George Washington Murray, born near Rembert, South Carolina, on September 22, 1853, was a prominent African American figure in the late 19th century.  He served two non-consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing South Carolina’s 7th Congressional District.  In 1892, he was elected to Congress, defeating the incumbent, Thomas E. Miller.  Murray was known for his advocacy for African American voting rights and his contributions as an inventor, holding several patents for agricultural tools.  While he was elected in 1892, his service was interrupted due to election disputes and voter suppression tactics that targeted African American voters.  He was re-elected in 1896 after successfully contesting the election results. Murray’s tenure in Congress was marked by his efforts to address the challenges faced by African Americans during the Reconstruction era.