John (1851-1927) was the son of George Murray and Mary Maciver, of 25 Old North Tolsta.

In 1854, after Old North Tolsta had been cleared to make way for Tolsta Farm, the family obtained 45 North Tolsta.

John married Margaret Maciver, of 33 North Tolsta, and the couple settled at 45 North Tolsta and had eight children: six boys and two girls.

In 1902, the couple's third child, John, died in his mid twenties.

On the 1st of January 1919 the couple's eldest son, Evander, drowned in the Iolaire disaster.

In due course 45 North Tolsta passed to their son, George.