he following letters were written by Thomas Marion Murphree (1843-1914) in Troy, Pike County, Alabama. The only letter that is dated has the date of 25 September 1902 when Tom Murphree was 59 years old. The letters were transcribed 12 February 1955 by Edna Perry Deckler (1920-1991) from copies of the original letters in possession, at the time, of Miss Nellie Murphree (1882-1982) of Thomaston, Texas. Mrs. Deckler, a Murphree descendant, was founder and president-emeritus of the Texas State Genealogical Society and the editor of its quarterly publication. These letters contain some interesting genealogical clues although they are chock full of heresay and errors. While family legends become diluted or exaggerated with time, these letters should be given careful consideration since Tom was only 3 generations removed from our Daniel. Although this is dangerous material for the unknowing, if you keep an open mind while reading the letters you may spot something that will lead you in the right direction in your research efforts. The "Cousin J. B." that Tom refers to in the letters is probably Dr. James Brickll Murfree (1835-1912) of Murfreesboro, TN. Dr. J. B. Murfree was the son of Matthias Brickell Murfree (1788-1853) and the grandson of Col. Hardy Murfree (1752-1809) of Revolutionary War fame. Rather than submit further opinion on the contents of the letters they are posted exactly as I received them. Hopefully some of the clues presented here will help in our collective efforts to build our bridge back to Ireland. -- Charles Murphree Troy, Ala., Sept. 25th, 1902 Mrs. Virginia Davis Hephizibah, Ga. Cousin Virginia: I have perused the letters which were handed me by Ida Murphree and after weighing up their contents, and mixing them with my recollection of what my father and old widow Bynum told me when I was a boy. I have made out a verdict as to the Irish Sires and you will find it attached. The thing that stumbles me worst is, that I can not place Mills Murphree, whom my father often spoke and thought of so fondly. Do not know whether he was of the first or second generation of Daniel Murphree, but I am satisfied that it was one or the other, quite probable the first. I will suggest that you submit my report to Cousin Stephen Murphree, I find that my Father's children are nearer to Ireland than any heard of and doubtless we are all Lineal Descendants from Daniel Murphree of Ireland or in other words, we are all of the House of Daniel. I have lost not time nor opportunity at investigation and if I do not contribute aid in your noble enterprize it will be because I just cannot. There was a Levi and a John and Malachi and Maurice Murphree who were amongst the old set of Murphree's but I cannot place them. It is quite noticeable that every family perpetuate the same given names through the children, which is a pointer. I will not expect you to adopt my Report if you find one of the Sires which you consider better, for the reason that reliable records are not at hand. What Cousin J. B. Murphree (Note in pencil under this name reads: "My Father.") tells you about his Sires is doubtless correct but he does not go far enough back. His grand father Hardy Murphree's name was often called by my father, who always spoke of him as a kinsman and there was a Hardy Murfree to, but I cannot place him. Probably you can. I will try to furnish other contributions latter on. My work of my office keeps me quite busy all the year, but I will try to write you occasionally so write to me when I can serve you. Your cousin, Tom M. Murphree. Cousin Virginia: I hope that you are clever enough to pardon me for being so slow about making my report of our Irish Sires, but I have figured upon the problem as best I can in the absence of recorded Data, but I believe that I have it correct as far as I have gone and I hope that you may find my report sufficient as a basis upon which to build a History of our multitudinous Tribe. I will say to you that it is a fact that my great grand mother was a Miss Mary Dempsey, before she married Daniel Murphree and furnished America with eight sons, but I can not get up the names of only six. Perhaps you can find the other two. I am quite anxious that cousin J. B. Murphree should learn that he too is of the House of Daniel. I have not seen the Certificate of grandfather Murphree's services in the Revolutionary War, but I have not met Ida lately as I have been from home about two months. Write me again when I can serve you. Your cousin, Thomas M. Murphree Sons of Daniel and Mary Dempsey Murphy of Ireland who emigrated to America between the dates of 1745 and 1755 and changed the name of Murphy to Murphree. William Murphree, the oldest and the father of Hardy Murphree Daniel Murphree. Grandfather of Stephen Murphree Solomon Murphree, David Murphree, James Murphree--the father of James S. Murphree died at the age of 97 in N. C. in 1822. The above is gathered from tradition and passed down and furnished by Thomas M. Murphree of Troy, Ala. The old sire Daniel Murphy remained and died in Ireland about the date of 1757. Sister Lizzie Jones is of the opinion that grand father had a brother, named Mills Murphree and she further states that we had an Uncle by that name who died while a boy in N. C. T. M. Murphree Troy, Ala. Mrs. Davis: Cousin Virginia: In reply to your late favor I will now furnish you with the list of my fathers brothers and sisters, which you will need when you write to the Clerk of the County Court of Franklin Co., N. C., whose office has a record of the settlement of Grand Father's estate, which must date back to about 1812 or 15 or 20 or 22. Mrs. Mary Thomas " Martha Wooten " Nancy Milner Brothers " Catherine Barnes Joseph Murphree " Rebecca Parker Mills Murphree. Died when a boy. " Harriet Murphree James Murphree. My father and the youngest. Miss Susan Murphree " Sarah Murphree This list was made in 1850 " Elizabeth Murphree My grandmother was a Strother. I will write you a long letter later on. My family joins in a message of love to you and yours and your sister. Write again occasionally. Your cousin, T. M. Murphree Descendants of Joseph Murphree Joseph Murphree and wife, name not known Son of James Murphree of Ireland Mary Dempsey Murphree----Martha Murphree. Mary D. Murphree married Jerry Hubbard. Issue Sarah Ann Hubbard. Sarah Ann Hubbard married William Moore. Issue William Moore, Jr. and others, names not known. N. C. & Tenn. (Note in Miss Nellie's handwriting: This information was sent to me by Miss Libb Murfree of Murfreesboro, Tenn. I received it about 1939.) |
Updated 2 November, 2002
