[Murphy Research Report of Ann Waller Reddy, with notes added by Comdr. Estes W. Murphy, 1955 {Comdr. Murphy's notes in curved brackets}] [provided by Betty Barrett Chandler, 18 Jan 2002] [transcribed by Mark Murphy, 24 Jan 2002] [cover letter] [page header with crest] Ann Waller Reddy Historical and Genealogical Research 1005 East Marshall Street Richmond 19, Virginia Oct 5, 1955. Comdr. E.W. Murphy, Dental Clinic Bldg. 15 Marine Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Dear Comdr. Murphy; A proof as far back as the Bird Murphy marriage is a difficult thing to prove from the records extant. We gathered a great many different Birds(Byrds) to show you just how many of the name Byrd and Murphy were in Va. at the very early period. The Surry county records have not yet been made available in the State Library, but we consulted the Surry transcripts which had been done many years ago. It seems possible that the marriage of which you speak may have taken place before the time of Wm. Byrd of Westover. Very sincerely yours Ann Waller Reddy [signature] AWR:g [p. 1] [page header with crest {Ann Waller Reddy found this information in 1955} {1955} THE MURPHY FAMILY Analysis The enclosed records were gathered in my search for a Byrd (Bird)- Murphy connection, and represent largely those which refer to the Simon Murfee group, or to Murphees found in the area in which the former were seated. No descent from Colonel William Byrd, I, has been discovered, but it would seem that it is quite within the realm of possibility that there could have been a connection between the Murfee and Byrd families found in the Nansemond County area. The records for Nansemond County were unfortunately destroyed in 1866 so that it is very difficult, and usually impossible, to trace accurately families from this county. As you will see from the attached chart Nansemond was formed at a very early period, hence the seriousness of this loss. The late notes were gathered in an effort to find some reference, if possible, to earlier generations. Such references do occur, fortunately, in numerous documents and are, of course, of great value. The metes and bounds described in deeds in one county can often be identified with the same land in the original county from which the later was divided. [p. 2 with header] {All notes in pencil were made by me (E.W. Murphy) and represent my personal opinion after carefully studying all records} THE MURPHY FAMILY Isle of Wight County Deed Book 8, p. 168 10 January 1748- James Cobb of Isle of Wight County to Simon Murfee, {our Simon Murphy I (see his enclosed will) of Surry County, L 10, 90 acres in Isle of Wight County, on the Nottoway River, beginning on the w. si. of Cedar Swamp, thence adjoining Capt. Henry Applewhaite to a cypress in a pond, patented by Edward Cobb, Junr., and by his will bequeathed to sd. James Cobb. Signed- James Cobb- (Seal) Witnesses: John Dunkley Edwd. (E) Doile Wm. Watkins Recorded Jany. 12, 1748 Elizabeth, the wife of James Cobb, relinquished her dower. Minutes of the Council and General Court of Colonial Virginia, p. 376 9 Aprill, 1674 The difference between Mr. Thomas {further proves a Wm Bird as father of a Thomas Bird} Bird, sonne and heire of Wm. Bird, Decd., Plt., and Mr. Jas. Minge, Defd., about Land is Referred to A Jury of the neighborhood (which said Jury are to be appointed by Charles City Court)..... [p. 3 with header] THE MURPHY FAMILY Albermarle {included Surry County} Parish Register {all dates pertain to 1700 century. the 38' her means 1738} Simon and Eliz. Murphey {This is our Simon Murphy I} Lucy 5-6-38- Michael Sanders Sarah Hern, Mary Sanders Richard and Lucy Murphy {Simon Murphy I's son (see will page 10)} Simon, 4-9-45, John Hines, John Hargrave Eliz. Hines {Issac P. Murphy's letter said one daughter of Simon Murphy I married a "Hindes". From the will Simon Murphy I we know he had a daughter named Elizabeth Hines. Here Richard had his sister, Elizabeth Hines, act as sponsor for the christening of his son. This page shows Murphys and Birds lived at the same time in Albermarle Parish} Benj. and Eliz. Murphey: Eliz: 2-19-41, James Hooper, Eliz. Bladen Eliz. Clarke William 2-20-43, Francis Nibelt, Henry Mooss, Ruth Moss Hern James and Mary John, 3-12-45- Maria Prichard, Richard Murphey Jane Sawrey Bird- Richard and Sarah James, 2-27-40- Thos., Cate, Wm. Jones, Eliz. Peebles John, 2-4-42- John Painter, Peter Hawthorn, Sarah Sykes Mary {another Mary Bird}, 1-16-46, Wm. and Mary Stewart, Lucy Dunn Richard, 3-16-48, Edwd. Lee, Nathl. & Eliz. Bedingfield Phoebe, 3-25-45, Thos. Thrower, Phoebe Thrower, Eliz. Williams Jane Bird died 4-13-50, reported by Richd. Bird. and various others. [p. 4 with header] THE MURPHY FAMILY Patents Patent Book 10 1710-1719, p. 414 To John Bird, for 5 sh. and for the Importation of 3 persons: Charles Waters, James Taylor, and Nicholas Arbigrove, 167 acres in the upper parish of Nansemond County, adjoining Hugh Gouch. Dated 22 Jany. 1718. Signed- A. Spotswood Patent Book 7 1679-1689, p. 37 To John Murfrye, 160 acres of Land and March in the Lower parish of Nansemond County, adjoining Browne's branch to the Gleab Land to the Shoemaker's branch, 100 acres being due on a patent of 200 acres granted to Matthew Adkinson dated 18 Aug. 163-- and after several sales and surrenders is now the right of said John Murfrye the residue surplus land due for the transportation of 2 persons. Dated-July 1680. signed- ffrancis[sic] Lord Howard Ibid, p. 135 To William Murfey, 200 acres betwixt Jacob Darden and Robert Hooks (a mile from the main swamp of the Western branch of Nanesmond, thence adjoining Francis Bridle, William Smelly and Old Powell, Edwin Parkin. Transportation fo 4 persons: James Osborne, Thomas Parrent, Vincent Bradshaw, and Richard Hines. Dated 20 Aprill, 1682. [p. 5 with header] THE MURPHY FAMILY Patents Patent Book 7 1679-1689, p. 455 To John Murfrey, Junr. in right of Susanna his wife, 650 acres in the Upper Parish of Nansemond County at Doniphin Island Creek, adjoining Capt. Jossy's house, Peerce, Sunders... Susanna being one of the orphans of Thomas Francis, former patentee. Dated 20 April 1685. Signed- Francis Lord Howard, Governor, etc. Patent Book 8 1689-1695, p. 442 To John Murfrey, of Nansemond County, 80 acres of high land and swamp in the Great Swamp of Nansemond County, on the e. side of the swamp, in the upper parish, adjoining the said Murfrey, and Mr. Wright, due for the importation of 2 persons, James Spear and Thomas Lear. Dated 21 Aprill 1695. Signed- E. Andros. Patent Book 10 1710-1719, p. 142 To Mary Murfrey of Isle of Wight County, 130 acres on so. si. Blackwater Swamp on e. si. Cedar Swamp, adjoining Robert Carr, the Indian Branch, for the importation of three persons, Matthew Benham, Catherine Langsdon and Stephen Caukeritt. Dated 10 Jun 1714. Signed- A. Spotswood, Lt. Governor {Mary, Richard's wife. I don't think any of the above belong to our line} [p. 6 with header] THE MURPHY FAMILY Patents Patent Book 12 1724-1726, p. 183 To Dorcas Murphee and Susannah Murphee, consid: 10 shgs; 90 acres in Norfolk County on the n.e. side of Gaten's Creek, a branch of Tanners Cr., adjoining Thomas and James Simmons, James Jackson. Dated 2 Feb. 1724. Signed- Hugh Drysdale, Lt. Gov. Patent Book 14 1728-1732, p. 499 Simon Murphey, 140 acres consideration, 15 shillings of Surry County at the east side of Atsamoosock Swamp, adjoining Philip Ludwell, Charles Briggs, Samuel Briggs. Dated 8 Sept. 1732. Signed- William Gooch Lt. Gov. and Comdr. in Chief of our Colony. {I have been told Simon Murphy I mentions the atsamoosock Swamp in his will. When I receive a copy of his complete will, I will know. Yes (the enclosed copy of his will I now have, mentions this "Atsomosac" swamp.) Patent Book 15 1732-1735, p. 17 Simon Murphy of Surry County consideration 40 shillings, 400 acres in Surry County, on the north side of Atsamoosock Swamp in the said county on Bly's branch, Jeremy's Branch, adjoining Maraduke Gussitt, Griffift [sic], Henry Harrison, Esq., William Hamlin, Jr. Dated 20 June 1733. Signed- William Gooch (Lt. Gov., etc.) {our Simon Murphy I.} [p. 7 with header] THE MURPHY FAMILY Patents Patent Book 25 1745-1747, p. 227 To Simon Murfey, 10 sh., 203 acres in Surry County on both sides of Assamoosock Swamp, adjoining his patented land, adjoining Mr. James Chappel, William Hines, 140 acres part thereof formerly granted to sd. Simon Murfey by our patent dated 28 Sept. 1732 and 63 acres never before granted. Signed- William Gooch, Lt. Gov. Dated 28 Aug. 1746 {our Simon I} Southampton County Deed Book 4, p. 19 13 June 1767- Hardy Bull of Southampton County, Virginia, to John Byrd of the same county L 20, 2 tracts of land on the north side of Meherren river on Buckhorn Swamp in Southampton County granted to sd. Bull by deed from Absalom Joyner, etc. and one on n. si. Dawson mill pond containing 200 acres. Signed- Hardy X Bull Witnesses: Absalom Joyner Jno. Percell Recorded 11 June 1767. Deed Book 8, p. 414 1797- 10 Feb. John Murfee of Southampton to John Rowe of the county aforesaid, L 82, 100 acres more or less in Southampton County, adjoining William Woodard, Josiah Vick, across the Three Cypress Road, Dukes Pocoson, and Hardy Pope, and is the Land sold by Arthur Vick to Richard Murfee. Signed- John Murfee (seal) Witnesses: Elijah Johnson Noel Vick William Evans Recorded 10 Feb. 1797 [p. 8 with header] MURPHY-BYRD Southampton County, Va. Will Book 3, p. 322 Will of John (x) Byrd of Southampton County, Virginia. Dated ----, prob. 12 Apr. 1781. To son Arthur Byrd, plantation whereon I now live. To Susanna Byrd, daughter of son Arthur Byrd To son John Byrd- 5 shillings To sons James Byrd, Charles Byrd, Philip Byrd, Moses Byrd and Nathan Byrd. Executor- son Arthur Byrd. Signed- John (x) Byrd (seal) Witnesses: John Wood Eliz. x. Williams {a daughter of Richard Murphy and Lucy. See will of Rich. Murphy on page 10} William x. Brooks Southampton County Deed Book 2, p. 62 John Bird of Southampton County, Virginia, to Thomas Harris of aforesaid County L 18, 150 acres on Buckhorn Swamp and Farrow's Branch to the windfall Pocoson. Dated 12 March 1755. Signed- John Bird (L.S.) Susannah Bird Witnesses: Absalom Joyner Henry Dawson William Grisard. Recorded 13 March 1755. Ib, p. 311 Thomas Harris of Southampton County to James Bird of same 150 acres Buckhorn Swamp. Dated 10 Jan. 1760. [p. 9 with header] THE MURPHY FAMILY Southampton County, Va. Will Book 4, p. 1 13 Feby. 1780- James Murphree's estate- Inventory by Susanna Murphree Ib, p. 61 Estate of Richard Murfee In Account with Simon Murfee, Admr. Dated 13 May 1784 Recorded 13 May 1784, among items listed: To cash pd. Rev. Geo. Gurley) marriage licences fee) L 1. Ib, p. 514 The estate of Richard Murfee, Senr., dec'd., in account with William Murfee, Executor 1789- To pd. Clk. Court for appraisement L-:1:3 1791- To pd. Clk. Court for probate will :5: " " Simon Murfee his acct. 13: 5 1/2 Recorded 13 Sept. 1792. [p. 10 with header] THE MURPHY FAMILY Southampton County Will Book 4, p. 354 Will of Richard Murfee, Senr. Dated 21 Nov. 1788 {This is our Simon Murphy I's son. (see Simon Murphy I enclosed will)} Wife- Lucy Murfee Daughters- Elizabeth Williams, Lucy Daughtry, Celia, Sally and Nancy Murfee. Sons- Simon Murfee and William Murfee. {an Elizabeth Williams witnesses the will of John (x) Byrd (p.8). This proves the Murphys and Byrds of Southampton County were very well acquainted} Grandson Francis Murfee. Sons Simon and William, executors Witnesses: Josiah Vick Wilson Davis. Signed- Richard Murfee Proved 11 Dec. 1789 Southampton County Marriage Register, p. 177 1807, Feb. 10- Murfee, Simon and Lydia Beal, daughter of Burwell Beal, and Charity Beal, his wife. Security Wells Murfee. Witness Sam Kello Ib, p. 30 1781-April 16- Richard Murfee and ------ (bond blank) Sam Kello, Security Surry Wills, Deeds and Orders 1671-1684, p. 92 7ber, 13th, 1765[?]- Capt. Spencer: Sr. I would a come down to Cort, but I am very sick and my child is very sick, but God willing if I am alive and am able I will come down next Cort, and answer the sute of Mr. Harrison.... Thos: Bird [p. 11 with header] THE MURPHY FAMILY Southampton County Will Book 4, p. 720 {our Simon Murphy I's grandson. see chart} Will of Simon Murfee, of Southampton County, Virginia. Dated 28 March 1795, p. 11 Feby. 1796. Son Richard Murfee after marriage or death of my wife Martha Murfee land and plantation on the east side of the Flat Pond. Son Simon Murfee after marriage or death of my wife Martha Murfee land and plantation on the west side of Flatt Pond. If either of the above mentioned boys dies leaving no heir lawfully begotten by them part of said land and plantation after the death or marriage of my wife (to be sold only) and equally divided amongst the rest of my sons (to-wit): Josiah Murfee, Francis Murfee, Burwell Murfee, Drury Murfee and Wells Murfee. All my lands and plantation and movable estate to wife Martha Murfee for life or widowhood. Executors: Friends Josiah Vick, Samuel Calvert and my my[sic] son Josiah Murfee. Signed- Simon Murfee (Seal) Witnesses: James Edward William Edwards Giles Wister {The Edwards family must have been quite close to the Murphy family. Isaac P. Murphy's letter said a Murphy girl married an Edwards. Also the will of Simon Murphy I when probated in 1754 stated Simon Murphy I's widow married an Edwards. Now in the above two Edwards witness a will. [p. 12 with header] THE MURPHY FAMILY Henrico Index to Colonial Records Byrd Vol. I- Many references to William Byrd One to Thomas Byrd, p. 72 Mrs. Grace Byrd p. 72 William Byrd p. 72 Mrs. Mary Byrd p. 72- 418 P.A. 420 Mrs. Mary Byrd p. 72 Sarah Byrd p. 71 Elizabeth Byrd p. 72 Mary Byrd 418-420 Murphy Vol. I- None Byrd Vol. II- John (William many) 315-327 Murphy Vol. II- None Byrd Vol. III- John (William many) 73 Murphy Vol. III- Murfrey, William 247-266 Murphrey, William 253 Byrd Vol. IV- Thomas (William many) 50 Murphy Vol. IV- None Byrd Vol. V- John- Assgmt. 613 Susannah (William many) 475-474 1/2 Madam 114 John 114 Murphy Vol. V- None [p. 13 with header] THE MURPHY FAMILY Henrico County Colonial Records Vol. I, p. 418 1 Feb. 1686- These deeds are from William Byrd and Mary, his wife to Henry Ayscough and "Mary his now wife", and to the Reverend James Blair respectively. The daughter Mary is not involved. Note: Sameul, Richard and Simon Murphy do not appear in the index to these five volumes. Stanard's Abstracts from Records of York County 1633-1700 Vol. I- Murphy (Murfee)- negative Byrd (Bird) - negative Vol. II- Murphy (Murfee) - negative Byrd (Bird) - negative Stewart's Abstracts of York County Wills (Unindexed) Murphy (Murfee)- negative Surry County Deed Book 1694-1709, p. 19 George Foster, aged 55 yrs. or thereabouts made the following affidavit: "he was at the house of William Foster where John Byrd, deced. lay lame on the bed, the sd. Byrd did then tell this deponent that he had given all his estate to the said William Foster, and that the said William should take care of him the said Byrd as long as he should live, and further saith not." Recorded at a Court held for the County of Surry 7ber 4th, 1694. [p. 14 with header] VIRGINIA COUNTIES James City (1634) > Surry (1652) > Sussex (1754) Warrosquyoake 1634-1637> Isle of Wight 1637 > > Southampton 1749 H.B. 1742-9-371 H. xii, 69 > Elizabeth City 1634> New Norfolk 1637-1642> Nansemond 1642 >New Norfolk> Lower Norfolk 1637-1691 > Norfolk 1691 & Princess Anne 1691 [last page- no header- hand written chart by Capt. Murfee?] Work of Capt. Estes Murfee Chart A Thomas Bird (of London) m. Elizabeth Bird (of London) his cousin Sons William [1] & John [1] 1. Wm Bird (of Surrey Co.) (came to America about 1654) died before Sept. 29, 1672 [son of Wm Bird 1] Thomas Bird (born about 1653) m. Mary- [daughters of Thomas & Mary] Elizabeth (born about 1675. md. Lanier) Mary (deceased) Tabitha (will dated June 1680) 1. John Bird m. Grace Stegg [their son:] Col. Wm Bird of Henrico. Co. Richmond & Westover? [son of Col. Wm Bird:] Col. Wm Bird II of Westover It is more logical for the Murphys to have intermarried with Wm Bird family of Surrey County than the Wm Bird family of Westover as the Murphys lived in Surrey County. (The above Bird family chart was made using information taken from the attached sheet and given to me by Mrs. Jane Adams of Layton, Utah.) [end of record]