| 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.
|
Search | Advanced Search
1812 - 1869 (57 years)
[1]