William Gilliam

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Kinfolk, Ownbey Family Lines of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina", p 25, 28.

James married Mary Lou "Louisa" Murphy 20 Apr 1859. Mary (daughter of William Albert B. Murphy and Zillah Ownbey) was born Abt 1844, Black Mountain, McDowell, North Carolina; died Apr 1878. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

----------
Reference:
"Kinfolk, Ownbey Family Lines of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina", p
28.

Notes:

Before William Murphy married Zillah, she was with child. He married her
anyway and before the child was born, he came up missing. He spent a few years
in Charlotte, North Carolina, driving a stage, where he had a son, James, by
Nancy Fagin (illegitimate). He returned to his wife, they forgave one another
and each accepted the children and raised them as their own blood.

The private cemetery in which William A. B. Murphy was buried is on Highway #9
just north and west from Bat Cave. It has a narrow, faint path that winds its
way up the side with the plot - a lush thick forest and undergrowth carpet
which slants away from the approach. Here is the tall grave marker of Zillah
(Ownbey) Murphy. It is engraved as Zillah Ownby, wife of Will A. B. Murphy.
Near her is his, a square shaped soap stone engraved in fine bold printing -
telling the story of his part in politics.

"Sacred memory of William A. B. Murphy, who died 20 July 1869,
aged 67 years. A member of the State Convention for forming
the present constitution of this State (North Carolina). A
Republican in its broadest sense, the most popular man of the
party in the County of McDowell. His hospitality at home was
as unfeigned as it was unbounded. Republicans in and outside
of his county deeply regret his death."

William A. B. Murphy was sympathetic with the North, although he owned slaves.
Just before the war between the States was over, the Home Guard 'rounded' him
up and made him serve. After the war, he released his slaves, about seven in
number. One small boy, Cato, who had no parents, was kept until he was old
enough to care for himself. Cato was a banjo stummer. He evidently made good,
as many years later, William was in Asheville and heard him play. Even after
all those years they recognized each other.
----------
Reference:
"Kinfolk, Ownbey Family Lines of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina", p
16, 27, 52.

William married Zillah Ownbey Abt 1840. Zillah (daughter of Ambrose "Little Ambrose" Ownbey and Margarette "Peggy" Hodge) was born 11 Jul 1818; died 9 Jun 1911; was buried Ledbetter Cemetery, Buncombe County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Before William Murphy married Zillah, she was with child. He married her anyway and before the child was born, he came up missing. He spent a few years in Charlotte, North Carolina, driving a stage, where he had a son, James, by Nancy Fagin (illegitimate). He returned to his wife, they forgave one another and each accepted the children and raised them as their own blood.

The private cemetery in which William A. B. Murphy was buried is on Highway #9 just north and west from Bat Cave. It has a narrow, faint path that winds its way up the side with the plot - a lush thick forest and undergrowth carpet which slants away from the approach. Here is the tall grave marker of Zillah (Ownbey) Murphy. It is engraved as Zillah Ownby, wife of Will A. B. Murphy.
----------
Reference:
"Kinfolk, Ownbey Family Lines of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina", p 16, 27.

Notes:

James Murphy was a brick mason. Died sometime prior to the time of the 1840
census enumeration in North Carolina.
----------
Reference:
"Kinfolk, Ownbey Family Lines of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina", p
27, 52.

James married Nancy Ledbetter Abt 1810. Nancy (daughter of George Ledbetter) was born Abt 1790; died Aft 1840. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Nancy Ledbetter lived in Rutherford County, North Carolina. She was still
living, in Burke County, North Carolina, at the time of the 1840 census
enumeration.
----------
Reference:
"Kinfolk, Ownbey Family Lines of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina", p
52.

Notes:

Buried in "Koon Family" Cemetery.

"I, Ambrose Ownbey, being somewhat unwell but sound mind and memory Thanks be
to God for his Blessings do make this my last will and Test. revoking all
others. I Will my soul to God that gave it and my body to be decently buried.

First, of all my just debts to be paid and all the rest of my property I will
to my beloved wife, Margaret Ownbey during the term of her natural life or
widowhood. I will my lands, horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, farming tools,
household and kitchen furniture all to be disposed of as she may think proper
during her life time or widowhood.

At the expiration of her life or Widowhood, I will the property be equally
distributed among my children. Only my daughter Zelly Murphy for the wrongs and
insults done to me during my lifetime by her husband A. B. Murphy, I will her
$1 for her part of my estate.

Signed this day and date above written. I ordain Margaret Ownbey and Robert H.
Ownbey my Exrs of this my last Will and Test.

Ambrose Ownbey

Probated Fall term 1864.
----------
Reference:
"Kinfolk, Ownbey Family Lines of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina", p 5, 16.
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 66.

Ambrose married Margarette "Peggy" Hodge Abt 4 Mar 1816. Margarette (daughter of Robert Hodge and Susanna Koon) was born 10 Jul 1802, North Carolina; died 7 Feb 1884, Henderson County, North Carolina; was buried Jones Family Cemetery, Henderson County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

In Henderson County in 1852
----------
Reference:
"Kinfolk, Ownbey Family Lines of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina", p 5.
"Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3", 1983, Donald B. Reagan, p 66.