-2155 
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  • Home
    • About Us >
      • Welcome
      • Calendar
      • Clergy & Staff
      • Contact Us & Directions >
        • Send A Message
      • Employment Opportunities >
        • Pianist/ Music Leader
        • Verger Position
  • Worship
    • Holy Week 2022
    • Sunday at 9 AM
    • Sunday at 11 AM
    • Lent 2022
    • Sermons
    • Special Annual Services
    • Book of Common Prayer
  • Music
    • Tuesday Recitals
    • Concert Series
    • Musical Inquiries
  • History & Tours
    • Plan Your Visit >
      • 2023 At A Glance
      • Guided Tour Offerings >
        • Group Tours
    • Explore Our History >
      • A Brief History
      • The Stone Chapel: Art & Architecture >
        • The Wooden Chapel
        • Georgian Architecture
        • Box Pews
        • Interior Colors
        • Memorials
        • The Chancel Windows
        • The Last Supper Painting
      • Crypt and Burying Ground >
        • Crypt >
          • Crypt Highlights: Crypt Entrance
          • Crypt Highlights: Tomb Structure
          • Crypt Highlights: The Stranger's Tomb
          • Crypt Highlights: Research and Family Connections
          • Crypt Highlights: Remaining Memorials
          • Crypt Highlights: Hand-Hewn Beams
        • Burying Ground
      • Religious History >
        • Online Exhibit: Independent Country, Independent Church
        • 334 Years of Ministry
      • Slavery at King's Chapel
    • Online Exhibits >
      • Revolutionary King's Chapel: Online Exhibit
      • Literary King's Chapel
      • Uncovering the Past: Exploring Black History Through Primary Sources
    • History Events & Programs >
      • Past Events & Programs
      • Recorded History Programs
    • Christmas History at King's Chapel >
      • Decking the Halls: The History of Decorating with Greens
      • Christmas Lights: Then and Now
      • 18th & 19th Century Christmas Services & Music
      • Christmas Feasts & Treats Throughout History
      • Holiday History Trivia
    • History Program Blog
    • About Us >
      • History Program Staff
      • Contact Us
    • Support the History Program
  • Community
    • News & Updates >
      • Parish Community News
    • Community from Home
    • Community Action Committee >
      • Anti-Racism Resources
    • Memorial to Enslaved Persons
    • Environmental Action Initiative
    • Join King's Chapel
    • For Members >
      • Budget Meeting 2023
      • Partner Church Sunday 2022
      • KC Bylaws
      • 2022- 2023 Church Leadership
  • Giving
    • Why Give
    • Ways to Give
    • Stewardship >
      • Pledge
  • Weddings & Baptisms
    • Weddings >
      • Dear Prospective Couple
      • Wedding Inquiry
      • Wedding Service
    • Baptisms
  • Space Rentals