Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Murdoch, Thomas William Clinton
MURDOCH, Sir THOMAS WILLIAM CLINTON (1809–1891), civil servant, born on 22 March 1809 in London, was son of Thomas Murdoch, F.R.S., of Portland Place, and Charlotte, daughter of John Leacock of Madeira. He was educated at the Charterhouse, and entered the colonial office as a junior clerk in 1826. In September 1839 he went out under Sir George Arthur to Canada to act as chief secretary, and, after acting also during part of 1841 as provincial secretary for Lower Canada, returned to the colonial office in September 1842. He became a senior clerk there in May 1846.
In November 1847 Murdoch was appointed to the important position of chairman of the Colonial Land and Emigration Commissioners, and it is in connection with the regulation of emigration and colonisation during the succeeding years that his name is best known. In 1870 he went to Canada on a special mission connected with the examination of the system of free grants to settlers. At the same time he carried important instructions on the Red River matter; and he went on to the United States to discuss the question of offences on British passenger ships plying to the States.
Murdoch was created a K.C.M.G. in 1870, and retired on pension in December 1876. He was a great reader, and spent his later years chiefly among his books. He died on 30 Nov. 1891, at 88 St. George's Square, London. He married in 1836 Isabella Anne, daughter of Robert Lukin of the war office, and left issue; the eldest son is C. S. Murdoch, C.B., of the home office.
[Private information; Colonial Office List and Records; Dod's Peerage.]