Being a sixth-generation Texan, Jeffrey Murrah grew up surrounded by history. From his early childhood, he listened to family stories about his forbearers and their connection with the Alamo, San Jacinto, Gettysburg and Normandy. He also walked the battlefields and historic sites where his own history and that of Texas overlapped at places like...
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Being a sixth-generation Texan, Jeffrey Murrah grew up surrounded by history. From his early childhood, he listened to family stories about his forbearers and their connection with the Alamo, San Jacinto, Gettysburg and Normandy. He also walked the battlefields and historic sites where his own history and that of Texas overlapped at places like San Jacinto, Goliad and Gonzales. When he attended public school in Pasadena, Texas, when it came time for studying Texas history, he found himself miles ahead of his peers. Researching and learning about history kindled a new passion in his life.
For Jeffrey, history was not merely old stories in books. Through his research, the people took on a new life. The events became more human and the situations faced continue stirring emotions. As an adult, he visited battlefields, researched people, events and historic sites across Texas and the world gaining a better understanding and awareness of the history that shapes us. He combined history with archeology and psychology in his research. From Judge Isaac Parker’s courtroom in Fort Smith, Arkansas to St. Paul’s prison cell in Rome, he has read, experienced and researched many facets of historical experiences. His passion for history has inspired his writing two award winning books on Texas and the exploits of military units his relatives belonged to. His research and findings have also been featured on the Texas Parks and Wildlife radio show.
Historic and heritage groups across Texas have asked him to speak and share his thought provoking insights. Whether speaking in schools, court houses, restaurants or libraries his audiences enjoy what he shares with them. His speaking locations include Gonzales, Galveston, Sugar Land, Conroe, Arlington, Anderson, Bryan, Chappell Hill, Houston, Temple, Pasadena and Waco. He was also named the official historian for the Terry's Texas Rangers re-enactment group (http://www.terrysrangers.us/) which were featured in such movies as "The Postman", "The Patriot", "Gettysburg" and "Ride with the Devil". He was also invited for several years as one of the authors signing their books at the annual San Jacinto Day celebrations in Deer Park, Texas.
Jeff's love of history has also led to his chasing down the Texas embassy locations in European capitols and being commissioned an Admiral in the Texas Navy by Governor Rick Perry for his accomplishments. His travel and research have culminated in his latest history book, Texans Always Move Them: A True History of Texas. This book debuted at the ceremony marking the 100th Anniversary of the Terry's Texas Ranger Monument at the State Capitol. He also published a primer on Texas Confederate History which is available through Amazon Kindle. His upcoming book which is a regimental history of the 17th Texas Infantry is due to be published in mid 2013.
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