Murrell Family Genealogy & History

Hilda Murrell was a renowned British rose grower, naturalist, and environmental campaigner known for her work against nuclear power and weapons. Born in Shrewsbury, Murrell directed Edwin Murrell Ltd, achieving international acclaim in horticulture. Under her leadership, the family business won top awards, and she collaborated with notable figures like Vita Sackville-West. Her expertise extended to environmental activism, where she was a pioneer in organic horticulture and promoted wildlife conservation. Murrell was also an accomplished botanist, writer, and anti-nuclear activist, known for her critical paper "What Price Nuclear Power?" which highlighted nuclear industry's safety concerns.

Hilda Murrell was born into a family of nurserymen, seedsmen, and florists dating back to 1837. Her grandfather, Edwin Murrell, established the Portland Nurseries, while her father, Owen, alongside his brother Edwin Foley Murrell, managed the successful family rose nursery business that Hilda would eventually direct.

James Murrell, also known as Cunning Murrell, was a renowned English cunning man and folk magician from Hadleigh, Essex. Born around 1785, Murrell was famous for his magical practices, which included healing, exorcism, and countering witches. His work as a cunning man made him a celebrated yet controversial figure, earning him the nickname "The Devil's Master." Despite criticism from educated circles, his services were valued by many locals. Murrell's legacy continued posthumously through fictional and objective accounts by Arthur Morrison and research by folklorist Eric Maple, cementing his place in the study of English folk magic.

James Murrell was likely born in Rochford, Essex, to parents Edward Murrell and Hannah Dockrell. He was the seventh son of a seventh son, a detail uncovered by journalist Arthur Morrison. Murrell married Elizabeth Francis Button in 1812, with whom he had seventeen children, though many did not survive infancy. Murrell's family roots and connections to Essex remained significant throughout his life.

Adrian Byran Murrell, born October 16, 1970, is a former NFL running back known for his impactful nine-season career. Selected by the New York Jets in the 1993 NFL Draft, Murrell's standout performances include rushing for 1,249 yards in 1996, ranking 7th in the NFL, and achieving significant yardage with the Arizona Cardinals, including a notable playoff victory in 1998. After brief stints with the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys, Murrell retired with a commendable career record, having also played college football for West Virginia Mountaineers.

Adrian Murrell's family includes his brother Marques Murrell, a former defensive end for Appalachian State University, who later joined the New York Jets. Their father served as a Command Sergeants Major in the military, stationed at Ft. Bragg. Adrian is married to Tonia Peck Murrell, and together they have three children.

Jaime Murrell was a renowned Panamanian Christian music composer, born in October 1949 in Panama City. Rising to fame in the 1970s as a lead singer for "The Mozambiques," he transitioned from secular to Christian music, leaving a lasting impact on the genre. His discography includes influential albums such as "Grandes Son Tus Maravillas" with Marcos Witt (1993), "Cristo Reina" (1994), and "25 años de ministerio" (2003). Murrell's works are celebrated for their spiritual depth and musical excellence. He passed away due to COVID-19 in Miami in 2021 at the age of 71, marking the end of a significant era in Christian music.