Author: David Murray Smith
Author: David Murray Smith (1838–1879)
Biography: David Murray Smith was born about 1838 in Scotland (possibly Glasgow), the son of cloth printer John Smith and his wife Christina Murray. His older brother was the poet Alexander Smith. After a start as a schoolmaster in Glasgow, he turned to literature as a contributor to Chambers's encyclopedia. However his alcoholism (termed "unfortunate irregularities" in his obituary) hindered his career. Around 1869 he moved south to London where his struggles continued, including bouts of actual starvation. Again from his obituary, "He moved about from one common lodging-house to another, and the kind friends who attempted to alleviate his woeful condition found that all their efforts were fruitless." In addition to contributions to the press he wrote (or contributed to) several books, including three novels. He died suddenly in 1879 in London, an end no doubt hastened by his alcoholism. He left a widow and children, including the painter David Murray Smith (1865–1952).
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References: British Census (1871); Greenock Telegraph (3 June 1879)
Fiction Titles:
- Karl-of-the-Locket and His Three Wishes. 1 vol. Edinburgh: W. P. Nimmo, 1867.
- Tales of Chivalry and Romance. 1 vol. London: Virtue, 1869.
- The Silver Star: A Romance of the North Land. 1 vol. London: Houlston and Co., 1881.