Jonathan McMurry was the oldest of 10 children of James Alexander McMurry (1817-1887) and Elizabeth Moore McMurry (1818-1883) who are buried at nearby Star Cemetery in Harvey County.

Jonathan "John" is an older brother to Asher McMurry buried in this cemetery.

Harvey County, Lake Twp. history states; "Farmer, section 32, P. O. Burrton, owns 160 acres, ninety in cultivation, dwelling 16 x 20, and makes a specialty of keeping fine milch cows and selling cream to creamery. Was born in Pennsylvania, July 20, 1840, and in 1849 moved with his parents to Illinois and in 1861 enlisted in Company G., 46th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. John A. Davis, and participated in the engagements at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Siege of Corinth and Big Hatchie; in the latter engagement he was very badly wounded, being shot through both thighs, disabling him entirely from active life, rendering one of his feet partially paralyzed and while in the hospital had to fight the doctor off with his crutch to prevent him from cutting off his leg, and was discharged for disability in 1863. In 1871 he came to Kansas and located his present homestead, but shortly after moved to Hutchinson, Reno County and engaged in livery business and while there he was elected Justice of the Peace and served six years. He was also Under Sheriff of Reno County for four years and while in that capacity had a great deal of very dangerous duty to perform, arresting horse thieves and desperadoes. While Justice of the Peace, he studied law and was admitted to the bar, and commenced the practice of law, first in Hutchinson and then located in Nickerson...."

John McMurry married Sarah Jane Riddle on December 10, 1867 at Shannon, Carroll County, Illinois.