John Hammond Murray was a sheepfarmer in Waituna Valley during the late 1800's and early 1900's. He ran a flock of 6000 Lincoln sheep and a herd of 200 cattle on his estate. Murray inherited the farm from his father, who also owned a general store.
Murray was born in Whanganui in 1866, and grew up helping out on his father's farm and in the store. He is described as someone who took a 'keen and practical interest in his district" and was "always willing and anxious to further its interests in every way he possibly can". Murray was a trustee of the Waituna Cemetery, secretary of the President Garfield Lodge in Whanganui, and a member of both the Rifle Association and the Rangitikei Hunting Club. He was also asked several times to be the warden of the Otamakapua Block.