I have been asked about my name—Ossian Haven Murray—and how I came by it. I’m honored to say I was named after the doctor who delivered me at home: Dr. Ossian Haven Sweet, a prominent Black physician. He pronounced it “Ossian (Ocean) Haven,” but as I grew I preferred “O-see-an” and began calling myself that. One day, I was speaking with a friend while Dr. Sweet was nearby, I didn’t realize he was listening. He corrected me sharply—“Your name is not O-see-an, it’s Ossian!”—and out of respect I never used my preferred pronunciation in his presence again. Still, I kept using O-see-an elsewhere, and over time that pronunciation caught on. After Dr. Sweet passed, it became widely accepted among my acquaintances. Looking back, I consider that a blessing.

    We lived just a two-minute walk from his office, so my mother chose him as our family doctor. When she was ready to give birth to her seventh child—me—he simply walked over with his medical bag and delivered me, then, at her request, named me, giving me his own name.

    I grew up in poverty in Detroit’s Black Bottom located on the near east side which, at that time, was the center of Black culture and economy.  I was the seventh of eleven children and I often went to school hungry and shared a bed with several brothers. Still, I was determined to rise above our circumstances.

When I was older, I visited Dr. Sweet’s home many times at the corner of Garland and Charlevoix. He owned a second-floor office above a drugstore where we’d get ice cream; there were two doctors’ offices upstairs, and his brother worked in one of them. I drove him to see patients and ran errands for him. When there was time, I played the piano in his living room. I wasn't formally trained, but could play by ear. He had a maid who liked my visits. I was impressed with the way Dr. Sweet lived. I didn't know any other Blacks who had a piano in their home, let alone employ a maid. Spending time around him made me feel like I could live well, too, one day.

Dr. Ossian Sweet's Home

    With only a ninth-grade education I left school and took various jobs, including at a supermarket and as Dr. Sweet’s chauffeur. Dr. Sweet had purchased a brand new automobile manufactured by the Nash Automobile Company. It was an expensive car and I was thrilled to be trusted at its wheel. At 19 years old I received a draft notice from the U.S. military and, because of family responsibilities, was granted a one-year furlough before serving three years in the Army from 1953 to 1956. I drove buses and supply trucks during my service. Segregation made that time hard for Black soldiers—we were barred from many establishments—even though some white comrades stood with us by refusing to eat at establishments that would not serve us as equals.

    While serving, I met my first wife at a high school football game in Grambling, Louisiana. We corresponded for months, asked her father for permission, and married in Grambling because my bride was only 17; that proved wise when we were later stopped on the way to Detroit and asked for our marrige license. We were married for 48 years and had three daughters; Treena, Debreena, and Latachia.

    After my service  was complete, we settled in Detroit. I attended night school while working days and eventually earned my GED—wearing the cap and gown remains a proud memory. Around that time my younger brother became a Christian and inspired me; after meeting his pastor I and my wife prayed and accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. We began attending church and growing in faith.

Treena, Latachia, Debreena

    Electric work ran in my family. My youngest brother could wire entire houses, which pushed me to learn the trade. My father taught us the basics and agreed I could work with my brother; he promised to pay me half my earnings once I could wire a house on my own. Within six months I reached that goal and continued progressing. I told my brother I wanted an electrical contractor’s license; he reminded me I needed a journeyman's license first. I earned my journeyman's license, then pursued and obtained the contractor’s license so I could file permits and work directly with customers. One of my older brothers studied with me and we both passed—becoming the only two contractors among us—and together the Murray brothers formed a family business.

    One of my most treasured accomplishments as a practicing electrician was being able to wire my home church of many years, Joseph Campau Avenue Church of God. The church is still going, and the wiring I installed is still functioning at full capacity today. I’m very proud of that. From time to time, I would also be called upon to update work when codes changed or when new features became available.

    In addition to that, I serviced individuals from affiliated church communities and surrounding neighborhoods. Electrical work was not as readily accessible to Black homeowners and dwellers because of the expense and, at times, because of prejudice. I was glad to be able to offer my services at affordable rates while still providing high-quality work. To me, it was more important to serve my community than to make a fortune.