MORPHEW/MURPHY FAMILY HISTORICAL INFORMATION

FIRST BOOK UPDATES

What is new for "The Morphew/Murphy Story - 1748-1870"?

(1) Earliest 1st Generation Morphews: John and Mary White. Cross them off!

There is no proof of any kind, whatsoever, that they are ancestors. His probated will in 1742 doesn't even mention a Joseph or James. Both Arlie and familysearch.org are wrong. Let someone come forward with proof.

(2) Joseph Morphew + Mary Burke - 2nd generation. No real changes here. Joseph continues to be invisible. He was so invisible that for years I thought his first name was really James who purchased the 1756+ Deep River, Rowan County, N.C. lands. But recently I reviewed the 1768 Rowan County, N.C. tithable list. Joseph Murphey is listed next to John England. His son Silas Morphew married Elizabeth England, daughter of this John England. And that firmed up the notion Joseph Morphew really existed. Two entries down on the same tithable is James Burk Sr., James Burke Jr.,and Joseph Burk.

Nearby is Benjamin Burk who later died at the Battle of Shallow Ford.

This generation has now been separated into 3 family lines: (a) Joseph Morphew (born ~1730 to <1783)+ Mary Burke (~1732 - >1802), (b) James Morphew + Mary __ and (c) the unrelated 3 brothers - the Baptist Minister Joseph Murphey ((1734 - >1803), Rev. William Murphey ((1732 - >1800), and Tory Captain Richard Murphey (~1730 - 1809)of Surry County, N.C. James + Mary Morphew are a puzzle. Did they return to England? What age can they be? If James Morphew is not a brother of Joseph, then can James + Mary Morphew be the parents? Did they have any children and have we mixed up some with our gang? Does Chadwick somehow belong to their side? In 1783, a certain Mary Murphy of Rowan County files for an annuity for her husband James Murphy, who died in service of his country. Could this Mary belong to James + Mary Morphew? Next, at least one of the 3 brothers has to be included when his records mix with our Morphews. The name seems to be spelled Murphey, etc. Perhaps during these years the w in Morphew is silent.

The succeeding Morphew generations are basically the same, with some corrections of errors, more exact dates, and minor additions. Years ago when I visited Nora Springs, Iowa relatives, they told me a photo of the grand ancestor James Morphew (1805-1871) existed, but the location was unknown. Does anyone know where this photo exists?

Let's move on to the maternal side. Help is always needed, including rooting out errors.

(3)James Burke, Virginia Frontiersman (~1710 - 1783): His history was completely reviewed and he absolutely belongs to us - Mary Burke + Joseph Morphew. He is quite an individual and worth remembering. For those people who like to visit family sites, there is this: Drapers Meadows is on the present site of of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (very old info, so will have a new name) in Blacksburg, Montgomery County, Virginia. Burkes Garden, Tazewell County, Virginia is a neat area. Today it is considered to be "one of the biologically richest areas of the State". Even back in 1756, a Captain William Preston described Burkes Garden as a "tract of land of 5000 or 6000 acres, as rich and fertile as any I ever saw, as well watered with many beautful streams and is surrounded with moutains almost impassible". Wouldn't it be special if someone could visit the area and take a few pictures?

(4) Elizabeth "Betty" Chadwick (~1754 to ?). Nothing new.

(5) Egger ancestors. Not spent much time on this. The earliest Eggers history is a mess. No one agrees. Tharp and Melvin www.geocities.com/heartland/plains/4235/eggers.htm should be the most accurate. Look what they did to Daniel Eggers, Sr.: Avis Eggers, his wife, born 1755 has her first child in Mary in 1766 and last one Daniel Jr in 1823. That's 57 years of child birthing and Daniel Jr is born when Avis is 68 years old. Further they have combined William Eggers and Landrine Eggers into one William Landrine Eggers and this needs reseach. Just a brief couple of hours on internet websites showed:

William and Daniel Eggers (Agers) on the 1775 Orange County, N.Y. tax list for near Goshen. This may spoil attempts to put Daniel Eggers marriage in Augusta County, Virginia about 1772.

On 16 April 1779, county records list Landrine Eggers married Joana Silvers in Rowan County, North Carolina. This is perhaps his first marriage, and Silvers may be a Virginia Indian. Who were their children?

The 1800 U.S. Census of Ashe County, N.C. lists Daniel Agers, the number of children and their age ranges. If this can be done in so short time on the internet, what more can be found?

(6) The Hogan ancestors - William Hogan + Nancy Wadlaw (born 1779). Their daughter Rebecca (1799 Tennessee - 1873) married James Morphew (1805 - 1871). So far there a lot of smoke and activity while searching for them and little forward development. Based on a lot of "fuzzy" data, a few weak statements can be made.

The Morphews were proud of the Hogan/Wadlaw heritage and reflects in the names they gave their children. Rebecca and James Morphew name their first child Nancy (1826), and second William (1829). Neither name had been used by earlier Morphews. Another daughter, Rebecca Mahalia Morphew Allumbaugh (1831) named one child William Hogan Allumbaugh (1861). Three Morphews were given the unusual name Humphrey (i.e. Humphrey Stuges Morphew - 1839) and their name possibly offers a clue to the Hogan past. There is in the earliest history of Tennessee, a Humphrey Hogan, who was part of a party of explorers in 1769 or 1770 traveling the Cumberland River to about what is now Nashville, Tennesee. He returns to settle in the Nashville area about 1779 with the Heaton party or with the 1780 smallpox riddled Donelson flotella - the first settlers to the area. He continues to make a number of records and was a signer of the Cumberland Compact in May 1780. Because he had stayed and defended the settlements, In 1786, he was given 640 acres of land. He is reported to be the first school teacher in Tennessee and dies in 1790. No one knows where he came from and only one child, John has been found so far. He probably has brothers and one probably is Daniel Hogan who arrived with the Donelson flotilla, April 1780. He, too, is given 640 acres for staying and defending the settlements. He served as administrator of the estate of James Herrod, decreased, March 1783 and his wife is said to be the former Mrs. James Harrod. Could this be the same James Herrod who founded the very first settlement in Kentucky, Fort Harrod, Ky in 1774? Wouldn't this be a find! No children are known so far.

William Hogan has been most elusive to find so far, and indirect means of search are being used. It appears he has a brother, Washington Hogan (birth date unknown). His wife Nancy was born between 1781 to 1784. He dies just before U.S. Census in 1830 of Floyd Township, Putnam County, Indiana is taken and Nancy now appears as head of household. In 1835 she dies. James Morphew becomes administrator for the 1835 probate estate, despite Washington having 5 adult children (and leaving 5 minors). One of Washington Hogans children is named Humphrey Hogan (1809). Tracing the name Washington Hogan should be easy, but so far I cannot find him on a 1810 or 1820 U.S. Census.

Rebecca Hogan's birth state of Tennessee is confirmed in the 1850 U.S. Census of Wapello County, Iowa. But where in Tennessee? That is the burning question. Using the state of birth in the 1850 Census records for Rebecca Hogan and two of Washington Hogan's children, it appears the Hogans left Tennessee for Kentucky between 1802 and 1809.

The other point of search was to find the Wadlaws. A Tennessee location might pinpoint our Hogans. But the surname Wadlaw doesn't exist, so it must be mispelled or "in transition". What might the name really be? Ten days ago, I contacted someone who has written a book on Wardlaws and is now writing another. There is a valley full of Wardlaws and Loves in old Augusta County, Virginia during the right era. To quote her: "I believe the name Wadlaw could be a mispelling of Wardlaw and if so these people would probably fit into the Wardlaw line... I don't have any Rachael Love or William Hogan in my records..."

In the meantime, something else came to light. There is a small group of Wadlows in this country. A website reports their earliest known ancestor to be John Wadlow (born about 1760) and earliest known location to be Washington County, Tennessee. That is the extreme eastern end of Tennessee.

You should also know that a family line - William Hogan (1750)+ Sarah Grant (Fullington) has recently added a first wife to this William Hogan. She is named Nancy Wadleigh (Wadley) who died in 1779. This William Hogan is listed on a payroll of Kentucky Militia in the Defense of Bryan's Station in the year of 1780. Family data are a mess as is the earliest information and they do not claim Tennessee for a home. But --- there is a John Wadley in Sullivan County, Tennessee records for the 1790's. That again this is at the extreme eastern end of Tennessee. Could the Wadlows be from this Wadley?

For the above fuzzy reasons, our Hogan focus is now to outlaw country. Defined as the Holston and Clinch Rivers, this area had an evil reputation during the colonial and post colonial years for lawlessness and marauding Indians with endless settler appeals for government help. The problem became so bad, that in 1784, the eastern end of the territory of Tennessee declared their independance from the U.S. and called themselves the "State of Franklin." Franklin ended in 1788 when U.S. militia surrounded the house of John Sevier, their leader, and arrested him. Sevier reappears in 1795, when he becomes the first governor of the State of Tennessee. There is noted of the first inhabitants of the State of Franklin, North Carolina judicial area: William Hogan. But there are at least 4-5 William Hogans in Tennessee Territory during this era and these dates are probably too early to be our William Hogan.

(7) Allumbaughs and kin. Rebecca Mahalia Morphew (1831) married Elijah Allumbaugh and William Morphew (1829) married Sarah Allumbaugh. Donna J. Alumbaugh published a 585 page book on the Allumbaugh-Alumbaugh Family 1740-1981 and is now in the final days putting her second edition out. It is an incredible effort and worth the purchase should one be a descendant. It does not include the Wilcoxen line.

The John Willcockson (born 1720 and died at 1782 at Bryans Station) + Sarah Cassandra Boone (1724-1815) line has been confirmed and this interesting clan is being reseached. My biggest problem is to bypass copyright problems and will have to get into the original books. For those who would like to know more, check these websites:
www.users.mis.net/~chesnut/pages/boonesz.htm
home.netcom.com/~jog1/bryanstation.html
Letters requesting military pension information have been sent for the following persons:

Garrett Allumbaugh (1789 - 1861). He is listed on muster rolls as Ellenbaugh, Garres, 2nd Regiment (Jenning's) Kentucky, private, for the War of 1812.

Then for his father-in-law Squire W. Wilcoxen (~1774-1837). He is listed as a Lieutenant, Eighth Regiment, 5th Company, detached from the Ashe County Regiment, muster rolls of War of 1812 for North Carolina.

Next for Garrett's grandfather James P. Tatum (~1755-1821). He listed in the Revolutionary War Navy from 12 August 1777 to beyond May 1780. He was a Lieutenant and was taken prisoner and put on parole at the close of war. Should the pensions exist, there may be wealth of information.

And Larry, this is enough. Take care and good luck to you.

Murph

Morphew Update...

James R. Murphy, M.D.- 10/11/2000

Hi Larry:

I thought I would update you on what's happening with the Morphew search.

This doesn't need to put on any website and a response isn't necessary - that's what Donna Alumbaugh and I do. It's also nice to let others know who are following the action.

A week ago, Cathy and I went down to Estill County, Kentucky and Preble County, Ohio to resolve some family history puzzles and had a great time just visiting and exploring the area.

Joseph Morphew (~1775-1851?)+ Avis Eggers (~1778-1823) are a puzzle as to where they lived after moving from Ashe County, North Carolina in 1811. One piece of evidence occurs with their daughter Pheoby (1799) marries 10 March 1819 to Jonathan Aldridge at Preble County, Ohio (county record). A Joseph Murphy is listed in a 1820 U.S. Census for Franklin County, Indiana (next county west) and this data matches our family of Joseph and Avis well, but only if the married children are included. Then in 1822 Union County, Indiana (established 1821 from Franklin County), their son Daniel Morphew marries Amy Grimes and this is a county record. Then Joseph + Avis really get lost. A Mrs. Charles Long states Avis dies 1823 in Lee County, Virginia and that's a long way from Indiana. This place is so remote and inaccessible, that red flags go up. Lee County needs a visit to determine - if, why, when, and how long.

Back to Preble County, Ohio (established 1808). This county has excellent farm land and is a good Morphew choice (for a change). Joseph's three brothers Nathan Morphew (1777-1842) and Benjamin F. Morphew (1788-<1845), and Joshua Morphew (1785-1846) are there. Nathan marries at Preble in 1811 (county record) but doesn't live there long enough to appear on the year tax records, but "Nathan Morphew" is listed on the 2nd Regiment (Price's) Ohio Militia, private, for the War of 1812. Joshua Morphew is first noted in Preble County at an estate sale December 1809. Tax records, which begin in 1816 note Joshua Morphew there until 1830 in Dixon Township. Benjamin F. Morphew marries there in 1813 (county record) and is on their records until 1833. A certain Benjamin "Murphy" is also listed on the 1812 Muster Rolls of the 2nd regiment (Price's) Ohio Militia as a Corporal. Our Joseph never shows up on the yearly Preble County, Ohio tax auditor tax records, if one separates out a Joseph Murphy Jr. and Sr. there in 1819 and 1820 and whose 1820 U.S. Census data do not match any known Morphew data. So far Joseph can not be found on the 1850 Putnam County, Indiana census where he is said to have died in 1851.

Sometime in the future, I will visit Indiana to sort things out. Before this happens, Larry, let me know who are your Morphews that descend from James + Rebecca Morphew. Will then keep an eye open for information on your gang also.

The next question on Joseph + Avis Morphew was - did they settle at Estill County, Kentucky where their son and our grand ancestors James + Rebecca Morphew were married in 1825/1826? Joseph Morphew did not come to Estill County, according to yearly tax records. What did happen appears this way. James is now 19 or 20 years old and he visits his oldest brother Nathan (1798-1875)and cousin James and Daniel Eggers (either sons or grandsons of Daniel Eggers Sr.) who had just homesteaded (not very good) land there.

Estill County, Kentucky record: "Surveyed for James Eggers 28 July 1825, 200 acres of Stone Cole Fork of Elk Lick Fork of Sturgeon Creek in the presence of Daniel Eggers, Nathan Morphew house..." Elk Lick Fork of this creek is about 5 miles southwest of present-day Beattyville, Lee County (old Estill County), Kentucky and is at the eastern edge of Daniel Boone National Forest. In 1825 or 1826 James falls in love with a Hogan girl, and one record (my impression it was a county record but not found on this trip) states he marries Rebecca in Estill County on October 5 1825. A marriage bond is recorded in Estill County Kentucky: "For the sum of 50 pounds to which payment made (by) James Murphey and William Hogan...between James Murphy and Rebecca Hogan. Signed: William Hogan, 20th day of September 1826." The 1826 date causes confusion since their first child is 1826. Both Eggers are listed only once in 1825 on the Estill tax records. Nathan Murphy is listed for 1826 and 1827. The problem with James is that there already is a bunch of Murphys including one James in the county. However in 1827 tax list there are 3 James Murphys and one must be him.

Hogans: At Estill County there is a Kentucky land grant deed. "17 January 1824, surveyed for William Hogan, 50 acres of land with his improvement on Buffalo Creek..to Washington Hogan marker." A survey follows on a funnel shaped piece of land, without reference to where the creek may be or where on the creek this piece of land lies. Buffalo Creek is on the South Fork of the Kentucky River and appears to be on the present day boundary of Owlsey and Clay Counties, north of Oneida, Clay County, Kentucky. The land suggests mountain wilderness and is extremely isolated. Estill County, Kentucky tax lists begin in 1808 and William Hogan is recorded yearly beginning 1816 through the year 1827. During the year 1824 he is listed on the South Fork of the Kentucky River. In 1825 he is on Buffalo Creek with 2 white males over 21. There are no details for the other years.

Washington Hogan is listed 1824, 1826, and in 1827-(South Fork of Kentucky River). There are no Hogans after 1827 and presume everyone moved to Putnam County, Indiana.

There is an Estill County deed in which the writing is hard to read: "15 September 1827 between Washington Hogan and all the heirs of William Hogan, deceased, of Estill County, Kentucky and Jacob Bowman of Clay County, Kentucky for $150. Sell tract or parcel of land lying and being in Estill County and in Buffalow Creek water of the South Fork of the Kentucky River, beginning at said Hogans improvement...50 acres of land with appartenances (?) belonging or in any __ appertaining unto the said Jacob Bowman and his heirs forever and the said Washington Hogan and heirs doth agree to and with the said Jacob Bowman...defend said bargained premises from him and said heirs of William Hogan deceased...by them the said heirs of William Hogan deceased and said Washington Hogan and the heirs of William Hogan deceased."

Signed: Robert Rose (his "x") Nancy Hogan

Washington Hogan Washington Hogan

William Hogan William Hogan

David Allen

Humphry Hogan

Solomon Hogan

An Estill County Legal Document for John Hogan and James "Merphew" follows:

"I, Robert Clark, clerk of the court from Nancy Hogan and other to Jacob Bowman was produced to him in my office on 11 March 1828 and do acknowledge by William Hogan and Washington Hogan to be their act and deed and on the same day was proven by the oath of said Washington and William Hogan to be the act and deed of the said Nancy Hogan, David Allen, Humphry Hogan, Solomon Hogan, John Hogan and James Murphew for the purposed through(?) in name and thereupon on the old __ (document)." Signed: Robert Clark (Sorry it was hard to read) Apparently, John Hogan and James Morphew are added to the list on the property sale. It looks like Washington and William Hogan have both their homes on the 50 acres or even have combined families in one household.

Combining families is not unusual where common defense is needed in wilderness areas or if the head of household is absent for long periods of time. Could they be fur trappers?

Next is to put on my Sherlock Holmes hat and work the clues for earlier years. A big red flag goes up for Clay County, Kentucky (established 1808).

Washington Hogan and presumably William Hogan fail to show up on a 1810 (same with 1820) U.S. Census - where were they or were they still in the same general location that the U.S. Census people fail to find? Their home borders on Clay County. Jacob Bowman lived in Clay County. Robert Rose appears on the 1830 U.S. Census of Clay County. Cynthia Eggers who married John Hogan in 1820 in Estill has no Eggers recorded on the tax lists in Estill County before 1825. Perhaps her mom had remarried, or perhaps her parents lived across the county line in Clay County. Then a history website in Clay County mentions that in 1815, Clay County turns over some land to Estill County. In that following year of 1816, our William Hogan shows up for the first time in the Estill tax lists. There has to be more on the Hogans in Clay County!

So far, the Hogan website query has produced two answers but nothing that links to our Hogans.

So that's the latest. This family history search only gets larger.

Next spring Cathy wants to go to High Point, North Carolina to look at furniture. I've worked a deal to spend a little time to research the Morphews in early North Carolina, but don't know if anything new can be found in a short time. Jim

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the update. Lots of very interesting mysteries out there. The puzzle goes together slowly (if at all). But it is interesting and I would really like to post this on my Morphew/Murphy message board (with your permission, of course). Please let me know.

Kindest personal regards,

larrymorphew

Hi Larry: Go ahead and post the letter. Hopefully more people will take up the family history search since there is so much we don't know. Perhaps some personal family recollections will come to light. Good luck, Jim

Early Morphews in N.C.

Posted by James R. Murphy, M.D. on 1/8/2001

Hi Larry: Cathy and I did get to North Carolina to look for furniture at Highpoint and then spent some hours (not enought) at the State Archives in Raleigh looking for Guilford, Rowan, and Surry County Morphews. Here is what was found on early James (no dating possible) and Joseph Morphew (~1730-~1783) of North Carolina.

James and Mary Morphew in Rowan County, N.C. 1752-1770 and Guilford County 1775.

In review, this James Morphew is one of earliest settlers in northcentral colonial North Carolina, and yet no family records remember him, or anyone knows who are his children, or where he belongs in the Joseph + Mary Burke Morphew ancestry line. We already know that on 6 November 1756, James Morphew of Rowan County, N.C. is granted 581 acres in the Parish of St. Luke, Rowan County, N.C. by workers of John Earl Granville of Bedford County, England with boundaries next to William Buis and William Baldwin.

The deed is detailed for 1 3/4 pages and is too long to reproduce here. In the deed are legal entanglements which make problems in later years. This land grant survey was dated 18 April 1753 Anson County (before Rowan County is established in 1753 and Guilford County in 1771) and shows an eight sided piece of land on the "South Fork of Deep River" and crosses the northwestern part of his land as a clock's hands runs from 7:30 to 1:30 or 45 degree angle. South Fork appears to be today's West Fork of Deep River with his land in present-day Guilford County about 1.5 miles south of highway exit 206 at Interstate-40 and business I-40 junction, based on placement of William Buis lands. There is a 32x22 inch map being sold at the Guilford Court House National Battlefield Monument which shows the geographic locations of many pre-1800 settlers in Guilford County. "James Murphy" with the date 1756 is on it next to Buis's and Baldwin's lands.

Morphew actually signed this grant with "James Morphew" despite all other references to him are written James Murphy. His signiture is so uniquely characteristic that it is worthly of being a trade-mark for Morphew histories.

The neighbor on Morphew's south boundary was William Buis who came to Deep River in 1752 when it was Anson County. Buis built a tavern and inn on his land called an "ordinary" for travelers on what appears to be the junction of two crossroads, one of which may be the important link joining Salisbury, N.C. with the Great Road to Philadelphia. Bewes (Buis) Ordinary is shown on a 1770 map by Collett. In later years the the old inn was moved behind a newer house and given a protective metal roof which preserved it to the present time, making it the oldest structure in Guilford County. William Buis was an interesting individual in that he became a schoolteacher and had a schoolhouse slightly west of his inn/hotel.

The first court sessions on newly formed Guilford County were held on his farm from 1771-1774. To the west side of Morphew's land is Sheppard's Ordinary, in which William Sheppard settled in 1754. After James Morphew sold his land, General Cornwallis camped on it in 11 February 1781 after he first entered Guilford County. In 1757 and 1758 we know already James and Mary Morphew sell their land.

But then on 20 October 1758, Rowan County court books state: On the motion of John Dunn Attorney for a Dedimus Potestem to issue to examine Mary Murphy relative to her relinquishing her right of Dower of a certain track of land conveyed from the said James to William Buese, Esquire. Ordered that the Dedem Potestem issue accordingly to Christopher Nation, Esquire, court adjourned until tomorrow at 8.

In 1759 Rowan County, N.C. tax list included "James Murphew." The Burkes and Englands, and any other Murphys are not on this list.

We also know that on 10 July 1760 "Mary Mirphew" is listed as a witness to a marriage at the New Garden Monthly Meeting (Quaker) at Rowan County (now part of Guilford County). William Morgan of Rowan County, son of John of Virginia, deceased, married Rebeckah Mills, daughter of Thomas of Rowan County. The New Garden Quaker records still exist, although not much earlier than this record. There are no other Morphews or Murphys on them.

What's new is this: The William Morgan is shown on the Guilford County map as living 1/2 miles northwest of the Deep River (Quaker) Meeting House in 1767. The bride's father Thomas Mills in noted north 2 1/2 miles from the Deep River Meeting House in 1759. Why the couple decided to be married at New Garden (Quaker) meeting House which was 6 miles northeast of Deep River Meeting house is not known, unless the Mills family had used this meeting house, being only a little further from their home. Both meeting houses still exist today, with New Garden within Guilford College grounds and Deep River meeting house just northwest of Jamestown, Guilford County, North Carolina.

The Morphews appear to be Quakers and the question arises of where was the closest meeting house, which might have some records. The nearest is the Deep River Meeting House (established 1754) which was about 5 miles southeast of James Morphew's 1756 lands.

On 4 April 1774, James Morphew married Betty Chadwick at the Deep River Quaker Meeting House and this information is from Arlie C. Morphew. This should be our James Morphew (born ~1750-1811). North Carolina Archive records of Guilford County also show "James Murphew or Morphew" marriage bond to Betty Chadwick on 16 November 1774. Also keep in mind that the Silas Morphew (1752-1808) is mentioned in the Deep River Quaker records for a membership request in the church on 7 July 1783, but Silas is listed absent and had probably moved elsewhere. With the William Morgan + Rebeckah Mills homestead so close to Deep River Meeting House, and with James Morphew marriage at Deep River Meeting House and Silas Morphew's request at the same meeting house, James + Mary Morphew had to be the home base. Furthermore James + Mary Morphew have to be key players in our heritage. Might James be a brother to Joseph + Mary Burke Morphew, a cousin, or generation earlier (his father)? What do you think?

On 3 May 1775, William Baldwin of Guilford deeds to Peres Chapman of same for 450 pounds 343 acres, part of a survey of water of Deep River from Granville to Baldwin 6 November 1756...corner of land to the heirs of William Buis, deceased..come through the plantation and enters Obediah Harris's Mill Pond...bounded on the east by William Baldwin's other land:

Signed by William Baldwin, William Gray, JAMES MORPHEW, and proved May 1775 term by William Gray, Esq.

From Guilford County Court records: Whereas it is sufficient that JAMES MORPHEW of Guilford County in North Carolina hath a right himself to the above described piece of land that William Baldwin hath sold to Peres Chapman. He is (here) to certify that for a consideration of 5 shillings paid to the said James Morphew by the said Peres Chapman the receipt whereof the said James Morphew discharges forever to acquit the said Peres Chapman his heirs...from all the right to the property of claim which the said James Morphew or his heirs hath or ought to have in...the above mentioned land in (which)..the said James Morphew hath here set his hand of seal this 5th day of May in the year of our Lord 1775. In the presence of: (signed) William Gray, William Baldwin. (Signed) James Morphew (seal), Guilford County of May Court 1775.

In 13 and 14 March 1781, Cornwallis's English Army occupies the Deep River Quaker Settlement for provisions and then skirmishes with the American forces leading to the Battle of Guilford Count House on 15 March 1781. An eye-witness running account of the battle beginning at Deep River Quaker lands and meeting house is given by Lt. Col. Henry Lee, U.S. Cavalry. A Guilford Collage history professor states Lee mixed Deep River with New Garden and the names should be switched in the original account.

Surry County, N.C info on Joseph Morphew (~1730-~1783)+ Mary Burke (~1783->1802)- 2nd generation

Despite all the research done on the Morphews, only a little is known about Joseph, born about 1730 and yet family records make him the earliest (really established) Morphew in his family line. It is this Morphew that British loyalties are suspected but not proven. My recent search of the North Carolina Archives in Raleigh was for about 9 hours in 11/2000, and I was left with the feeling that there is much more there that could be found. It is a sad day when information about an individual ancestor is reduced to a few dates, a few deeds and a few other governmental records which make for poor reading. These records, however, do create an information framework for future research.

Deeds to Rowan, Guilford, and Surry Counties are a terrible problem before 1778. About 90% of the original lands were held by the Earl of Granville who never came to America. His lands were sold by his agents, and then in 1763 Granville dies and his land offices close until the American Revolution terminates British rights in 1778 - that's 15 years of confusion.

Many settlers homesteaded here during these years, built a house and made improvements, but could not establish a titled deed. For this reason many persons fail to be recorded on the Granville lands. Beginning in 1778, there is a flood of settlers requesting land grants to legalize their homesteads and a few are picking up Loyalist confiscated lands.

Surry County grant #539 is entered 28 August 1779 and issued 13 October 1783 for Joseph Murphy, 640 acres on Forbis's Creek. This grant goes on to state just once the name "Joseph Morphew" and the land is bounded by lands of John Benton and Moses Baker, and is signed by James Baker and __ Speer.

Forbus (Forbis's) Creek empties on the west bank of the Yadkin River (present-day Yadkin County, old Surry County) about 0.5 miles north of Deep Creek (not the same as Deep River) where Reverend Joseph Morphew held his Deep Creek Baptist Church 1771-1775 and later. It is here that the trail of Rev. Joseph Murphey (not a Morphew) converges on our Joseph Morphew, and keeping them separate is a big-time problem. The Deep Creek Baptist Church would be the church closest to our Morphews! Reverend Joseph Murphy is so close, that James Baker who appears on the 1779 Morphew deed above, married Sarah Murphy, daughter of Rev. Joseph Murphy! (as noted on Rev. Murphy's Surry County 1814 will).

On 30 December 1778, Surry County Land Entries record "Justice Reynolds enters 150 acres of land in Surry County on the North Fork of Forbis's Creek beginning at the conditional line between me and JAMES MORPHEW"...warrant granted. I presume this James Morphew is probably our 3rd Generation James Morphew (~1750-1811) + Elizabeth "Betty" Chadwick (~1754-?), but it is not for sure. There is more on Chadwick's dad.

Surry County grant #1815 entered __ March 1782 and issued 9 March 1784 for Joseph Murphey, 450 acres on Joseph Creek, adjacent to James Bruce and Robert Forbus's line. This is the same creek as his father-in-law James Burke's land grant in 1761. Efforts made at the State Archives to find this creek's location were not successful. However I think this creek may be adjacent or part of Forbush (Forbus's) Creek which is in the northeast corner of present day Yadkin County (old Surry County). Obtaining a land grant involved the steps of (1) land entry, (2) land warrant, (3) plat of survey and finally (4) the grant.

In October 1779, Henry Speer enters 100 acres of land (#1907) in Surry County on the waters of the south fork of Joseph's Creek adjoining Joseph Murphey and Robert Forbis. In the same year, William Haley enters 500 acres of land (#1835) in Surry County, adjoining Joseph Murphey, including whereon John Benton NOW lives and the warrant is granted. This last deed was a land seizure of someone else's homestead which had not been registered and probably marks governmental and individual dishonesty that was present before and after the revolution.

In 1779, Henry Speer enters 100 acres of land (#1907) in Surry County on the waters of Forbis's Creek adjoining Joseph Murphey, James Bruce, and James Smith. In the same year Moses Baker enters 100 acres of Joseph's Creek adjoining Joseph Murphey and his former entry including the above place (???).

The Morphews live near the Burkes and following land entry claims show the Burkes. In March 7, 1778, Thomas Carson enters 552 acres of land (#39) in Surry County lying on the North Fork of Forbushes Creek above Burk's deeded land on both sides of said creek including the said Carson's improvement. On 2 January 1779, Thomas Church enters 200 acres of land (#1265) in Surry County on Forbis's Creek water including Benjamin Burk's improvement for quantity. Here Church is taking Burke's confiscated lands.

In 1779 Thomas Elliot enters 200 acres of land (#1390) in Surry County on the waters of Forbis's Creek, the west side of James Burk's deeded land and the south side of Thomas Carson's late survey including said Elliott's improvement.

1784: Taxables for Surry County include a Joseph Murphy with 1140 acres of land. In the following year's tithable, Joseph is missing and possibly may be dead. The Surry County deeds need to be reviewed for (1) when his lands are sold, (2) any stmes Morphew by the said Peres Chapman the receipt whereof the said James Morphew discharges forever to acquit the said Peres Chapman his heirs...from all the right to the property of claim which the said James Morphew or his heirs hath or ought to have in...the above mentioned land in (which)..the said James Morphew hath here set his hand of seal this 5th day of May in the year of our Lord 1775. In the presence of: (signed) William Gray, William Baldwin. (Signed) James Morphew (seal), Guilford County of May Court 1775.

In 13 and 14 March 1781, Cornwallis's English Army occupies the Deep River Quaker Settlement for provisions and then skirmishes with the American forces leading to the Battle of Guilford Count House on 15 March 1781. An eye-witness running account of the battle beginning at Deep River Quaker lands and meeting house is given by Lt. Col. Henry Lee, U.S. Cavalry. A Guilford Collage history professor states Lee mixed Deep River with New Garden and the names should be switched in the original account.

Surry County, N.C info on Joseph Morphew (~1730-~1783)+ Mary Burke (~1783->1802)- 2nd generation

Despite all the research done on the Morphews, only a little is known about Joseph, born about 1730 and yet family records make him the earliest (really established) Morphew in his family line. It is this Morphew that British loyalties are suspected but not proven. My recent search of the North Carolina Archives in Raleigh was for about 9 hours in 11/2000, and I was left with the feeling that there is much more there that could be found.

It is a sad day when information about an individual ancestor is reduced to a few dates, a few deeds and a few other governmental records which make for poor reading. These records, however, do create an information framework for future research.

Deeds to Rowan, Guilford, and Surry Counties are a terrible problem before 1778. About 90% of the original lands were held by the Earl of Granville who never came to America. His lands were sold by his agents, and then in 1763 Granville dies and his land offices close until the American Revolution terminates British rights in 1778 - that's 15 years of confusion.

Many settlers homesteaded here during these years, built a house and made improvements, but could not establish a titled deed. For this reason many persons fail to be recorded on the Granville lands. Beginning in 1778, there is a flood of settlers requesting land grants to legalize their homesteads and a few are picking up Loyalist confiscated lands.

Surry County grant #539 is entered 28 August 1779 and issued 13 October 1783 for Joseph Murphy, 640 acres on Forbis's Creek. This grant goes on to state just once the name "Joseph Morphew" and the land is bounded by lands of John Benton and Moses Baker, and is signed by James Baker and __ Speer.

Forbus (Forbis's) Creek empties on the west bank of the Yadkin River (present-day Yadkin County, old Surry County) about 0.5 miles north of Deep Creek (not the same as Deep River) where Reverend Joseph Morphew held his Deep Creek Baptist Church 1771-1775 and later. It is here that the trail of Rev. Joseph Murphey (not a Morphew) converges on our Joseph Morphew, and keeping them separate is a big-time problem. The Deep Creek Baptist Church would be the church closest to our Morphews! Reverend Joseph Murphy is so close, that James Baker who appears on the 1779 Morphew deed above, married Sarah Murphy, daughter of Rev. Joseph Murphy! (as noted on Rev. Murphy's Surry County 1814 will).

On 30 December 1778, Surry County Land Entries record "Justice Reynolds enters 150 acres of land in Surry County on the North Fork of Forbis's Creek beginning at the conditional line between me and JAMES MORPHEW"...warrant granted. I presume this James Morphew is probably our 3rd Generation James Morphew (~1750-1811) + Elizabeth "Betty" Chadwick (~1754-?), but it is not for sure. There is more on Chadwick's dad.

Surry County grant #1815 entered __ March 1782 and issued 9 March 1784 for Joseph Murphey, 450 acres on Joseph Creek, adjacent to James Bruce and Robert Forbus's line. This is the same creek as his father-in-law James Burke's land grant in 1761. Efforts made at the State Archives to find this creek's location were not successful. However I think this creek may be adjacent or part of Forbush (Forbus's) Creek which is in the northeast corner of present day Yadkin County (old Surry County). Obtaining a land grant involved the steps of (1) land entry, (2) land warrant, (3) plat of survey and finally (4) the grant.

In October 1779, Henry Speer enters 100 acres of land (#1907) in Surry County on the waters of the south fork of Joseph's Creek adjoining Joseph Murphey and Robert Forbis.

In the same year, William Haley enters 500 acres of land (#1835) in Surry County, adjoining Joseph Murphey, including whereon John Benton NOW lives and the warrant is granted. This last deed was a land seizure of someone else's homestead which had not been registered and probably marks governmental and individual dishonesty that was present before and after the revolution.

In 1779, Henry Speer enters 100 acres of land (#1907) in Surry County on the waters of Forbis's Creek adjoining Joseph Murphey, James Bruce, and James Smith. In the same year Moses Baker enters 100 acres of Joseph's Creek adjoining Joseph Murphey and his former entry including the above place (???).

The Morphews live near the Burkes and following land entry claims show the Burkes. In March 7, 1778, Thomas Carson enters 552 acres of land (#39) in Surry County lying on the North Fork of Forbushes Creek above Burk's deeded land on both sides of said creek including the said Carson's improvement. On 2 January 1779, Thomas Church enters 200 acres of land (#1265) in Surry County on Forbis's Creek water including Benjamin Burk's improvement for quantity. Here Church is taking Burke's confiscated lands.

In 1779 Thomas Elliot enters 200 acres of land (#1390) in Surry County on the waters of Forbis's Creek, the west side of James Burk's deeded land and the south side of Thomas Carson's late survey including said Elliott's improvement.

1784: Taxables for Surry County include a Joseph Murphy with 1140 acres of land. In the following year's tithable, Joseph is missing and possibly may be dead. The Surry County deeds need to be reviewed for (1) when his lands are sold, (2) any statement that he is dead, (3) additional proof confirming these are Morphew grants. So far, no will or probate has been found on Joseph Morphew.

Is Joseph Chadwick the father of Betty Chadwick + James Morphew?

Review of the 27 August 1777 Surry County estate sale of Anna Elliott notes many buyers which include: William Riddings, Benjamin Burk, Joseph Chadwick and James Murphew. Chadwick and Morphew are listed next to each other and think we may be seeing evidence of the father-in-law of James Morphew.

Also when I visited Preble County, Ohio, this was noted. There is an estate sale of Joseph Chadwick 27 December 1809 which was attended by Joshua Morphew (1785-1846). So far other records of this Joseph Chadwick have not been found.

That's all from here. Your website on the Morphew genealogy looks great.

Jim Murphy 11/27/00

Morphew Error Correction

James R. Murphy, M.D. - 1/8/2001

Hi Larry: In my 11/27/00 e-mail to you, I just noticed an error which causes much confusion and should be corrected. It's under Joseph Morphew (~1730-~1783), in the third paragraph, where the subject turns to Reverend Joseph Murphy - "where Reverend Joseph Morphew held his Deep Creek..."

"Morphew" should be Murphy.

There are now reservations in pinpointing the exact location of the lands of James + Mary Morphew in 1756 as indicated by the Guilford County early settlers map. This map indicates the spot previously described and shows William Buis's lands of 1752 were south of James Morphew, and Buis's 1757 lands to his north. Morphew's lands are longest from a northwest to southeast track, perhaps 1.5 miles long and fairly narrow. West Fork (formerly South Fork) of Deep River runs through the northwest corner of the property in a northeast (or southwest) direction. Morphew sold to Buis about 1/2 of his lands in 1757 which included both sides of Deep River and this must be Buis's "upper tract" which Cornwallis is said to encamp on 11 February 1781, but only if one uses the Guilford County early settlers map.

However let us look at the Morphew Survey map and compare to the Guilford early settler's map.

Morphew survey boundaries: Guilford County Early Settler's Map: -1756- William Last on the east line William Last unlisted William Baldwin on the west line William Baldwin (1751) SSE 2 miles William Buis on the north line William Buis (1752) south 2 miles at least at the eastern end Nothing matches. Therefore the land location of James Morphew is a question. Also the West Fork of Deep River does not seem to flow in a northeast or southwest direction, unless the river has changed its course.

The only other clue at this time is a branch of the West Fork of Deep River called "Murphies Branch," which flows south and southwest to empty into Deep River. State Highway 2 crosses the West Fork of Deep River slightly south of what I think is the mouth of Murphie's Branch, which is 1.5 miles north of the city limits of today's High Point, North Carolina and is now a very up-scale residential metro area. Murphies Branch is shown in the early settler's map, but has a different name today (which I don't recall). On the settler's map, William Buis's 1752 land is shown less than a mile west of the mouth of Murphies Branch. John Farillow 1758 (who bought his land from Morphew in 1758) is located on the settler's map directly on West Fork, Deep River about several hundred feet south of the mouth of Murphie's Branch. The Morphew deed to Farillow did not give Deep River shoreline to him, but to Buis. I now think the 1756 land of James Morphew is very close to the intersection of Murphies Branch and Deep River and there is little doubt in my mind how Murphies Branch got its name. This intersection is 2.1 miles from the Deep River Meeting House.

Food for thought, and probably no answers at this time. Here's hoping you had a fine time in California.

Jim Murphy, 12/2/2000

Subject: Morphew Search, 2001

Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2001 19:04:23 -0500

From: "James R. Murphy" n8sml1@ameritech.net

To: ninny-papa@ncn.net

Hi Larry:

Thought I would update you on the Morphew search. About a month ago Cathy and I went down to Franklin and Union Counties, Indiana to look for Joseph Morphew (1775-79 to 1851) + Avis Eggers (~1778 to 1823) and see if some of puzzle pieces could be put together.

In review, they left Wilkes County, North Carolina in 1811 and the question becomes where did they go? We do know his daughter Pheoby marries 10 March 1819 at Preble County Ohio (county record). Joseph and his son Nathan (1798-1875) appear on the same page on the 1820 U.S. Census of Union Township, Franklin County, although the name is spelled Murphy. Franklin County does not have an Union Township today, but Union County is established from it in 1821 with this township along the Ohio state line next to Preble County, Ohio. Daniel (1801-1868), their son, marries 18 July 1822 at Union County, Indiana (county record). And then Joseph Morphew vanishes again until 1840 when his son Nathan appears on a 1840 U.S. Census of Floyd Township, Putnam County, Indiana with an older male, age 60-70, or born 1770-1780. This must be our Joseph Morphew. Joseph is missing with Nathan's family on the 1850 census and his 1850 census record would be a big help to give us a more concise birthdate than we have.

Our visit to Franklin County found a Joseph Murphey on the 1813 tax record and a Joseph Murphey in a 1813 unnamed militia list for the county. He is not on the 1812 tax list and is missing on the next 1817 list. No deed could be found in his name. Union County is formed in 1821 and Joseph again does not purchase a deed and all the yearly tax lists for the county had been thrown out years ago. The findings would be disappointing except that Daniel Eggers Senior, the father of Avis Eggers Morphew, purchases land in 1812 in the northwest corner of Goodwin's Corner, Center Township, Union County, Indiana (formerly Franklin County before 1821). Four of his children marry Tatums and the Tatum clan also appears close by. In 1825 Daniel sells the last of his lands and his son James in 1828. During the 1820's, the Eggers children move on to nearby Fayette County, Indiana and some on the Putnam County, Indiana. Daniel dies in 1828 and no one knows concisely where he is buried, but cemeteries about Goodwin's Corner should be checked. Suggestions that he died in nearby Wayne County, Indiana do not look promising.

Since the visit to Indiana, some Morphews living in Ohio and Indiana were discovered enlisting in the War of 1812-1814, which may include our Joseph Morphew. While the information is lacking in detail, it is hoped further research will add a new chapter to the Morphew history.

WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE MORPHEWS IN THE WAR OF 1812-1814

Three of James Morphew (~1750 to 1811) + Betty Chadwick (~1754 to ?) sons were definitely soldiers in the War of 1812-1814 with possibly one more son.

James Morphew, is listed in Captain Richard Sloan's Company, Battalion unknown, and county unknown, according to theRoster of Ohio Soldiers of the War of 1812 ? by the Adjutant General of Ohio, book published in 1916. This unit served from October 8, 1812 until April 7, 1813. In August 8, 1812, a Captain Sloan of the Ohio volunteers (cavalry) is mentioned by McAfee, but this is prior to James Morphew's enlistment.

Nathan Morphew is listed in the 2nd Regiment (Prices) Ohio Militia in the War of 1812 (rollbox 148, roll exct 602). There is a listing in Ohio Adjutant General's book as Private Nathaniel Murphy on the roll of Captain Patrick Shaw's Company from an unknown county and unit and served from 8 February 1813 until 6 August 1813. Is this last entry our Morphew or not? Could both these entries be the same fighting unit? In February 1813, Governor Meigs of Ohio had ordered two regiments to be organized and were placed under the command of Brigadier General John Wingate. The 22 January 1813 massacre at the Raisin River (Michigan) of American troops had the federal government ordering 10,000 new enlistments. A Captain Shaw is mentioned in McAfee's 'History of the Late War in the Western Country,' during the British siege of Fort Meigs, Ohio on 5 May, 1813: 'At the same time he (Colonel Boswell) was directed by Captain Shaw for the commanding General (Harrison) to march in open order through the plain to the fort.'

'Benjamin Morphew' is listed in the 2nd Regiment (Price's) Ohio militia as a corporal, roll-box 148, roll exct 602, same regiment as Nathan Morphew. There is also a 'Benjamin Murphey' on the muster rolls of the 1st Regiment of Colonel John Delong's Ohio Militia as a corporal (rollbox 151, roll exct 602) and also the 1st Regiment of Gano's. Is it a coincidence that both are corporals or could Benjamin have enlisted several times? There is a Major Gano of John M. Scott's Regiment, with enlistments mostly from Kentucky.

'Joseph Murphy' is noted as a soldier from Franklin County, Indiana in 1813 and the same county tax records confirm that a Joseph Murphy did live there in 1813. No county deeds could be found to confirm him as a Morphew and no military unit is known at this time. It is believed our Joseph Morphew lived only a few miles west from Benjamin and Joshua Morphew in Preble County, Ohio, all of which lived near the State line. The Indiana State and Ohio State Archives have the best records and need to be searched. There are 3 listings for a Joseph Murphey in the Ohio-Indiana area for the War of 1812-1814:

Joseph Murphey, 1st Regiment, (Delong's) Ohio Militia, private, roll-box 151/602.

Joseph Murphey, 7th Regiment, (Noble's) Indiana militia, private, roll-box 151/602

Joseph Murphy, 2nd regiment, (Safford's) Ohio Militia, private, roll-box 151/602

'William Ager' is listed as a private in the 1st Regiment (Delong's) Ohio militia, roll box 2, exct 602. This William Eggers has to be brother to Avis Eggers, and his own history states he was in the war of 1812-1814.

Enough for now. The Morphew search possibly heads next to Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pa. for Quaker records. May it not be a 'zero' find.

Jim 2/11/01 .

Hi Larry: If it is okay with you, would you put up on your website board two more queries about Morphews? (1) Who is Dr. L. H. Morphew, born 8 September 1858 and died 16 June 1927 Arkansas County, Arkansas, buried at Lone Tree Cemetery? (2) Aaron Morphew (~1792->1860), who married Nancy Sample (~1805-25 November 1862). Several descendants are said to be state senators and sheriffs. Does anyone know any details about these senators and sheriffs, including names, dates, and locations? These people were often subjects of detailed histories, either county or statewide, which would be helpful. Thanks, Jim Murphy, 3 March 2002 P.S. Last week my wife Cathy and I visited Fulton County, Illinois for information on Eggers, Tatums, Allumbaughs, Willcoxens,and Morphews. Hopefully, we will get to the Tennessee State Archives later this month to search for the long lost Hogans - perhaps an impossible task. Unfortunately, it is becoming more apparent that heavy duty research is badly needed on early Tennessee Morphews, but doubt there will be time.

"James R. Murphy"

Fri, 30 Mar 2001 05:38:43 -0500

Betty Chadwick Morphew (~1754 - >1830) in Ohio!

Hi Larry:

It is time to report Morphew findings from two short trips and from the local Burton collection at the Detroit Library.

Part One: Betty Chadwick Morphew (~1754 - >1830) in Ohio!

During last year's visit to Preble County, Ohio, several odd findings on the Preble County year personal property tax list were found: Joshua Morphew begins his listings in 1818 and Benjamin Morphew in 1820. The odd findings begin in 1827.

1827: Joshua, Benjamin and James "Morphew" in Dixon Township. Jesse "Morphew" in Jackson Township. This James will be explained later. This is the first county tax entry for any James Morphew or Murphey. Who is this Jesse?

1828: Joshua, Benjamin and "Betsy Morphew" in Dixon Township. This is the only time "Betsy is noted.

1829: Joshua and Benjamin "Morphew" in Dixon Township and James Morphew in Israel Township.

1830: Joshua and Benjamin "Morphew" in Dixon Township only

1831: Benjamin "Morphew" is Dixon Township and Jesse "Murphy" in Jackson Township

1832: Benjamin "Murphy" in Israel Township and Jesse "Murphy" in Jackson Township

Then the original microfilm U.S. Census for 1820 Dixon Township, Preble County, Ohio was scanned and the four following names are listed adjacent to each other on the census:

James Murphey: 1 male 45 years of age and over and listed as a manufacturer; 3 females 16-<25; 1 female over 45.

James Murphey Jr: 1 male 25-<45; 1 male and 1 female 0-<10; 1 female 16-<25.

Benjamin Murphey: 1 male and 1 female 0-<10; 1 male and 1 female 25-<45.

Joshua Murphey: 3 males and 1 female 0-<10; 1 male and 1 female 25-<45

Next the 1830 U.S. Census for Dixon Township, Preble County was scanned and the first three following names are listed adjacent to each other in the census:

Betty Murphey: no males; 2 females 30-40; 1 female 70-80! This is Betty Chadwick Morphew. Who are these younger females - her daughters? What are their names?

Benjamin Murphey: 1 females 0-<5; 2 females 5-<10; 1 male and 1 female 10-<15; 1 male and 1 female 40-<50.

Joshua Murphey: 2 females 0-<5; 1 female 5-<10; 2 males 10-<15; 1 female 15-<20; 1 female 30-<40, 1 male 40-<50.

Jesse Murphy (Jackson Township): 1 male and 2 females 0-<5; 1 male and 2 females 5-<10; 1 female 10-<15; 2 males 15-<20. 1 male and 1 female 30-<40

Comments and questions: James Morphew (~1750 to 1829/early 1830) and his wife Betty did come to Preble County, Ohio from North Carolina, perhaps between 1811 and 1820. Possibly they are not picked up on the county yearly tax list if they are living with a son or did not own their land or tax records change on who gets listed. Possibly James Morphew Sr. becomes very sick in 1828 and Betty (Betsy) becomes head of household and James is dead by the 1830 U.S. Census. What happened to Betty after this 1830 census is not known yet. Perhaps she did not survive long. Who are these females with her? Jesse Morphew or Murphy remains a mystery - is he a Morphew or more likely a non-related Murphy? Why is he spelled Morphew in 1827? Can anyone help here? Don't miss that "manufacturer" label given James Morphew Sr. in 1820. The southern division of Morphews were involved in herbal manufacturing during these years and it is conceivable that James Morphew was doing the same.

A few days ago I returned to Preble County to look over county records again - and found nothing more on the Morphews. Only Benjamin and Joshua Morphews purchased land. Nonindexed county business records were not checked. However Cathy and I walked through a very old cemetery about 1.25 miles southeast of Benjamin/Joshua Morphews' lands on the NE hilltop corner of tiny village of Fairhaven, Israel Township, Preble County. The oldest stones went back to 1820, but most were so encrusted with lichens and dirt that the engraved depressions could not be read. How to best decipher these many gravestones quickly and without harming the stone could be a good subject to ask for help.

Benjamin and Joshua Morphew lived on the north side of Paint Creek/Four Mile Road where it intersects one lane Watt Road, from 0.0 to 0.25 miles north. The land is relatively good flat farm land and is still being tilled. To their east and north is Four Mile Creek. The whole area, however, is sparely populated. If one heads 1.5 miles west on Paint Creek/Four Mile Road, one comes to the Indiana state line and an additional 1.0 miles west one comes to Goodwin's Corners (Center Township, Union County, Indiana) near where the Eggers lived (James Eggers in NW quarter of Goodwin's Corners and Daniel Eggers Sr. on adjacent land north in Harrison Township). This Corner is 5 miles east of Liberty, Union County, Indiana. Another very old cemetery - the Pentecost Cemetery - was checked 0.6 miles west of Goodwin's Corners and there are no Morphews or Eggers there.

Part Two - Joseph Chadwick who dies in Preble County, Ohio in 1809

In review, "Joshua Morphew" purchases the fourth choice of sows at the estate sale of Joseph Chadwick in 27 December 1809. In 27 August 1777, James Morphew is listed next to Joseph Chadwick purchasing items at the estate sale of Anna Elliott, deceased, in Surry County, North Carolina. We do not know who are the parents or brothers/sisters of Betty Chadwick Morphew, nor do we know anything about the Chadwicks in Guilford County or Surry County, N.C. or their migration. The question develops - is this Joseph Chadwick a father or brother to Betty?

The probate court of Preble County, Ohio for the estate of Joseph Chadwick, deceased, begins thus: "Know all men by these presents that we Priscilla Chadwick, Joseph Caldwell, Joseph Davis and Train Caldwell of the County of Preble and State of Ohio are held and firmly bound unto the Treasurer of the County of Preble for the time being and his succefsor in Office in the Sum of four hundred dollars for the payment whereofwell and truly to be made .... this twenty seventh day of December, one thousand eight hundred and nine. The condition of the above obligation is such that if the above name Prisilla Chadwick and Joseph Caldwell Administrator of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of Joseph Chadwick, deceased".... Signed with seals of Priscilla Chadwick, Joseph Caldwell, Joseph Davis, Train Caldwell. The estate lists numerous items of the estate and purchasers include Joseph Caldwell, Train Caldwell, John Caldwell, Jonathan Z. Davis, Joshua Morphew. Priscilla Chadwick purchases one sled, one chair, one shock of flax, one flax __, one heifer, one cow, another cow and bell and one calf.

The Joseph Chadwick land is sold in 1821: "This indenture made the seventeenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty between Smith Charles and Nancy Charles his wife of the county of Preble and State of Ohio of the one part and Joseph Caldwell and Nathaniel McCimmey (McKinney ??) administrators and Priscilla McKinney administratrix of the estate of Joseph Chadwick deceased of the county of Fayette and State of Indiana of the other part"...for $96 sell SW quarter section No 28, township No. 7, range no. 1,...lists boundaries in poles...48 acres.

Comments and questions: At no time does the probate state Priscilla is a wife or daughter. Somehow the Caldwells and Joseph Davis are related to the Chadwicks. Could their wives be daughters of Joseph Chadwick? The probate does not mention any other Morphews, therefore Joseph Chadwick looks more to be a brother to Betty Chadwick Morphew. Betty and her husband do not seem to leave North Carolina until their N.C. property is sold in 1811 and she probably missed the funeral. It is to be noted that Chadwick name continues to exist in Preble County possibly beyond 1900. No details are known.

This Chadwick land is north of the Benjamin/Joshua Morphew lands by about 0.75 miles (variation 0.5 to 1.25 miles) and probably was on the bottom lands of Four Mile Creek. With this information, a website query about Joseph Chadwick is ready to be requested on genforum.genealogy.com.

Part Three: The Quaker Wedding of James Burke (~1710 to 1783) to Mary Bane (~1710 to <1750) at the Goshen Meeting House, Chester County, Pennsylvania

In review, most Morphews in the United States are descendants of James and Mary Bane Burke, as their daughter Mary married Joseph Morphew in or about 1749. These individuals lived so long ago that they take on an unreal quality about them. Perhaps reading the wedding details can change this.

Keep in mind that the 1st month of the year can be either January or March back in this distant age.

20/5th month/1730: "According to our last meetings order James Burk and Mary Bane, the daughter of Mordecai Bane declared their intentions of marriage before this meeting which is granted for their first appearance."

From the minutes of monthly meeting held at Goshen."

17/6th month/1730: "James Burk and Mary Bane appeared at this meeting and declared that they continue their intentions of marriage with each other, it being the second time and nothing appearing to obstruct their proceeding. They are left to their liberty to accomplish their said intentions according to good order. Catherine Hains and Jane Bane are appointed to attend their marriages and so that good order to be kept and make report thereof to our next monthly meeting."

11/7th month/1730: "Whereas James Burke of Goshen in the County of Chester in the Province of Pennsylvania __ and Mary Bane, the daughter of Mordecai Bane of Goshen aforesaid __ having declared their intention of marriage with each other before two monthly meetings of the peoples __ Quaker held at Goshen __ according to the good order __ among them and having consent of parents and relations concerned their said proposal of marriage was permitted by the said Meetings now thsfor? and to certify all whom it may concern that for the full accomplishing of their said intentions this 11th day of the seventh month in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirty they the said James Burk and Mary Bane approved at a public meeting of the said people not together at their public meeting house at Goshen aforesaid and the said James Burke taking the said Mary Bane by the hand did in a solemn name openly declare that he took her and said Mary Bane to be his wife promising with the Lord's assistance to be unto her a faithful and loving husband until death should separate them and then and there in the said assembly the said Mary Bane did in like manner declare that she took the said James Burk and Mary - she according to the custom of marriage assuming the name of her husband as a further confirmation thereof did then and there to __ for their hands and __ names are under written being present at the solemnization of the __ marriage and subscription of witnesses thereunto have also to __ __ set our hands the Day and Year above written":

Witnesses in first column of names: Thomas Evans, Aaron James, Alexander Bane, Robert __, David Davies, __ __, Thomas Smedley, Thomas Evans, Joseph Townsend, Isaac __, Thomas Price, Mordecai James, Richard Jones, Joseph Maslach, William Beaunion, Isaac __, John __. Second column of names: Hannah Evans, Elizabeth Evans, Given Williams, Mary James, E-- Golding, Elizabeth James, Mary __, Martha Townsend, Susanna Parks, Rebecca Jones, Jane __, Ruth Jones, Deborah Taylor, Mary Woodward, Alice Taylor, Ann James, Hannah Aldridge. Third column of names: **James Burk, **Mary Burk --- Morecai Bane, Nathan Bane, James Bane, Sarah Bane, Mordcai Bane Jr. Sarah Price, Hannah James, Catherine __, Margaret Aldridge, Elizabeth Brownard, Jane Bane

14/7th month/1730: "Friends appointed to attend the marriage of James Burke and Mary Bane. They brought their certificate to be recorded."

Comments and questions: The original purpose of the Quaker search was to check the Goshen Quaker records for possible Morphews. There were none. Oddly enough there seem to be no Burkes at the wedding or on Goshen Quaker records - why? Mordecai Bane was born about 1683 in Scotland and died 1747 at Goshen, Chester County, Pennsylvania. He immigrated to America before 1715. On the witness list is his brother Alexander with his wife Jane Bane.

The other Banes - Nathan, James, Sarah, Mordecai Jr. are the older children of Mordecai Bane and Mary Medley, but she is absent at the wedding and probably dead. One lone dissident voice says her surname should be Smedley. Take a look at the witness list but this entry may not be relevant. There are no Medleys anywhere in the Goshen Quaker records and I failed to check for Smedleys. Also note that the Quakers do not give Mary Bane's name as Mary Jane Bane, as indicated by others.

In 18 March 1746, James Burke qualified as administrator of the estate of his brother-in-law Isaac Bane in Augusta County, Virginia. On 18 May 1753, James Burke deeded 117 acres to James Bane on Goose Creek, a branch of the Roanoke River, in Augusta County, Virginia. Burke may have come to Augusta County about the same time with James Bane, as both joined separate military units in this county in 1742.

Anyone who can get this far in this letter must be a real history buff or a bit crazy. I have not forgotten the request for a photo, but do not have a current good one.

Jim 3/30/01

Click Here For Correspondence with James Murphy, M.D. dated 12-08-02
The above linked letter continues on for a paragraph HERE.