John P. Daugherty

John P. Daugherty was born around 1800 in County Derry, Ireland, which likely refers to modern-day County Londonderry in Northern Ireland. He was one of at least 10 children born to William Dougherty and his wife Nancy, both natives of Ireland. John’s siblings included Nancy, Catherine (Katy or Katie), Lavina, William Jr., Robert, Elizabeth, Mary, Margaret, and Henry.

John is my husband’s 3rd great-grandfather, with their closest shared ancestor being John’s daughter, Nancy, who married Samuel C. Murphy.

When researching this surname, you need to be creative as the name appears in various forms across records, including: Doherty, Doughtry, Dougherty, Doughtery, and Daughtery. There may be others as well.

Researching John’s life enabled me to trace this branch of our family tree back another generation to his father, William Dougherty, and a confirmed connection to Ireland.

Evidence suggests that the family immigrated to the United States before 1808, as John’s brother Robert was born in Pennsylvania that year. It seems they lived in Pennsylvania briefly before settling permanently in Virginia, where they spent the rest of their lives.

On April 17, 1823, John married Catherine Brannon in Wheeling, Ohio County, Virginia, in a ceremony officiated by clergyman Thomas Daken.

Ohio County marriage register

John and Catherine had a large family, with 11 children: Mary, Nancy, William H., Elizabeth, Margaret, John W., Catherine, Rachel A., Robert H., Emmeline, and Laura Ann. Many of their children shared names with John’s siblings. All his children were born in Virginia.

A long-term resident of Ohio County, Virginia John’s consistent presence in Ohio County is well documented through personal property tax records, which span across two decades:

• 1823 and 1825: John paid taxes alongside his father William. Also present was Charles Daughtry, whose link to the family remains unclear.
• 1827 and 1828: John continued to be listed in the county tax rolls with his father and brother William Jr. Census records from this period confirm his residency in Ohio County.
• 1831: Tax records now included John’s father, and brothers Henry, Robert, and William Jr. The name Allen Daughtry also appears in both 1828 and 1831, though his connection to the family has not been determined.
• 1833: John is recorded again, paying taxes alongside William, Henry, and Robert.
• 1835: John’s name appears with William, William Jr., and Robert, maintaining a strong family presence in local records.
• 1838: John and Robert are listed once more, with Allen Daughtry reemerging in the records.

John began acquiring land in Marshall County, Virginia, through a series of land warrant assignments, an early method of claiming unsettled property. His first known purchase came in 1834, when he bought 100 acres on Maggoty Camp Run from Hugh and Mary Gill. Today, this land would most likely be found near the present-day town of Cameron.

In November 1839, John was indebted to Absalom Ridgely for $90.60, payable by April 1, 1841, with interest. To secure the debt, John transferred ownership of his Maggoty Camp Run property, along with various livestock, farming equipment, household goods, and leased land on Middle Wheeling Creek, to Humphrey Boon as trustee. John retained possession of the land unless he failed to pay, in which case Boon would sell the land and assets at public auction, with proceeds covering Ridgely’s debt and remaining funds returned to John. If John paid in full, the deed would be void, and ownership restored. 

In August 1840, John and his wife Catherine sold the 100-acre tract along Maggoty Camp Run back to Hugh Gill for $200. Whether the sale was prompted by financial necessity or part of a broader exchange remains unclear.

At the same time, the 1840 U.S. census records indicate that John’s father, William Dougherty, had moved to Marshall County, Virginia, where he later pursued U.S. citizenship. On September 21, 1840, William appeared in court and formally applied for naturalization. A native of County Derry, Ireland, William presented sworn testimony from Jacob Keller and Benjamin Blodgett, confirming that he had resided in the United States since before June 18, 1812 and had lived there continuously for over five years. In fact, based on the birth of his son Robert in Pennsylvania around 1808, William had clearly been in the U.S. for at least three decades. Keller and Blodgett attested to William’s good moral character and his support for the principles of the U.S. Constitution. In open court, William formally renounced all allegiance to foreign powers, including Queen Victoria of Great Britain and Ireland, and pledged loyalty to the United States. The court accepted his declaration and granted him citizenship.

By February 1841, less than a year after the original sale, Hugh Gill and his wife Mary sold 150 acres to John. While it’s uncertain whether this tract was entirely new or included the previously sold acreage, the transaction suggests the return of the original 100 acres, perhaps along with an additional 50 acres, either via subdivision or as part of a larger tract.

Around 1843, John expanded his holdings by acquiring 150 acres along Valley Run, a stream feeding into Fish Creek, through the assignment of Land Office Treasury Warrants. These warrants originated from Alexander Newman and Henry Lockman, and passed through multiple parties before reaching John. This property was likely located near modern-day Moundsville, West Virginia.

In September 1844, a formal survey established the boundaries of the tract, and in 1845, the Commonwealth of Virginia issued a land patent, securing John’s legal ownership. In February 1845, John identified an additional five-acre surplus within the tract—originally part of Henry Lockman’s 1835 grant—which was formally assigned to him through Lockman’s attorney.

Finally, in September 1845, John was officially granted 155 acres in Marshall County, Virginia, through two separate Land Office Treasury Warrants: No. 12908 (issued to Lockman in 1835) and No. 12486 (issued to Newman in 1837). The gradual chain of transactions and careful surveying culminated in John’s acquisition of the entire property.

John's land grant

The survey for the land was originally conducted on September 2, 1844, and was formally surveyed with markers like white oaks, dogwoods, and stone piles.

Land survey for John’s 155 acres

In 1847, the Marshall County List of Taxable Property shows that two males over the age of 16 lived in the household of John. He owned one horse or mule and paid $10 in personal property tax that year.

The corresponding Land Tax records list John as owning:

• 155 acres on Valley Run, valued at $155; he paid $16 in land tax
• 150 acres on Maggoty Camp Run, valued at $150; he paid $15 in land tax

John’s father, William, also appeared on the 1847 land roll, owning 100 acres on Whetzell’s Run.

In 1848, records show John was the only male over age 16 residing in his household. He was again taxed $10 for one horse or mule. Other Daugherty’s listed in the Personal Property Tax record for Marshall County that year included William Sr., William Jr., Henry, and Robert, reflecting the family’s ongoing presence in the region.

By February 1849, John faced mounting financial obligations totaling $139.10, divided into three separate bonds:

• $49.10 dated August 5, 1847
• $31 dated January 30, 1849
• $58 dated February 10, 1849

To secure these debts, John and Catherine entered into a deed of trust, pledging the 155-acre Valley Run parcel granted to him by the Commonwealth in 1845 as collateral. The creditors were Benjamin and Vincent Cockayne, partners in the firm B & V Cockayne. Acting as trustee was Governor M. Price (not a title — Governor was his given name).

Per the agreement, Price held the land in trust with conditions: John could continue to possess the land unless he defaulted. If repayment was not made within six months, Price would be required to publicly auction the property after 30 days’ notice in a local newspaper. Any surplus proceeds would be returned to John, but if he paid off the full debt in time, the deed would be voided and ownership returned. Catharine formally relinquished her dower rights, indicating her full consent to the transaction.

Land tax records for 1849 show that John continued to own both parcels:

• 150 acres on Maggoty Camp Run, valued at $150; tax paid: $15
• 155 acres on Valley Run, valued at $155; tax paid: $16

Marshall County land tax (1849)

In November 1849, Absalom Ridgely Sr. filed a legal action against John in Marshall County to recover an outstanding debt. According to court records, Ridgely appeared with legal counsel, while John—though formally summoned—did not attend the hearing. The court ruled in Ridgely’s favor, awarding him $76.85, plus interest dating back to January 30, 1848, along with reimbursement for court costs.

That same month, John purchased 20 bushels of corn for $11.25 from the estate of Andrew Jenny, a transaction noted in Marshall County records.

In 1850, John continued to pay personal property tax in Marshall County, specifically in the Fishing Creek District. As in previous years, he was listed as the only male over age 16 in his household and taxed $10 for owning one horse or mule.

His father, William Sr., along with brothers William Jr., Henry, and Robert, were all recorded on the same Marshall County Personal Property Tax list that year, reinforcing the family’s continued presence in the area. Notably, Charles Daugherty appeared once again in proximity to several family members, though his relationship to the household remains uncertain.

On June 12, 1850, Laura, the youngest child of John and Catherine, was born in Wheeling, adding another member to an already sizeable household.

By July 1850, John had defaulted on the 1849 deed of trust, triggering the sale of his 155-acre Valley Run property. The land—including the formal patent and full ownership rights—was sold to Isaac Hoge for $260. Upon finalizing the sale:

• $155 was paid to Benjamin and Vincent Cockayne, settling John’s outstanding debt.
• $100 was paid directly to John.
• $5 was paid to Governor M. Price, who had acted as trustee in the transaction.

By October 25, 1850, the Daugherty family was recorded in the census for District 33, Marshall County, Virginia. Their home housed 11 individuals, including six adults. John worked as a farmer, with his son William contributing to farm labor. Both Catherine and daughter Mary were marked as unable to read. Living just four households away was the John Piles family, whose daughter, Amanda Piles (then age 12), would later become John and Catherine’s daughter-in-law.

In 1851, John continued to be listed on the Marshall County property tax rolls, reflecting his ownership of two substantial landholdings:

• 150 acres at Maggoty Camp Run, with buildings valued at $300; taxed at $36
• 155 acres at Valley Run, with buildings valued at $310; taxed at $37

On July 9, 1851, John and Catharine, along with other involved parties, finalized the deed transfer of the 155-acre Valley Run parcel to Isaac Hoy, formalizing the transaction that had been initiated earlier following John’s financial difficulties. The deed was:

• Acknowledged before the Clerk of the Court by Benjamin and Vincent Cockayne, the original creditors
• Certified by two Justices of the Peace
• Officially admitted to record, sealing the transfer of ownership to Hoy

In the fall of 1851, John, along with James Maloney, was formally charged with felonious riot—a serious offense involving violent public disorder by a group, elevated to felony status due to its severity. On October 6, John appeared in Marshall County court having previously posted recognizance—a legal pledge to return for trial. He was arraigned, entered a plea of not guilty, and waived his right to a preliminary hearing. He was then remanded to jail to await trial.

The court ordered the sheriff to summon 24 eligible male freeholders—male citizens who owned land—to appear the next morning to form a jury. On October 7, the jury found both men not guilty on the first count, but guilty on the second. John was fined $50, and James $35; both were returned to jail.

On October 13, John was brought back to court for final judgment. When asked if he had anything to say before sentencing, he offered no defense or delay. Though originally charged with felonious riot, John was ultimately convicted of a misdemeanor—a lesser offense. The court confirmed the $50 fine and added $5 in court costs.

John was to be imprisoned without bail until noon on November 10, and after that, held until the fine and costs were paid or he was otherwise released. However, this imprisonment could not exceed six months from November 10.

In addition, John was required to post a recognizance bond—a legal promise to maintain good behavior—for $50, with one or more sureties backing the bond. The bond ensured John would keep the peace and be of good behavior for 12 months.

In the image below, you see John recorded in the General Index to Law and Chancery Records in Marshall County for this case. 

Although the case closed in 1851, related expenses—like juror fees—were processed months later. On May 13, 1852, the sheriff submitted a claim of $24 to the state auditor to cover jury payments, a routine procedure funded by the Commonwealth, not by John.

In the fall of 1853, Absalom Ridgely, acting as an executor, filed a debt claim against John for $115, plus interest starting from April 1, 1853, and legal costs. Since John failed to appear in court, the judge ruled by default in favor of Ridgely, allowing the debt to be levied on John’s estate assets. A partial payment of $20 was recorded on March 27, 1857, but John remained responsible for the balance.

In April 1856, when John’s father signed his Last Will and Testament, item number five specified a bequest of $10 to ‘his son’ John.

On December 22, 1858, John’s son, John W., married Amanda M. Piles, daughter of John and Hannah Piles, in Marshall County.

On September 6, 1860, John, Catherine, and their children Rachel, Robert, Laura, and Catherine lived in Marshall County. John now worked as a Turner, someone who worked with a lathe, shaping wood, metal, or bone into objects like furniture, tools, or decorative items. It was a skilled trade. He had real estate valued at $100 and a personal estate worth $50. His son John lived next door, along with his wife Amanda (Piles), and one month old son Harry. His daughter, Nancy, her husband Samuel Murphy, and children Mary, Martin, and Margaret lived five houses away. 

On September 30, 1861, John, having declared his loyalty to the United States, enlisted as a private in Company H of the 11th Regiment of Virginia Volunteers, commanded by Colonel C. Rathbone. His enlistment marked his commitment to the Union cause during the turbulent years of the Civil War. Fighting alongside him was his son, John (W.), who served in the same company.

In late summer of 1862, while John was still in active service, his father William passed away in Marshall County. His will was proven and recorded in county court on August 8, 1862. Interestingly, neither John nor his brothers were named as executors—likely because they were serving in the military or otherwise unavailable. Instead, John Winters was appointed executor, with Albert Davis and James Campbell serving as sureties under a $2,000 bond to ensure the proper administration of the estate.

William bequeathed his entire estate to his wife Nancy, stipulating that upon her death, both real and personal property would be equally divided among their three daughters: Nancy, Katy, and Lavina. He directed that each of his other children—John, William, Robert, Elizabeth, Mary, and Margaret—receive $10, while Henry was to receive $40, a slightly larger sum that may hint at special circumstances or needs.

John had enlisted for a term of three years, but tragically, his service lasted just one. He remained in good health throughout his time in uniform until August 31, 1862, when he received what would be his final payment from Major Cowen.

Just one month later, on September 30, 1862, while serving as company cook, John was suddenly stricken with what was described at the time as “brain fever.” No military surgeon was present with the detachment, so John—speechless and gravely ill—was transported to a hospital in Parkersburg, Wood County, Virginia. At age 45, he died shortly after arrival. Physicians later diagnosed the cause of death as meningitis.

Captain George W. Parriott of Company H spoke of John as a man of temperate and steady habits, both in civilian life and during his military service, underscoring the character he carried to the very end.

John’s remains were brought home and laid to rest at Greenfield Ridge Cemetery in Marshall County, where his family and community could honor his sacrifice.

Photo by Evelyn (Murphy) Bailey

Military headstone application

Visit John’s Find a Grave memorial to see a photo of his military grave marker.

At the time of John’s death, his daughter Laura, then about 12 years old, was the only child under age 16 still living at home. This detail suggests that her sister Emmeline, who would have been approximately 14, may have predeceased John. 

In May 1863, Catherine, then 58 years old and residing near Belton in Marshall County, formally filed for a Civil War widow’s pension. Her application was approved at a rate of $8 per month, retroactive to September 30, 1862, the date of John’s death. Notably, the pension index contains an error, mistakenly listing Catherine as John’s mother rather than his wife.

Just over two months after his father’s passing, John (W.) was discharged from military service at Parkersburg in December 1862. The discharge was due to a disability resulting from an accidental pistol wound to his left hand, sustained during service.

Despite this injury, John’s commitment to the Union cause remained unwavering. On August 30, 1864, he reenlisted with Company A of the 17th Regiment, West Virginia Infantry in Wheeling, and officially mustered in on September 2.

Military records describe John (W.) as having blue eyes, dark hair and complexion, and standing 5 feet, 10¾ inches tall—a personal detail that offers a glimpse into his appearance, and hints at the physical traits of his father, John (P.).

In connection with Catherine’s widow’s pension application, on July 24, 1866, Ephraim Banning and David C. Pyles appeared before a Justice of the Peace to testify regarding their personal acquaintance with her husband, John. Both men attested to knowing John well, describing him as a man of sober and industrious habits. They also stated they were present at the hospital at the time of John’s passing, affirming firsthand knowledge of both the date and location of his death.

In October 1881, likely during a filing or renewal of a pension application by John (W.), military officials raised a question regarding the identities of ‘John P.’ and ‘John W.’ Daugherty, both listed as having served in Company H of the 11th Regiment. The records were carefully reviewed and ultimately confirmed that they were two distinct individuals who had served in the same unit.

Catherine’s widow’s pension, awarded following her husband’s death, continued for several years until her final payment of $12 on December 4, 1889, the date corresponding with her passing.

On May 17, 1920, Mrs. Laura Bogard, daughter of John and Catherine, sent a letter from her home in Moundsville, West Virginia, inquiring about any unpaid pension benefits that might still be owed from her father’s Civil War service. In her correspondence, she also requested official confirmation as to whether her mother, Catherine, had received the full amount due to her as a widow.

After review, it was confirmed that Catherine had received all pension payments to which she was entitled under her husband’s service record. No outstanding balance remained.

References

• Catharine Brannon Dougherty, U.S., Civil War Widows’ Pensions, 1861–1910, Fold3.
• Ephraim Banning and David C. Pyles, U.S., Civil War Service Records (CMSR) - Union - West Virginia, 1861–1865, Fold3.
• John P. Dougherty, U.S., Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861–1934.
• John P. Dougherty, U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861–1865.
• John P. Dougherty, Virginia, U.S., Compiled Marriages, 1740–1850.
• John P. Doughtery, Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of West Virginia.
• John P. Doughtery, Headstones Provided for Deceased Union Civil War Veterans, 1879–1903.
• John W. Dougherty, U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861-1865.
• Land Office Grants Book 97, 1845–1846, State of Virginia: Virginia. Land Grants 1845–1846, image 110, FamilySearch. 
• Land Office Surveys Upon Which Grants Issued Book Z, 1844–1846, State of Virginia: Virginia. Land Grants 1844–1846, Surveyor’s Books 1844–1846, image 121, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Appraisal Records 1835–1845, 1851–1859, 1858–1865, image 155, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Coroner Records 1901–1926, Homestead Records 1879–1939, Land Grants 1836–1865, Sale Records 1910–1915, Surveyor's Books 1836–1878, images 55, 57, 61, 65, 66, and 136, FamilySearch. 
• Marshall County, Virginia, Court Records 1835–1843, images 410–411 and 438, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Court Records 1835–1862, 1924–1926, images 560–562, 565–566, 577, and 611, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Court Records 1835–1936, image 168, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Court Records 1843–1853, images 391 and 501, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Deed Books 1837–1843, images 129–130 and 217–218, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Deed Books 1843–1847, images 640–641, FamilySearch. 
• Marshall County, Virginia, Deed Books 1849–1853, images 242 and 256, FamilySearch. 
• Marshall County, Virginia, Deeds 1833–1835, image 127, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Land Records 1836–1852, images 307, 375, and 437, FamilySearch. 
• Marshall County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Records 1836–1850, images 395, 454, and 566, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Vital Records 1853–1860, image 69, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Will Indexes 1835–1971, Will Books 1835–1871, 1837–1878, image 354, FamilySearch.
• Ohio County, Virginia, Deed Books 1838–1841, images 280–281, FamilySearch.
• Ohio County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Records 1832, 1833, 1834, 1835, 1836, 1837, 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842, 1843, 1844, 1845, 1846, 1847, 1848, 1849, 1850, images 82–83, 240–241, and 329, FamilySearch.
• Ohio County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Records, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1819, 1820, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1826, 1827, 1828, 1829, 1830, 1831, images 321, 401–402, 481, 523, and 675, FamilySearch.
• Ohio County, West Virginia, Vital Records 1790–1899, image 128, FamilySearch.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 33, Marshall County, Virginia, 1850.
• U.S. Federal Census, Marshall County, Virginia, 1840, 1860.
• U.S. Federal Census, Ohio County, Virginia, 1830.
• William Dougherty, West Virginia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1724–1985.

William Murphy

My husband Charlie’s paternal grandparents were Charles Homer Murphy (son of Martin Murphy) and Dessie Church (daughter of Lucinda Murphy Church. Lucinda’s parents were John Murphy and Joanna Ullom. John was born 1820 in Wetzel County, Virginia (now West Virginia). His father was William Murphy, the subject of this post and my husband’s 3rd great grandfather. William is the furthest back I can document in this family. You can see the DNA connection in the tree below.

You can see the blue hits showing my husband's DNA connection to William Murphy, b. 1790

(click to enlarge)

Joanna’s father was Elijah Ullom. She was born 1830 in Pennsylvania. Charles’ parents were Martin William Murphy and Sarah Elizabeth Anderson. Martin was born 1853 in Marshall County, Virginia. Sarah’s parents were Lewis Anderson and Mariah Eckelberry. She was born 1859 in Littleton, a small community in Wetzel County. Martin’s parents were Samuel C. Murphy and Nancy Daugherty. Samuel was born 1825 in Monongalia County, Virginia. Nancy’s parents were John P. Daugherty and Catherine Brannon. She was born 1826 in Marshall County, Virginia. Samuel is the furthest back I can document in this family line. I write all of this because I wanted to show the link to Monongalia County and Joanna’s birth in Pennsylvania. Both show up in William’s story, my husband’s 3rd great grandfather.

So, are the two Murphy lines connected? It’s something I’ve pondered for years. I don’t know the answer to that question but thought it was time to work on William’s line and go from there. So, the purpose of this post basically to gather research into a timeline. If you’re researching this family, take this with a grain of salt. It’s just me trying to figure out what I have.

I had already found John and Joanna (Ullom) Murphy in the 1850 census living in Monongalia County, Virginia. The head of the household was a 60-year-old male (birth year 1790) named William Murphy born in Maryland. A search of this information turned up a William Murphy born in Frederick, Frederick County, Maryland about 1790. Frederick is located approximately 164 miles from Monongalia County. That was my starting point.

1800: William and George Murphey lived in District 1 of Frederick, Maryland. William, the subject of this post, would have only been 10 years old at this point so this couldn’t be him. It does put Murphy’s in the area though. Could one be William’s father?

1810: P. Murphy, W. Murphy, and J. Murphy lived in Frederick Maryland.

1813 – 1815: The War of 1812 started on June 18, 1812. On June 8, 1813, a 21-year-old male named William Murphy, born in Frederick, Maryland, was enlisted for a period of five years by Lieutenant Johnson as a Private in the Army, 22nd U.S. Infantry, at Connellsville, Pennsylvania. The enlistment record notes that he was 5’10”, had gray eyes, and light hair and complexion. At the time, he worked as a forgeman, which Wiktionary defines as “a blacksmith on a large scale.” The following remarks were noted on the enlistment record:

Co. Book 276. Capt. Milliken’s Co. Drew Clothing Oct. Nov. Dec. 1812. Feb. July & Sept. 1813. Deserted from Oswego, Oct. 8, 1813. Transf’d to Capt. Poulk’s Co. Bk._M.R. of Capt. Saw---- Co. Dec. 31, 1813. Deserted Capt. Willis Poulk’s Co. Book 277. Joined at Queenstown. U.C. July 20, 1814 from desertion. Drew Clothing Sept. Nov. & Dec. 1814. _ D.R. Feb. 16 & I.R. Feb. 23, 1815. Present. I.R. of Capt. S. W. Kearney’s, Co. 2 Infy. June 30, 1815 present _ 22 Made 2.

The war ended on February 17, 1815. Of course, I could be all wrong and have the wrong William. There were three other William Murphy’s on the enlistment record, which unfortunately, doesn’t provide a description and birth information.

Enlistment record p. 1 (click to enlarge)

Enlistment record p. 2 (click to enlarge)

1820: William Murphey lived in Election District 1 of Frederick, Maryland. James, Patric [sic], and George Murphy were close by—perhaps two of the three Murphy men from 1810 above.

Date unknown: William marries (wife unknown) and I believe they had at least six children—Grafton Murphy, William Murphy Jr., John Murphy (born March 1820 and my husband’s 2nd great grandfather), Michael Murphy, Mary Ann Murphy, and Ezekiel Murphy. They move to Monongalia County, Virginia.

1830: William Murphey lived in the Western District of Monongalia County, Virginia. There were eight free white persons living in the home:

Males - Under 5: 1

Males - 5 thru 9: 1

Males - 10 thru 14: 2

Males - 40 thru 49: 1

Females - 5 thru 9: 1

Females - 15 thru 19: 1

Females - 40 thru 49: 1

Under 20: 6

20 thru 49: 2

Total Free White Persons: 8

The numbers match up but the sex doesn’t. 

1830 census schedule (click to enlarge)

1840: Nothing found for this decade so far.

October 10, 1850: The Murphy family lived in District 37 of Monongalia County, Virginia (now West Virginia).

William, 60, farmer, real estate $2000, born in Maryland

John, 27, farmer, born in Virginia, cannot read

Joanna, 21, born in Pennsylvania, cannot read

Ezekeal, 19, farmer, born in Virginia

Catharine Pethtel, 15, born in Ohio, attending school

The 1850 census didn’t record the marital status unless the person had married that year. There wasn’t a female living in the home that could be William’s wife. Had she already died? John is William’s son and I believe Joanna his wife, not William’s daughter. The age and birthplace match what I know for Joanna Ullom Murphy. Ezekeal was William’s son. Mary Ann married Robert Bradford Pethtel. They were enumerated with a 14-year-old daughter named Catherine, born in Pennsylvania, in the 1850 census for District 37, Monongalia, Virginia. Two other children were born in Ohio. The Catherine living with William Murphy was 15, born in Ohio. Are they the same girl?

1850 census  (click to enlarge)

August 28, 1852: The following notice was published in the American Union out of Morgantown, West Virginia:

Virginia, ss—At Rules held in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of Monongalia county on the first Monday in July 1852:

Joshua M. Davis and Margaret his wife late Margaret White, Daniel M. Gapen and Ann his wife late Ann White, John W. White and Joseph G. White, children of Grafton White the younger, deceased, who was a son of Grafton White, senior, heirs of said Grafton White, senior, deceased, Complainants, vs.

William White, Michael White, -- Butters and Hannah his wife late Hannah White, John Gidley, Thomas Hannen, William Murphy, Grafton Murphy, William Murphy, junior, John Murphy, Michael Murphy, Robert Petlitel and Mary Ann his wife, late Mary Ann Murphy, an Ezekiel Murphy, Defendants,

The object of this suit is to have a division of the lands of which Grafton White died seized, divided among his legal heirs at law, or sold as in the discretion of the court may seem best.

And the said Thomas Hannen, -- Butters, husband of Hannah Butters, and John Gidley, not having entered their appearance, and it appearing from an affidavit filed in this cause that they are not inhabitants of this Commonwealth, it is ordered that they do appear within one month after due publication of this order and do what is necessary to protect their interests. It is also ordered that this order be published four successive weeks in the Monongalia Mirror, a weekly newspaper published in Morgantown, Monongalia county, Virginia, and be also posted at the front door of the court house of said county of Monongalia, on the first day of the next county court of said county.

G. S. RAY, Clerk. G. R. C. Allen, for Compl’ts. August 21, 1852. 158-5t.

This record is where I come up with the names of William’s children. I could be wrong but several of them match up with other records.

June 4, 1860: Ezekiel Murphy, now the head of the family, lived in Wadestown, District 7 of Monongalia County, Virginia. He was first married to Sarah Stiles and then to Jerusha Church. I believe Harriet and Harvey’s mother was Sarah. William lived with him. There were several White families which harks back to the 1852 announcement above. Other researchers have listed Nancy White as William’s wife. I haven’t found anything to confirm that, but if it’s correct, could these be members of her family? 

Ezekiel Murphy, 28, farmer, personal estate $650, born in Virginia, cannot read

Jerusha Murphy, 29, born in Virginia, cannot read

Harriet Murphy, 8, born in Virginia

Harvey Murphy, 6, born in Virginia

Ivana Murphy, 3, born in Virginia

Wm Henry Murphy, 2, born in Virginia

William Murphy, 75, farmer, born in Maryland

\

1860 census record (click to enlarge)

The paper trail ends with the 1860 census record. William was 70 years old at the time. I’d love to know who William married and when. Are the children I’ve listed correct? Who were his parents? When did he leave Maryland? So many questions and obviously more work to be done. If you can help, I’d love to hear from you.

References

• Forgeman; https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/forgeman.
• Public Notice, American Union, Morgantown, West Virginia, August 28, 1852
• U.S. Federal Census, District 1, Frederick, Maryland, 1800.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 37, Monongalia County, Virginia, 1850.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 7, Monongalia County, Virginia, 1860.
• U.S. Federal Census, Election District 1, Frederick, Maryland, 1820.
• U.S. Federal Census, Frederick, Maryland, 1810.
• U.S. Federal Census, Western District, Monongalia County, Virginia, 1830.
• William Murphy, U.S. Army, Register of Enlistments, 1798–1914. 

Martin William Murphy

Martin William Murphy

Martin William Murphy, son of Samuel C. Murphy and Nancy Daugherty, was born on August 22, 1852 or 1853 in Marshall County, Virginia. He was the second child of five born to Samuel and Nancy—Mary C. Murphy, Martin William Murphy, Margarete Emily Murphy, Elmer Elsworth Murphy, and Nancy Elizabeth Murphy. Martin is my husband’s great grandfather.

On September 6, 1860, Martin and his family lived in Marshall County, Virginia (now West Virginia). His father was a farmer with real estate valued at $375 and a personal estate valued at $150. Martin and his sister Mary were attending school at the time. His sister Margaret at one-year-old was obviously too young to be in school. Martin’s maternal grandparents, John P. and Catherine (Brannon) Daughtery, lived five houses from the Murphy house. On this census record, I learned that John Daughtery was from Ireland. Martin’s sister Nancy was born on January 25, 1867 and was just under two weeks old when their mother died in Marshall County on February 7 at the age of 41 years. Martin’s mother was buried at Greenville Ridge Cemetery in Silver Hill, Marshall County, West Virginia. Martin’s father Samuel was now left to raise five children alone. But that changed on November 27, 1868 when he married Tabitha A. Bonar Clark, daughter of David Bonar and Elizabeth J. Core near Belton, Pennsylvania. Tabitha, a widow, had previously been married to James C. Clark who died in 1865 and had five children of her own—Eliza Jane Clark (20), Emeline Clark (15), Charles W. Clark (12), Ann Rebecca Clark (7), and Artimace M. Clark (4). Tabitha had a sixth child named Sarah E. Clark who died on October 4, 1863 at the age of 2 years in Wetzel County, West Virginia. Samuel and Tabitha were only married a few months when Tabitha’s daughter Emeline died on March 10, 1869.

On July 26, 1870, Martin and his now blended family lived in the Center Township of Wetzel County, West Virginia. His father was a farmer with real estate valued at $500 and a personal estate valued at $200. Martin’s stepmother Tabitha was keeping house and unable to write. At 17 years of age, Martin was attending school but was also unable to write. Only three of Tabitha’s children lived in the home—Charles, Rebecca, and Artimace. They lived next door to the William H. Murphy family and beside him was the James Murphy family. I need to figure out if they’re connected to Samuel and his family.

Sarah E. Anderson Murphy

On June 24, 1880, the Murphy family lived in the Liberty District of Marshall County, West Virginia. Martin’s father was a farm laborer, most likely assisted by 24-year-old Martin who was a farm laborer. His stepmother Tabitha was keeping house, sister Emily was working as a domestic, and brother Elmer was working as a laborer. Martin’s stepbrother Charles was working as a farmer, while stepsisters Rebecca and Artimace (enumerated as Arte) were both “at home.” Martin now had a nephew named James L. Blake, although I haven’t determined which sister or stepsister he belonged to.

Martin married Sarah Elizabeth Anderson, daughter of Lewis Anderson and Mariah (or Mary) Eckelberry. I have yet to find a marriage record to determine the date and location. Between the years 1881 and 1903, Martin and Sarah had 11 children—Cora Belle Murphy, Edward Francis Murphy, Charles Homer Murphy, Essie Lee Murphy, William (Willie) H. Murphy, Ella Mae Murphy, Arliff Barow Murphy, Tabitha M. Murphy, Cecil Pearl Murphy, Addie Opal Murphy, and Olive Ruby Murphy.

Daughter Tabitha was born in 1896. Sadly, she only lived for about two years, dying in 1898. Tabitha was buried at Anderson Bethel Cemetery in Littleton, Wetzel County, West Virginia. I wasn’t aware of this child until we visited the cemetery in 2009 and found her grave, which thankfully was clearly marked by the stone below.

 I found a second marker nailed to a tree.

On June 22, 1900, Martin and his family lived in Littleton, within the Clay District of Wetzel County, West Virginia. The 1900 census record shows that Martin and Sarah had been married for 16 years which would have meant they were married about 1884, three years before their first child was born in 1881. Martin supported his family working as a teamster, someone who hauled merchandise using a team of horses. As a teamster, Martin would have “worked 12–18 hours a day, seven days a week for an average wage of $2 per day” according to the Teamster’s webpage. His wife Sarah was enumerated as having had nine children, eight of which were living. That would account for the death of little Tabitha in 1898. Martin, Sarah, Charles, and Essie were all able to read and write, however, sons Edward and William weren’t. Their daughter Cora had already left home, living in the home of James and Ida Johnston, a local merchant. Cora was working as a servant, although it’s not clear if she was working for the Johnston’s or someone else. Daughter Essie married Frank Oscar Grimm in 1907 and by 1908 had started a family of her own.

On April 27, 1910, the Murphy family continued to live in the Clay District of Wetzel County. Martin was now working as a general farmer. The 1910 census record shows that Martin and Sarah had been married for 27 years and that Sarah was the mother of 11 children, 10 of which were living. Eight of the children still lived at home—Edward (26), Charles (21), William (18), Ella (17), Arliff (16), Cecil (11), Addie (8), and Olive (6). Edward, Charles, and William were working as teamsters in an oil field, daughter Ella as a servant for a private family, and son Arliff as a farm laborer. Cecil and Addie were both attending school while six-year-old Olive was not. On May 25, 1915, Martin’s daughter Essie died of septic endometritis in Warwood (a neighborhood of Wheeling), Ohio County, West Virginia. She was just 27 years old and left three young children behind, the youngest being three years old.

On January 13, 1920, Martin and Sarah still lived in the Clay District of Wetzel County, along with three of their adult children—William, Arliff, and Addie. Martin was the only person in the home working—farming on a general farm. Martin’s wife Sarah died of cancer on April 1, 1927 in the Clay District at the age of 67. She was buried at Anderson Bethel Cemetery in Littleton. Just five days later, Martin died on April 6, 1927 in Mannington, Marion County, West Virginia at the age of 74. He was buried beside Sarah at Anderson Bethel Cemetery in Littleton on April 8. Martin’s son Willie was the informant on his death certificate. Dr. F. W. Vance noted that he did not treat Martin and that he evidently died from a cerebral hemorrhage, also known as bleeding of the brain.

I wanted to write about Martin after finding the above photos of him and his wife Sarah last weekend on the www.familysearch.org website. These photos take us back visually one more generation in my husband’s family, which is very as exciting. Thank you to Cora Childers for posting the photos, as well as for giving me permission to post them here.


References

• Find A Grave, Martin W. Murphy memorial 38949113.
• Martin Murphy Certificate of Death no. 4950, West Virginia State Department of Health.
• Martin Murphy, West Virginia Births, 1853–1930; www.wvculture.org.
• Martin Murphy, West Virginia Deaths, 1804–1999; http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_view2.aspx?FilmNumber=834817&ImageNumber=315.
• Martin William Murphy and Sarah Anderson Murphy photos courtesy of Cora Childers.
• Personal visit by Denise Murphy to Anderson Bethel Cemetery, Littleton, Wetzel County, West Virginia.
• Sarah Murphy, General Index and Register of Deaths, Wetzel County, West Virginia.
• Tabitha Murphy tombstone, Anderson Bethel Cemetery, Littleton, Wetzel County, West Virginia.
• The Early Years, Teamster’s; https://teamster.org/about/teamster-history/early-years.
• United States Federal Census, Marshall County, Virginia, 1860.
• United States Federal Census, Center Township, Wetzel County, Virginia, 1870.
• United States Federal Census, Liberty District, Marshall County, West Virginia, 1880.
• United States Federal Census, Clay District, Wetzel County, West Virginia, 1900, 1910, 1920.

52 Ancestors – Samuel C. Murphy (no. 69-2016)

Samuel Murphy's tombstone

Samuel C. Murphy, parents unknown, was born on September 15, 1825 in Monongalia County, Virginia (eventually becoming West Virginia). Unfortunately, I can’t take this Murphy line any further back than Samuel. If anyone can, I’d love to hear from them. Samuel was my husband’s second great-grandfather.

Samuel married Nancy Daugherty, daughter of John P. Daugherty and Catherine Brannon. I haven’t found a marriage record for Samuel and Nancy yet but the census enumerator for October 1850 recorded them together and their first child was born in November 1850 so that gives you an idea of when they may have married. Together Samuel and Nancy had five children—Mary C. Murphy, Martin William Murphy, Margaret Emily Murphy, Elmer Elsworth Murphy, and Nancy E. Murphy. Our Murphy line runs through Martin.

Nancy (Daughtery) Murphy's tombstone

On October 12, 1850, Samuel and Nancy, both 25 years old, lived in the 33rd District of Marshall County, Virginia. Samuel was a farmer. Three of their children were born during the 1850s—Mary in 1850, Martin in 1854, and Margaret in 1859.

On September 6, 1860, Samuel, Nancy, and their three children lived in the community of Adaline in Marshall County, Virginia. Samuel was a farmer with real estate valued at $375 and a personal estate valued at $150. Nancy’s parents lived five houses away. His son Elmer was born in 1862.

Samuel was drafted and mustered into service as a private on September 20, 1864 at West Brighton, Pennsylvania to serve for one year in Company D, 11th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers. He appeared on the muster roll for the months of September and October 1864. Near the end of October or the first of November 1864, the regiment was drilled hard at Yellow House, near Richmond, Virginia. Samuel was forced to lay out on the damp ground at nights and suffered from exposure. He was sent to the field hospital near Yellow House on the Weldon Railroad where he was treated for rheumatism for about 10 days. That was followed by a bout of chronic diarrhea so Samuel was removed to Depot Field Hospital in City Point, Virginia where he was treated another 10 days. He was then sent to Harwood Hospital in Washington, DC where he was treated for phthisis pulmonalis (later known as tuberculosis) by Dr. Bucher about five or six months. He was next taken to Whitehall Hospital near Bristol, Pennsylvania where he was treated for intermittent fever about 30 days. Samuel was finally sent to McClellan General Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for treatment of diarrhea and anemia from intermittent fever. He remained at McClellan until he was mustered out of service on July 17, 1865 suffering from lung disease, liver affection, and derangement of the stomach.

Samuel returned home from the war a broken man and suffered the rest of his life. In early September 1865, he saw Dr. Owens of Wetzel County, West Virginia. Dr. Owens, who had been Samuel’s family physician for at least 20 years, found Samuel’s disease to be chronic hepatitis with considerable hypertrophy subject to severe spells of hepatic colic. Dr. Owens determined that Samuel was not able to perform manual labor and that his disease was not curable. Dr. Owens felt that Samuel had been a sound man at the time of his enlistment and stated that he had every reason to believe that Samuel had contracted his disease while in the service.

Samuel and Nancy added to their family in 1866 when daughter Nancy was born. The following year, his wife Nancy died in Marshall County on February 7, 1867. She was buried at Greenfield Ridge Cemetery in Marshall County. Her parents are buried beside her.

Samuel married Tabitha A. (Boner or Bonar) Clark, daughter of David Bonar and Elizabeth J. Core (at least that’s what it looks like on Tabitha’s death certificate), on November 27 or 28, 1867 or 1868 (I see both dates on pension records) in Pennsylvania. This was a second marriage for Tabitha who was first married to James Clark on August 13, 1846 in Marshall County, Virginia. James served as a private in Company K, 17th Regiment, West Virginia Volunteer Infantry. Tabitha and James had five children together—Eliza J. Clark (born 1848), Emiline Clark (born 1853), Charles W. Clark (born 1856), Ann R. Clark (born 1861), and Artimace Clark (born 1864). James died of chronic diarrhea contracted while in the service of the United States on July 29, 1865 at Fish Creek in Marshall County. Tabitha was drawing a widow’s pension on James at the time of her marriage to Samuel.

On July 26, 1870, Samuel and Tabitha lived in the Center Township of Wetzel County, West Virginia. He had a full house with both his children with Nancy and Tabitha’s children with James Clark all living in the home. Samuel was a farmer with real estate valued at $500 and a personal estate valued at $200. There was a William Murphy (age 27) family living next door to Samuel and a James Murphy (age 50) family living next door to William. I’ve yet to determine whether James and William were an extension of Samuel’s family. It’s conceivable that James was his brother based on his age. William, at age 27, could have been James’ son. Something to work on.

On June 24, 1880, Samuel, Tabitha, and their family lived in the Liberty District of Marshall County. Samuel was a farm laborer. According to this census record, Samuel’s father was born in Ireland and his mother in Virginia. This is the only record I’ve found that reflects his father’s birthplace. I once found a researcher on the Internet that recorded Samuel’s father as David Murphy from Ireland but for the life of me don’t know what that record was. I keep that tidbit in the back of my mind as a place to start though. At least this census record confirms the location as Ireland. His daughter Emily, age 21, worked as a domestic. Martin, age 24, worked as a farm laborer, possibly helping his father. Elmer, enumerated as Emmer, age 18, worked as a laborer. Tabitha’s son Charles, age 23, was a farmer. Her daughters Rebecca, age 18, and Arte, age 16, were both enumerated as “at home.” There was a six year old grandson named James L. Blake living in the home as well.

1880 Soundex Cards for the Samuel C. Murphy family

Samuel applied for an Invalid Pension on July 12, 1879 alleging disease of the liver, stomach, and lungs. On July 7, 1882, he requested an increase in his pension of $4 per month stating that the disease increasingly caused general debility, rendering him unable to perform manual labor of any kind and preventing him from following his usual occupation of farming. Samuel stated that he lived in New Martinsville, Wetzel County, West Virginia at the time of the request. An increase to $6 was approved on November 15, 1882. On December 10, 1883, now a resident of Flint, Doddridge, West Virginia, Samuel again requested an increase in his pension. This request was rejected on June 17, 1884.

Samuel was examined by doctors in 1882 and 1884. Both doctors found that Samuel weighed 140 pounds and was 5 feet, 10 ½ inches tall. He had a fair complexion. Samuel was again examined on May 14, 1890 and stated that he had pain in his left breast, his stomach, and under his left shoulder. He was unable to work to any extent due to the pain in his left side. He slept with great difficulty, often remaining awake most of the night. He coughed a good deal. He further stated that he had been confined to his bed about four weeks that spring. The doctor found Samuel to be rather thin and poorly nourished. The left lobe of his liver was enlarged and tender. Samuel’s pension was increased to $10 that same day.

According to a Veterans Schedule in June 1890, Samuel was enumerated in the McElroy District of Tyler County, West Virginia. On February 3, 1892, Samuel, now living in Booher’s Mills, Tyler County, West Virginia, applied for another pension increase. He stated that he was unable to work. His lungs pained him. He was short of breath and coughed a great deal. He spit up “thick corruption of mornings” but did not spit up any blood. His stomach swelled and pained him. His liver pained him. He had pain under the point of his right shoulder blade. He believed his liver was badly affected and his heart fluttered at times. Doctors examined him and found him to be thin, weighing 135 pounds. His skin was clear and free from eruption. Samuel had a debilitated appearance and from indication was unable to do but very little labor. They found him to have roughened breathing over both lungs. He had hypertrophic nasal catarrh, with his mucous membrane being congested, thickened, and inflamed. The pharynx was in a catarrhal condition—an inflammation of the mucous membrane. He had catarrhal trouble of the whole respiratory tract, caused probably by exposure and cold. His tongue was flabby and slightly coated and had tenderness over the gastric region as well as prominence from gaseous distension. Samuel had chronic gastritis as a result of a bad diet.

Samuel died from “liver trouble” on December 18, 1899 in Booher, Tyler County, West Virginia. He was 74 years old at the time of his death. Samuel was buried on December 20, 1899 at Victory Cemetery in Shirley, Tyler County, West Virginia. An Administrator’s Bond in the amount of $1,000 was filed on December 23, 1899 in Tyler County naming John S. Booher (principal) and James W. Booher (surety) as administrators of Samuel’s estate. His estate was charged for taxation on the Land Books for Tyler County for the year 1900 with 11.3/4 acres of land on Indian Creek, valued for taxation at $74 and for 58.1/2 acres of land on Indian Creek, valued for taxation at $366. On February 12, 1900, Tabitha filed for a widow’s pension in Tyler County which she continued to receive until her death on May 15, 1921.

I visited the National Archives in Washington, DC several years ago and had them pull the Civil War pension records for Samuel. I don’t know what they do now but at the time you were not allowed to take anything into the room where you view the records except the debit card you used to make copies of the records. They provided lockers so I left my belongings in one and made my way to the room at my scheduled time. Once there I was handed a huge file for Samuel. I remember the excitement of holding the original post-Civil War records. I had to be very careful as the pages were very brittle. I didn’t want them disintegrating in my hands while I made my copies. If you ever visit DC, be sure to include a trip to the Archives during your visit. Just be sure to do your homework before you go.

52 Ancestors – no. 44: Presley Church (week 28)

Presley and Nellie Church

The 52 Ancestors theme this week is “Road Trip: Any epic “road trips” in your family tree? Which ancestor do you want to take a road trip to go research?” I’ve made a few road trips to research my family in Georgia but the one that came to mind first was a road trip we made several years ago to West Virginia with my father-in-law, Earl Murphy. He was from Littleton, Wetzel County, West Virginia and I happened to be working on his lines at the time so asked him to let us take him “home.” I wanted him to show us where he grew up and hear the stories that might be sparked by the trip. I also had a long list of people I wanted to visit at the Wetzel County cemeteries. His sister-in-law lived in Bridgeport so we planned to spend one day with her, one day in Wetzel County to meet up with his brother/visit cemeteries, and a third day visiting cemeteries in Harrison County. We spent a lot of time on the road but it was fun. My father-in-law was upset when he saw the ruins of the bank and other buildings in Littleton. The countryside was just beautiful. His sister-in-law had a wealth of knowledge to share about the family and she also knew where the cemeteries were so we didn’t have to waste time trying to find them. I was fascinated by the cemeteries there and how people were buried on the hills. Of course, we often found the graves we were looking for at the top of one of those hills.

One of the graves we visited was that of Presley Church, my father-in-law’s uncle. He often talked about Presley. Unfortunately I wasn’t smart enough to take notes so I can’t share any personal memories of Presley or his family—just the facts from my research. I do know I only heard good things about him.

Nellie and Presley Church

Presley Church, son of Robert Church and Lucinda Murphy, was born September 29, 1900 in Littleton, Wetzel County, West Virginia. He was the youngest child of 13—George, Samuel C., James Benton, Jennie F., Anna B., Dessie, Charles Cleveland, Martha, William Henry, Donald Roy, and Presley. Two children are unknown to me but enumerated in the 1910 census record. They most likely didn’t survive.

On April 28, 1910, 10 year old Presley lived with his family in the Clay District of Wetzel County, West Virginia. His father Robert was a farmer.

According to Presley’s Delayed Certificate of Birth filed in the state of West Virginia, he attended Sugar Grove School in Wetzel County in September 1911.

On January 15, 1920, Presley lived with his family in the Clay District of Wetzel County. The enumerator recorded his age as 18, which should have been 19 having been born in September 1900. Presley was able to read and write. His sister Dessie, her husband Charles Homer Murphy, and their son Ralph lived next door.

Presley married Nellie B. Cumberledge, daughter of James William Cumberledge and Rosa Belle Hixenbough, in Marshall County, West Virginia in 1923. Together they had three daughters—Betty Lee Church, June Louise Church, and Doris Jean Church. Nellie was five years younger than Presley, born April 6, 1905 in West Virginia. Their daughter Betty was born the following year in Wetzel County. Their second daughter June was born in 1926.

Betty, Nellie, Doris Jean, June, and Presley Church

On April 7, 1930, Presley, his wife Nellie, and daughters Betty and June rented a home on U.S. Route No. 250 in the town of Littleton. Presley was an operator at an oil and gas company. He was 23 and Nellie 19 when they married. They lived three doors from his sister and brother-in-law Dessie and Charles Murphy and their five children—Ralph, Evelyn, Raymond, Glenn, and Earl.

Presley’s youngest daughter Doris Jean was born in 1932. Presley’s father Robert died in Littleton at the age of 82 on November 29 that same year. Robert was buried at Thomas Chapel Church Cemetery in Wetzel County. Less than two months later, Presley’s mother Lucinda died in Littleton at the age of 74 on January 13, 1933. She was buried at Thomas Chapel Church Cemetery with her husband Robert.

On April 17, 1940, 39 year old Presley, his wife Nellie, and daughters Betty, June, and Doris Jean lived in Littleton. Presley had an 8th grade education. He worked 40 hours a week for an oil and gas company.

During the period 1946 to 1954, Presley’s daughters married and moved out of the house. June married Billy Joe Daniel in 1946 and moved to Rome, Floyd County, Georgia where she would live the rest of her life. Betty married John David Watters in 1952 and Doris Jean married Calvin Grey Harris in 1954. Both Betty and Doris Jean lived in Charleston, Kanawha County, West Virginia after they married.

Presley retired from the Equitable Gas Company in Littleton. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, also in Littleton. They lived in a house near the railroad tracks in Littleton. My husband remembers visiting Uncle Presley as a child and having to hold his nose when he drank water the sulfur smell was so bad.

Presley died at the age of 84 on December 21, 1984 at the Charleston Area Medical Center in Charleston, Kanawha County, West Virginia. He was survived by his wife, Nellie; three daughters, Betty Watters and Doris Jean Harris, both of Charleston, and June Daniel of Rome, Georgia; six grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. His funeral service was held at 10 a.m. on December 24, Christmas Eve, at the Hunt Funeral Home in Hundred, Wetzel County, West Virginia. Presley was buried at Anderson Bethel Cemetery in Littleton.

Ruins of the Bank of Littleton

Ruins of buildings in Littleton