Uz McMurtrie
To see a young, energetic, college bred man, who is making use of his education and working his theoretical knowledge into practical experience, must inspire anyone to a belief in education and in the practicality of a university course. Uz McMurtrie, of Marion, Indiana, is one of the best known men of the younger generation in the city, and is a man who has won the respect of everyone, not only through his unmistakable ability, but also through his own well rounded and developed character. He is now county treasurer of Grant County, the youngest county treasurer in the state of Indiana, and is one of the most progressive and active citizens of the community, being always ready to take a hand in any movement that may benefit the city or county.
Uz McMurtrie was born on the 12th of July, 1884, at Attica, Indiana, the son of William and Elizabeth (Starr) McMurtrie. Both of his parents were natives of the state of Indiana, his father having been born in Fountain County, and his mother in Vermillion County. The father of our subject was a soldier in the War of the Rebellion, Company B, 135th Indiana Infantry. Was very young when he entered, being one of the youngest members of the company. William McMurtrie and his wife removed to Grant County in 1892, and here they have lived ever since, he being now retired from business. They have had three children, tow of whom are now living, Uz McMurtrie and Joseph McMurtrie, who is local manager for Armour & Company in Miami, Florida.
Uz McMurtrie received his preparatory education in the public schools of Attica and Marion, being graduated form the high school in Marion. he then matriculated at Indiana University at Bloomington, where he took a four-year course. He was graduated with the class of 1908, receiving an A.B. degree. He majored in economics and social science, and one of the requirements for a degree in this department was a thesis. Mr. McMurtrie chose for his subject "The Separation of the Sources of State and Local Taxation," the thesis being the result of two years research work in problems of taxation. He has continued his work along these lines, making a special study of taxation and is now considered an expert in this subject. While in the University he was made president of his class, and to anyone who has ever been a university student this tells a story, for it takes a man with real executive ability and great personal popularity to win this office.
Upon returning to Marion he was elected d4eputy county treasurer, serving under W.H. Sanders. he went into this office in 1909 and served during 1910, 1911, and 1912. In November, 1912, he was elected country treasurer on the Republican ticket, taking office on the 1st of January, 1913, and his previous experience in the duties of the office as well as his training and study along economic lines have enabled him to become a very efficient officer.
On February 11, 1914, Mr. McMurtrie married Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Hogin. Mrs. McMurtrie is a member of one of Marion's oldest families. She was graduated from Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and has studied music extensively, possessing a voice of unusual beauty. She occupies an important place in Marion musical circles and is a member of several social and study clubs.
Mr. McMurtrie has always taken a prominent part in social and fraternal affairs, and in social service work. He is a member of the board of directors for both the Young Men's Christian Association and the Federated Charities. He is a member of the Country Club and of the Mecca Club of Marion. In fraternal affairs he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, being junior warden of Samaritan Lodge, No. 105, Marion. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the Elks. He is a member of the Phi Kappa Psi college fraternity, and takes a keen interest in the affairs of his alma mater and of his fraternity.
Submitted by: Gina Reasoner