James S. Ferrell, Virginia Militia–Revolutionary War

As part of my ongoing look at the Revolutionary War in honor of America’s 250th birthday, I was fortunate to uncover the pension file of James S. Ferrell, my husband’s 4th great‑grandfather, while researching his granddaughter, Rebecca Longwell. James’ daughter Martha Ferrell—Rebecca’s mother—is the nearest common ancestor to my husband, and her family connections led me directly to James.

James S. Ferrell was born on April 24, 1763, in the part of colonial Virginia he described as Berkeley County, essentially the same area that is now Winchester—a place familiar to me today. His likely parents were Robert Ferrell (whom he named a son after) and Hannah, surname unknown. Monongalia County records suggest he had several siblings, including Robert Ferrell Jr., Jane Ferrell, Rebecca Ferrell, Susanna Ferrell, and Hannah Ferrell. He likely married Rebecca Bunner, daughter of John and Martha Bunner, who appear to have had at least five children: Robert Ferrell, John B. Ferrell, James S. Ferrell Jr., Eli (or Elisha) C. Ferrell, and Martha Elizabeth Rebecca Ferrell.

I was able to reconstruct James’ family using Monongalia County records that mention the Ferrells and Bunners. The only direct statement is an 1818 court entry naming Robert Ferrell as “son of James,” which anchors James’ household. Other likely children and siblings—especially Hannah Ferrell, who appears in an 1819 court recognizance (a legal bond requiring someone to appear or keep the peace) with members of the Bunner family—fit through age, naming patterns, and close interaction with James. The older couple Robert Ferrell Sr. and his wife Hannah, documented in Monongalia deeds, match the right generation and location to be James’ parents.

Because the available records do not provide a complete picture of his family, this sketch centers on James’ military service. He grew up on the dangerous western frontier near present‑day Morgantown in Monongalia County, and it was from this rugged landscape that he entered Revolutionary War service as a teenager.

His recollections—given 55 years after his service—were remarkably detailed. James entered the war “being a little upward of sixteen years of age.” In May 1779, he volunteered in Captain David Scott’s Virginia militia company under Colonel David McIntosh. He helped build Fort McIntosh on the Ohio River and later garrisoned Wheeling Fort, defending frontier settlements during months of intense Indian activity. His three‑month enlistment stretched into eight, a common reality for militia on the western line.

Header page from James’ Revolutionary War pension file, noting
his service as a private in Captain Scott’s company under
Colonel McIntosh in the Virginia militia

He returned to service in 1780 or 1781 in the company commanded by his father, Captain Robert Ferrell, serving under General George Rogers Clark, the famed frontier commander whose campaigns secured the Ohio Valley for the United States. James served at Fort Defiance near the Falls of the Ohio, where Indian attacks were constant. He recalled one day when a man hitched his horse near the fort and was immediately shot through the ear by hidden attackers. Another attack killed six men in a boat at the mouth of Beargrass Creek, including Captain Lipton. James and his father led relief missions to evacuate isolated settlers and break up exposed forts.

His final and most harrowing service came in 1782, again under Captain Ferrell, when he joined Colonel William Crawford’s Sandusky campaign. The expedition collapsed into chaos after a devastating Indian attack. James gave a vivid firsthand account, preserved in his pension file. He testified that just before dawn, his father—officer of the day—rode into camp and warned Crawford: “The encampment is surrounded by Indians… every man for himself, and God for us all.”

Moments later the Indians opened fire from all sides, and the army broke in confusion. James attempted to escape on horseback, but his horse was shot out from under him, throwing him to the ground. He fled on foot through the darkness until he found another horse, mounted it, and continued the desperate retreat. He traveled for days with a small group of survivors, living on whatever game they could catch, and after weeks of hardship they reached Fort Pitt. James finally returned home in September 1782.

After the war, James continued to appear in Monongalia County records. In 1796, he was appointed Ensign in the county militia, serving under Captain Daniel Sayre after his father resigned his commission. By 1811, he was still living in Monongalia County, where he appeared as surety in a felony recognizance for Robert Ferrell Jr., likely his brother. He remained in the county through at least 1819, when multiple executions were issued against him and Samuel Grubb.

Around 1827, James moved west to Ohio Township, Monroe County, Ohio, settling near the Longwell family. Militia records show he returned briefly to Monongalia County by May 1831, when he resigned a second militia commission as Ensign in Captain William Hayhurst’s company. By 1837, he was again living in Monroe County, where neighbors—including Robert Longwell, his future son‑in‑law—supported his pension application. In 1838, James relocated to Tyler County, Virginia, joining his daughter Martha, who had married into the Longwell family. Although his pension was later suspended after conflicting testimony, the federal government ultimately recognized his Revolutionary War service.

James’ pension was granted at a rate of $30 per year, beginning March 4, 1831. His certificate was issued on November 4, 1838, through the Woodsfield, Ohio office, with arrears totaling $225 and a semi‑annual allowance of $15.

Excerpt from James’ Revolutionary War pension file showing
his certificate issued November 14, 1838, through the
Woodsfield, Ohio office, with arrears of $225 and a
semi‑annual allowance of $15

Excerpt from the Wheeling pension ledger showing James’
payments, including arrears issued through the Woodsfield, Ohio
office in 1838

In July 1838, the Monroe County Court appointed James as surveyor of a newly established road running from the meeting house above John Meadows’ place, connecting Grahams Ferry to the mouth of the Greenbrier River and then across to Bradshaw’s Run Road. As surveyor, he was responsible for directing the hands listed on Isaac Milburn’s subscription paper to clear, finish, and maintain the road—an important civic duty during the same period he was pursuing his pension. The following year, on October 7, 1839, he purchased a 12‑acre tract on the north side of the Greenbrier River from James and Jane Graham of Schuyler County, Illinois. The deed describes the parcel as adjoining land already owned by James and the heirs of David Graham, confirming his established presence along the river and his continued involvement in local land transactions.

James’ exact death date is unknown, but the surviving records establish a clear window. His pension payments appear regularly through 1840, after which the Wheeling pension ledger stops listing him. Tyler County court records prove he lived beyond that point: he appeared in person on March 4, 1841 to take the benefit of the Insolvent Act, a legal process that allowed debtors to declare insolvency and avoid imprisonment, and he is named again in multiple executions issued in early 1842. The latest of these is dated March 21, 1842, making this his final confirmed appearance. He therefore died sometime after that date.

James’ recollections preserve a vivid frontier account of his Revolutionary War experience, and the records that follow his life afterward trace the steady path of a man who served, endured, and remained rooted in the communities he helped defend.

References 

• Execution Book, 1815–1846, Tyler County, Virginia: Tyler. Court Records 1815–1846, images 152 and 162, FamilySearch.
• James S. Ferrell Sr., Virginia, U.S., Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index, 1800–1890.
• James S. Ferrell, U.S., Revolutionary War Pensioners, 1801-1815, 1818-1872.
• James S. Ferrell, US, Revolutionary War Pensions, 1800–1900.
• John Bunner, West Virginia, Wills and Probate Records, 1724–1978.
• Monongalia County, West Virginia, Guardianship Records 1807–1820, Land Records 1807–1820, Military Records 1807–1820, Probate Records 1807–1820, Public Records 1807–1820, School Records 1807–1820, Tax Records 1807–1820, Government Records 1807–1820, Court Records 1807–1820, Citizenship Records 1807–1820, image 227, FamilySearch.
• Monroe County, West Virginia, Court Records 1834–1841, 1843–1846, image 571, FamilySearch.
• Monroe County, West Virginia, Deed Books 1840–1846, image 185, FamilySearch.
• Revolutionary War Payment Ledger, Wheeling, West Virginia.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 106, Ohio Township, Monroe County, Ohio, 1850.
• U.S. Federal Census, Sardis, Monroe County, Ohio, 1860.
• U.S. Federal Census, Tyler County, Virginia, 1840.

John Murphy

John Murphy was born on March 20, 1820, in Virginia to William Murphy and Nancy White. He was one of at least six children, including siblings Mary Ann Murphy, Ezekiel G. Murphy, William Murphy Jr., Grafton Murphy, and Michael Murphy. John is my husband’s 2nd great-grandfather, with his daughter, Lucinda, their closest common ancestor. Lucinda is my husband’s great-grandmother.

When I decided to write about John, I uncovered a wealth of information. Every time I explore our Murphy lineage, I look for connections between our two Murphy branches. One branch traces back to Samuel C. Murphy, born in 1825 in Monongalia County, Virginia, while the other follows John and his daughter Lucinda, who married Robert Church. Although I have not identified the exact county in Virginia where John was born, I know he lived in Monongalia County at one point. This places both Samuel and John, who are close in age, in the same area. They might belong to separate Murphy families, but my goal is to determine their connection.

I spent a week searching through county records, but still could not connect these Murphy branches. However, it was not a wasted effort. Two years ago, I blogged about my speculations regarding John’s father, William, and his children. During my search, I found a deed related to the heirs of Grafton White. Although I was not familiar with his name, the deed included many names I recognized. The deed aimed to divide and distribute Grafton White Sr.’s real estate among his heirs and descendants. Some of those heirs were the children of the late Nancy (White) Murphy: John, Mary, Ezekiel, William, Grafton, and Michael. Nancy was Grafton’s daughter and John’s mother. This deed, which specifically named John and his wife Joanna, provided the name of John’s mother, which I did not have before, and it took that line back two generations. 

In October 1836, John’s father, William, owned 170 acres of land in Dunkard Creek in Monongalia, Virginia. A survey book for that county records William and several other Murphy men as head of household, but not John. At 16 years old, John was likely still living with his father.

John married Joanna Ullom, though the exact date is unknown. Joanna’s father was Elijah Ullom, but her mother’s identity is also unknown. They had three confirmed children: Louisa Murphy, Lucinda Murphy, and Mary Ann Murphy. It is possible they also had two additional children, William H. Murphy and Milley J. Murphy, who appear in only one record, which I will discuss below.

On October 10, 1850, John (aged 27) and Joanna (aged 21) lived with John’s father, William (head of household, aged 60) in District 37 of Monongalia County, Virginia. John’s 19-year-old brother, Ezekiel, also resided with them. Additionally, 15-year-old Catherine Pethtel, born in Ohio, lived in the household. While Catherine’s exact relationship to John is unclear, it is possible she is connected to John’s sister, Mary, who married Robert Pethtel. John, his father, and Ezekiel were all farmers. Neither John nor Joanna could read or write, while Catherine was attending school. William’s real estate was valued at $2,000. 

Nancy’s father and John’s grandfather, Grafton White Sr., died by suicide in Monongalia County, Virginia, in 1829. A coroner’s inquest determined that he hanged himself in a barn using a rope, driven by a disturbed state of mind. In September 1853, his 170-acres estate in Monongalia County was divided among his children and their descendants. As the child of Nancy (White) Murphy, who had apparently passed away (date unknown), John inherited a portion of his grandfather’s estate. To increase his share, John purchased the interest of his sister Mary and her husband, Robert Pethtel, for $110, with $10 paid upfront and the remaining amount to be paid later. Unfortunately, the deed did not specify how many acres John and Joanna now owned.

John’s brother, Grafton Murphy, apparently died in Monongalia County about 1856. I was able to find estate records in my search, but not death records for Grafton.

In December 1856, John and Joanna transferred 100 acres of land on the waters of Fish Creek in Wetzel County, Virginia, to John Hostetter for $1,150, with $300 paid upfront and the remainder to be paid annually. In March 1857, Samuel Sharpreck and his wife sold 100 acres of land on Fish Creek to John for $700. 

By July 6, 1860, the Murphy family had relocated to a home in Knob Fork, Wetzel County. John continued his work as a farmer, with real estate valued at $800 and a personal estate worth $150. The 1860 census listed John’s birthplace as Pennsylvania, a change from the 1850 census, which recorded it as Virginia. Neither John nor Joanna could read or write. This census is the only record that mentions the children William H. Murphy and Milley J. Murphy. Typically, a couple’s children are listed directly under them in the census. In this instance, the enumerator recorded them differently, with William and Milley listed after daughters Louisa and Lucinda.

It remains unclear whether William and Milley are John and Joanna’s children. Despite searching for them under various sets of Murphy parents, I have found no records of their existence beyond the 1860 census. My search in death records also yielded no results. If anyone has insights into this family, I would love to hear from you.

Joanna’s father, Elijah (74), and Martha (18, likely Joanna’s sister), along with a 27-year-old domestic named Lucinda Davis, also resided in the home. Lucinda may have connections to the White family, as Nancy (White) Murphy’s brother, Grafton White Jr., had a daughter named Margaret who married Joshua M. Davis. However, I have not confirmed this connection.

The world turned upside down in 1861 with the start of the United States Civil War. I find no evidence that John served during the war. There was a John Murphy who served from Wetzel County; however, records later show his wife was named Rachel, not Joanna. In 1863, western Virginia split to form West Virginia due to their opposition to secession and differing economic interests.

On August 4, 1870, the Murphy family continued living in Knob Fork, recorded as the Center Township of Wetzel County in the newly-formed state of West Virginia. As in 1850, John was listed with Virginia as his birthplace. Joanna was born in Pennsylvania, so it is possible the enumerator mistakenly recorded her birthplace for John’s in the 1850 census. Over the past decade, John’s real estate value had grown significantly, now valued at $2,000, with his personal estate valued at $250. Both John and Joanna had learned to read and write. Three daughters—Louisa, Lucinda, and Mary—were living in the home, with Lucinda and Mary attending school. A 20-year-old male named William Davis also resided with them, working as a farm laborer. William might have been a descendant of Grafton White Jr., the brother of Nancy (White) Murphy.

John’s daughter, Louisa, married Samuel S. Carney at John’s home on Christmas Eve, 1871. Louisa was 18 years old, and Samuel was 23.

In December 1872, John and Joanna sold a tract of land in Wetzel County to Jacob Brookover and Wesley Degarmore for $2,970. The payment included $800 in cash, with the remaining balance due with interest. They agreed that Brookover would pay two-thirds of the purchase price and receive two-thirds of the land, while Degarmore would pay one-third and receive one-third of the land. John also sold 40 acres in Wetzel County to G. W. Fox for $400.

In March 1876, five years after their daughter Louisa married Samuel Carney, John and Joanna sold 35 acres of land on Long Drain in Fish Creek, Wetzel County, to Samuel for $500. This land was considered a dowry and was described in the deed as Louisa’s share of John’s estate.

Once again, family gathered at John’s home to celebrate the marriage of his daughter, Lucinda, to Robert Church on April 2, 1876. Lucinda was 18 years old and Robert was 23.

By 1878, John owned 246 acres of land in Long Drain. The property, located 25 miles northeast of the Wetzel County courthouse, was valued at $6 per acre, amounting to a total value of $1,476. 

On June 4, 1880, John, Joanna, and their daughter Mary were residing in the Church District of Wetzel County. John continued his work as a farmer while Joanna managed the household. Mary, who was now 17 years old, was not attending school.

In February 1883, John’s maternal uncle, Michael White, passed away. In his will, Michael left a portion of his estate to the “Freedman’s Aid Society,” but for reasons unknown, the court declared this part of the will invalid. Consequently, this portion of the estate was distributed according to intestate succession laws. The court appointed someone to identify the rightful heirs and determine their shares of the estate. The heirs were identified as Michael’s siblings: William White, Grafton White Jr., Nancy Murphy, Hannah Butters, and Rebecca Gidley. Since all of them were deceased, their children, Michael’s nieces and nephews, inherited their shares. Nancy Murphy’s children, including John, who was living in Burton, Wetzel County at the time, were listed in the report and received one-fifth of that portion of the estate. John’s share amounted to 1/25th of the estate.

Following the tradition of her sisters, John’s youngest daughter, Mary, chose her father’s home for her wedding. On December 10, 1883, she married George Washington Sole. Mary was 22 years old, and George was 23.

In November 1885, John and Joanna purchased a 47-acre tract of land situated on the waters of Long Drain, within the Clay District of Wetzel County. They purchased this land from Mary and Jeremiah Stottlemire for a total of $175, with an initial payment of $75 upfront. The remaining balance of $100 was to be paid in two equal annual installments over the next two years, with interest accruing from November 11, 1885. The land was adjacent to the properties of Henry Sole and others.

In October 1887, likely due to eminent domain, the Wetzel County Court ordered the opening and maintenance of a new road starting southwest of John’s house on Long Drain in the Church District, passing through his and Samuel Carney’s lands for public use. The court ordered them to appear and show cause why the road should not be opened for public travel.

In 1888, likely anticipating the end of his life and wanting to ensure his affairs were in order, John began transferring property to his three daughters: Louisa, Lucinda, and Mary.

In January 1888, John and Joanna transferred 54 ¼ acres of land on Long Drain in the Church District, excluding one acre where their house stood, to their daughter Louisa Carney and her children; and 22 acres to their daughter Mary Ann Sole and her children. Each tract was valued at $1,000. In return, Louisa and her husband Samuel, as well as Mary and her husband George, agreed to provide John and Joanna with a comfortable living, including food, clothing, medical care, and funeral expenses, for the rest of their lives. John was also allowed to keep one horse and one cow on the land. 

In 1889, a tax assessment for the Church District of Wetzel County detailed John’s ownership of three parcels of land in Long Drain. The first parcel was six acres, located 25 miles east of the Wetzel County courthouse, valued at $8 per acre, with buildings worth $48. The second parcel comprised 47 acres, situated 30 miles east of the courthouse, valued at $4 per acre, with buildings worth $197. The third parcel included 2.75 acres, located 25 miles east of the courthouse, valued at $8 per acre, with buildings worth $22.

The taxes owed on these properties were calculated for various purposes: state, free school, county levy, district levy for roads, teaching, and building. The assessment provided a detailed account of the taxes owed for each parcel, offering a comprehensive record of John’s land holdings and the associated tax liabilities. 

In February 1890, John and Joanna sold a 47-acre tract of land on the waters of Long Drain in the Clay District of Wetzel County to their daughter Lucinda and her husband Robert Church for $200. This was the same land they had purchased from Mary and Jeremiah Stottlemire in November 1885.

Robert and Lucinda (Murphy) Church

In March 1891, John and Joanna leased 18 acres of land in the Church District of Wetzel County to the South Penn Oil Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for $1. The five-year lease permitted South Penn Oil to operate for oil and gas extraction, lay pipelines, and build necessary structures. Specifically, the company agreed to deliver one-eighth of all oil produced to John and Joanna at no cost and to pay $200 annually for each gas well drilled on the premises if the gas was marketed and used off the property. The company also committed to minimizing interference with the cultivated portions of the farm, burying gas lines two feet below the surface, and compensating John and Joanna for any crop damage. The company pledged to complete one well within 10 months or pay an annual rental of $18 until completion, retaining the right to surrender the lease at any time, thereby ceasing all payments and obligations under the lease terms.

In April 1891, John and Joanna sold 9 ¼ acres of land on the waters of Long Drain, a branch of Fish Creek, in the Church District of Wetzel County, to George W. Sole (Mary’s husband) for $115. This land bordered property already owned by Mary. Interestingly, the deed noted that one white oak tree on the land was reserved and not part of the sale.

In February 1893, John’s daughter Lucinda and her husband Robert Church sold their 47-acre tract of land in the Clay District of West Virginia to S. A. Carney. They had purchased this land from John and Joanna for $200 in February 1890 and sold it for $1,060, making a substantial profit of $860.

On March 24, 1893, John and Joanna sold a one-acre tract of land to Lucinda and her family for $1. This land, located on the waters of Long Drain in the Church District of Wetzel County, included the house where John and Joanna lived. It bordered the property of Louisa and Samuel next door and was originally part of the larger piece of land sold to Louisa in January 1888.

Two weeks later, on April 8, John passed away in Wetzel County at the age of 73, likely in his home. His family laid him to rest at Shriver Cemetery in Wetzel County.

 

John and Joanna's stone at Shriver Cemetery

Entrance to Shriver Cemetery

In April 1894, Lucinda and Robert Church sold the one-acre tract of land they had purchased from John and Joanna in March 1893 to Samuel Carney for $150. The deed specifically described the land as starting at a stone in the county road and running south, passing between the house occupied by Samuel and the house John lived in before his death, ending at a stake in the field. This tract of land was originally part of the 54 ¼ acres that John and Joanna sold to Louisa and Samuel in 1888.

Note: During my research, I found many deed and land records for John Murphy. I made every effort to distinguish between several men with the same name to determine whether he was the actual subject of this sketch. This was often easier when his wife, Joanna, was listed. I also tried to use his location (i.e., Fish Creek) as a deciding factor. However, I feel certain this does not include all records for John.

References

• Grafton White, Monongalia County, Virginia, Guardianship Records 1822–1830, Land Records 1822–1830, Military Records 1822–1830, Probate Records 1822–1830, Public Records 1822–1830, School Records 1822–1830, Tax Records 1822–1830, Government Records 1822–1830, Court Records 1822–1830, Citizenship Records 1822–1830, images 216–217, FamilySearch.
• John Murphy, Monongalia County, Court Records 1873–1888, images 441–443, FamilySearch.
• John Murphy, Monongalia County, Virginia, Deed Books 1850–1854, images 309–310, 343, FamilySearch.
• Personal visit to Shriver Cemetery, Wetzel County, West Virginia, 2010.
• U.S. Federal Census, Church District, Wetzel County, West Virginia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 37, Monongalia County, Virginia, 1850.
• U.S. Federal Census, Knob Fork, Center District, Wetzel County, West Virginia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Knob Fork, Wetzel County, Virginia, 1860.
• Wetzel County, West Virginia, Court Records 1886–1892, images 158–160, FamilySearch.
• Wetzel County, West Virginia, Deeds 1855–1865, images 150, 168, FamilySearch.
• Wetzel County, West Virginia, Deeds 1872–1877, images 439, 442, and 635, FamilySearch.
• Wetzel County, West Virginia, Deeds 1885–1887, image 124, FamilySearch.
• Wetzel County, West Virginia, Deeds 1888–1889, images 61–63, FamilySearch.
• Wetzel County, West Virginia, Deeds 1890–1891, image 331, FamilySearch.
• Wetzel County, West Virginia, Deeds 1891, images 346–347, FamilySearch.
• Wetzel County, West Virginia, Deeds 1893–1895, images 203, 248–249, FamilySearch.
• Wetzel County, West Virginia, Land Records 1872–1878, image 503, FamilySearch.
• Wetzel County, West Virginia, Land Records 1885–1890, image 446, FamilySearch.
• Wetzel County, West Virginia, Marriage Records 1854–1886, image 245, FamilySearch.
• Wetzel County, West Virginia, Marriage Records 1882–1888, image 65, FamilySearch.
• William Murphy, General Index to Surveyors Books, 1781–1859, Monongalia, Virginia: Monongalia. Land Records 1781–1859, image 61, FamilySearch. 

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

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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. 

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.