Murdo, born c1841, was a son of John and Rachael nee Macdonald, Tobson. He was married twice. He married first Henrietta nee Maciver, daughter of Angus Maciver and Mary Macarthur, Knock Carloway. Henrietta died giving birth to a son John Macdonald (b. 25 Nov 1867 Knock Carloway d. 13 Feb 1868 Knock Carloway)
Murdo then married (18 March 1869, Uig) Christina Maclennan, daughter of Angus Maclennan and Christina Macritchie, Valtos. They raised four children.

Murdo, Chirsty and their eldest child, John, were enumerated in Tobson in 1871 but they moved to Valtos - exchanging crofts with Donald Macdonald.

According to local tradition his family later moved to Laxdale.