Family History: The MURRAY Family of Springfield and Salt Lick townships - Part I: Fayette Co, PA Copyright © 1999 by Donna Murray Allen. This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. rootscolumn@yahoo.com USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ ____________________________________________________________ THE MURRAY FAMILY OF SPRINGFIELD AND SALT LICK TOWNSHIPS OF FAYETTE COUNTY, PA. Copyright © 1999 Donna Murray Allen All rights reserved. No part of this information may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written permission from the author except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles. >From the book: The Murray Family of Springfield and Salt Lick townships of Fayette County, PA.; ISBN 0-9658079-1-6; Printed in the United States of America TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I John and Jacob Murray Springfield and Salt Lick Townships John Murray and Catherine Saurer Jacob and Catherine Murray Murray Orphans Samuel and Eva Snyder Murray Murray Men in the Civil War PART II Levi and Mary Agnes Long Murray Elijah and Sara Leichliter Murray Elijah and Addie Mills Murray Murray Men in WW II Norman and Marion Murray ____________________________________________________________ List of Selected Surnames found in this work, parts I and II. Ackerman Bailey Basinger Brooks Bungard Burkholder Cummings Dumbauld Davis Eicher Essick Fetter (Feathers) Flack/Fleck Fulkreth Fullem Gallentine Grim Harbaugh Hensel Hoff Johnson Kalp (Kalb) Kern Kooser Leichliter Livingstone Lohr Long Miller Mills Miner Morris Nichelson Pletcher Prinkey Ritenour Saurer Shaffer Shelley Snyder Ullery Weimer Whetsel ____________________________________________________________ JOHN AND JACOB MURRAY SETTLE IN SALT LICK TOWNSHIP Two centuries after John and Jacob Murray first settled in Salt Lick Township, many of their descendants still live in the verdant mountains of Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Others scattered across the country, driven by the same pioneering spirit that brought the original immigrants to America. John Murray was the first of his family to arrive in Salt Lick Township. He is listed on the 1799 tax list. (Earlier records are unavailable.) John was appointed Justice of the Peace for Fayette County by the governor and signed an oath of office on July 10, 1800. Documents show he and his wife, Catherine Saurer purchased land in Salt Lick Township in 1801. John is also shown on subsequent tax lists until his death in 1824. Jacob Murray, his younger brother, moved to Salt Lick around 1816. He and his wife, Catherine (Katrina) appear on the 1800 and 1810 Censuses for Quemahoning Township, Somerset County. The History of Fayette County by Franklin Ellis has Jacob and Catherine moving to Fayette County in 1816. However, they may have not moved until 1819. Tax lists show they became tenants on the Lyons/Elder property in February of that year. Active in the community From the time they arrived in Fayette County, the Murray brothers and their families became involved in their developing community. John Murray had legal training. He served as Justice of the Peace. They became educators. Elizabeth Murray, Jacob's daughter, was called 'a pioneer school teacher' by ElliS. (V2 p760) They served as tax collectors, school directors and constables. They were also preacherS. More than a dozen Murray men became church elders, deacons or ordained ministers in various German Reform churcheS. Excerpts from Ellis' book, published in 1882, include: J. Murray is presently the minister of Fairview Methodist Church, which was built in 1853...and, Jacob and John Murray were among the preachers at the German Baptist and Dunkard churches in Tyrone Township... the church was started by Ludwick Snyder and Martin Stuckman...who came to the area around 1812 from Hagerstown, MD. (p 798) Through the years, the Murrays became merchants and businessmen. Frederick Murray owned a tavern at the foot of Laurel Hill. William Murray owned a mill. Jacob Murray had a mine near Poplar Run, also called the Indian Creek area. (History of Fayette County; V2, pS. 746-7, 758) Original Murray immigrant At this writing, much is not known about the first Murray immigrantS. In his book The History of the Brethren Church in Western, PA, Jerome Blough writes... "The ancestor of the Murray family in America was born in Dublin, Ireland and was a man with a good education. By profession, he was a schoolteacher. The date of his immigration was not obtained. The names of two of his sons are known: John and Jacob." This information has not been independently confirmed. Nor is it known when the first immigrant arrived. The original Murray immigrant may well have come from Dublin, Ireland, as Blough contends. But unlike most immigrants with that surname, these Murrays were of German descent. This is confirmed in a number of ways, including John Murray's signature Johannes Murray on early land documents. Nearly every Murray offspring married into other German familieS. They were quite involved with the German Church Reform Movement. They baptized their babies in German churches. And they tended to follow traditional German naming patterns when naming their offspring, in particular giving their sons a middle initial that was the first letter of their mother's maiden name. This way of life continued well into the early 1900s. Murray surname The family surname has appeared with various spellings. Sometimes the surname was spelled three different ways in one document. Murry was the most common. The 'a' appears to have been added around the time Levi Murray reached adulthood, which was around 1865. The surname variations include: Mury, Murry, Murray, Meury, Mure, Murre, Murrie and Marray. Murray-Essick While information about the original Murray remains unknown, other data is available. Mary Essick and her husband, who was likely named John, were the parents of John and Jacob, who ultimately ended up in Fayette County. The family relationships are detailed in documents pertaining to the sale of land once owned by William Essick, who was Mary's father. William Essick purchased land in the Ligionier Valley area of Westmoreland County on June 12, 1773. William Essick (Esseck) appears on Westmoreland's tax list and county census for 1783. William, his daughter Mary and her husband died before 1800. Between 1800- 1805, the heirs of William Essick granted power-of-attorney to John Murray to represent their interests in the sale of the Westmoreland property. The power-of-attorney documents confirm the whereabouts of the family members at that time. John was living in Salt Lick Township, Fayette County. Jacob was in Quemahoning Township, Somerset County. Susanna Murray Seekman and her husband Jacob, were living in Conemaugh Township, Somerset County. James Murray was living in Botetort County, VA. Although unconfirmed, he may have married Barbara Harman in 1799. All were referred to as being 'grandchildren of William Essick.' William Essick apparently had three other daughterS. Catherine Essick Keasey, wife of John Keasey, lived in Butler County. Henry, Mary, Jacob, William and John Stull, residents of Franklin County, were named as Essick's grandchildren. Their parents are unknown. John Hamilton, of Botetort, VA, was named as Essick's son-in-law. The Essick property in Westmoreland was sold on May 10, 1806. Murrays in Salt Lick and Springfield Township There is some confusion as to which particular Murray owned specific parcels of land since both John and Jacob both had wives named Catherine. John also had a son named Jacob, who was a landowner at the same time Jacob (John's brother) moved to Salt Lick from Somerset. Both families followed typical German naming traditions. Thus, their children, particularly the boys, bore the names of their grandfathers, fathers and uncles. Some of this confusion dissipated after 1850. Springfield Township was organized as a separate township by the Court of Quarter Sessions in December 1848. A large portion of Salt Lick went to form the new township. The boundary split Salt Lick in such a way that John and Catherine Saurer Murray's family ended up living in Salt Lick while Jacob and Catherine Murray's family became residents of Springfield Township. The 1850 Springfield Township census lists Catherine Murray - Jacob's wife - as a widow. Catherine Murray - John's wife - appears on the Salt Lick Township census as living with her grandchildren, John and Elizabeth Miller. John Murray died in June 1824. His wife, Catherine, died in 1857. Jacob Murray died in 1839. His wife, Catherine, died in 1859. Their proud legacy lives on. Sources: Westmoreland Deed Book A; page 60 Westmoreland Deed Book 9; page 126 Franklin County Record F, page 359 Butler County Deed Book A; page 255 Somerset County Deed Book 3; page 663 Botetort County Open Court Record 1805 Fayette County Deed Book M; Page 394-5 Fayette County Tax Lists Federal Census The History of Fayette County by Franklin Ellis The History of the Brethren Church in Western PA by Jerome Blough Justice of the Peace Oath Book SALT LICK & SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIPS Springfield Township was organized as a separate township by the Court of Quarter Sessions in December 1848, but the boundaries were not finally established until November 1855, when it absorbed what remained of Youghiogheny township after Stewart was erected. (Ellis). A large portion of Salt Lick Township became part of the newly formed Springfield Township. The November 21, 1902 edition of the Courier describes Salt Lick Township as a place of clear water and fertile soil. The headline read: Legal Mountain Dew Up in Salt Lick Township P.A. Johns will build a distillery on the Bill Pritts farm. Site most valuable for its fine and abundant spring water and proximity to fertile rye raising country- other enterprises may follow. The May 14, 1880 edition of the Courier hails the opening of Springfield’s first school. Springfield Normal School The Springfield Normal School opened on Monday of last week, with good prospects of success. The school is under the tutorship of Prof. G.M. Bigham of Westmoreland County. Most of the students in attendance are preparing to teach. Murrays active in the community. The Murrays were quite active in community affairs. Records show that Murrays held various positions in Salt Lick or Springfield Township, including: 1800 John Murray, Justice of the Peace 1806 John Murray, Salt Lick Auditor 1829 Jacob Murray, Tax Collector 1837 Jacob Murray, Constable 1844 Samuel Murray, School Director 1844 John M. Murray, Salt Lick Assessor 1845 John M. Murray, Assessor 1847 Samuel Murray, School Director 1848 Samuel Murray, Assessor 1857 John M. Murray, Springfield Assessor 1863 John F. Murray, Assessor 1864 George K. Murray, Assessor 1865 Samuel Murray, School Director 1865 J.A.C. Murray, Auditor 1870 Jacob M. Murray, Assessor 1873 Jacob M. Murray, Assessor 1877 Jacob M. Murray, Auditor 1878 John M. Murray, Dunbar Auditor 1890 Levi Murray, School Director 1893 J.S. Murray, Supervisor/Springfield Richard S. Murray. Tax Collector; Springfield 1895 Levi Murray, Treasurer, School Board Sources: History of Fayette County by Franklin Ellis JP Oath Book; Fayette County Obituaries Connellsville Courier JOHN AND CATHERINE SAUER MURRAY John was born between 1763-1770 and died in June 1824. Catherine Sauer (Saur/Sower) was born @1771 and died in 1857. They were married @ 1788. Catherine Saurer was reportedly from Philadelphia, but that has not been proven. Records show that they had at least four sons and one daughter: John, Jr., Samuel, Jacob S., William S. and Elizabeth. Samuel died while a young boy. John, Jr. lived to be about 19. Jacob S. married Susannah Auckerman (Ackerman). William married Catherine Flack (Fleck). Elizabeth married Jacob K. Miller. The first confirmation of John Murray's presence in Fayette County is on the 1799 Salt Lick Township tax list (Roll 15). John has 150 acres and apparently is leasing 162 acres, for a total of 262. He has two horseS. Henry Ullery lives nearby and owns 150 acreS. Henry Ullery's son eventually married John Murray's niece. On July 10, 1800, John signed an oath of office to become a Justice of the Peace for Fayette County. On the 1801 Salt Lick tax list, John owns 150 acres. Property records show the couple purchased land on October 24, 1801 in Salt Lick Township, Fayette County. The 152 acres, purchased from Peter and Elizabeth Tedrow for 265 pounds, was part of "Dunbar" patented to Peter Tedrow on May 15, 1801. This document gives John Murray's residence as Antrim Township, Franklin County. Other than this land transaction, no records have been found to confirm their residence in Franklin County. A John Murray does appear on both Franklin County tax lists and the 1800 CensuS. However, that John most likely is part of the other Murray family who was among the original settlers in Franklin County. This thinking is based on correspondence with descendants of Franklin County's original Murray family, who apparently were not of German descent, written histories of Franklin County and the fact that the information on the 1800 Census conflicts with the known number of children born to our John and Catherine Murray. Further, John Murray appears on the 1799 tax list for Salt Lick Township in Fayette County. The matter is still open to debate. In any case, it appears that John Murray maintained ties with Westmoreland County, where his grandfather, William Essick, once owned land in the Ligionier area. Maps from that era show Salt Lick Township, Fayette County, where John lived, Quemahoning Township, Somerset County, where Jacob lived and Essick's Westmoreland property to be in close proximity. Westmoreland County Orphan's Court records show that John was appointed as guardian for Elizabeth Ankeny on March 23, 1807. Being over the age of 14, she was permitted to choose her guardian. Elizabeth, the daughter of Jacob and Christine Ankeny, was born on August 27, 1788. It's unlikely that she and Elizabeth Murray are the same person, as the latter was born in 1808. The relationship between the two families is not clear. John Murray appears to have had some legal training. In addition to being appointed Justice of the Peace, he was addressed as 'Esquire' in his will. He was given power-of-attorney by the heirs of William Essick to handle the disposition of Essick's property (1801-1805). William Essick was John Murray's grandfather. On one of the documents pertaining to Essick's property, John signed his name 'Johannes Murray' with a typical old-world flourish befitting his German ancestry. He was active in the German Reform churches and many of his descendants became preachers, deacons and elders. John Murray's will was written on June 16, 1824 when he was dying. On June 20, he was represented by William and Henry Hess, who conveyed John's desire that his wife and son, Jacob, be his executors and settle his businesS. The will was proved June 26, 1824. Jacob, acting as executor, handled the collection of a debt with regard to John Murray's estate, according to LaFayette Magazine (V9, #1). The estate of John Murray sued Stewart Whitehill to collect $146, with interest from March 16, 1824 to date. (#67 March Term 1826) In 1825 and 1826, Catherine appears on Salt Lick Township tax lists as a widow. On March 31, 1828, Jacob S. Murray and his wife Susannah sold the 152 acres that John purchased from the Tedrows to Jacob K. Miller and William Murray for $400. They must have split the land since William owned 74 acres on the 1829 tax list. William was also John's son; Jacob Miller was his son-in-law. When Springfield Township was formed, Salt Lick was divided in such a way that the John Murray family remained in Salt Lick, while the Jacob Murray family ended up living in Springfield Township. Catherine Saurer Murray was shown on the 1850 Salt Lick Census living with her grandson John Miller and his wife, Elizabeth. Some of their descendants moved to Greene County sometime after 1850. When their son, Jacob S. Murray's will was probated in 1853, documents show he owned personal property in Greene County. (#22 March Court, 1854) Others made the move later on. John Murray and Catherine Saurer both died in Salt Lick Township. It is not known where they are buried. In an obituary for their grandson, a referral was made to 'the family burying grounds.' To date, these grounds have not been located. Sources: Fayette County Land documents; Uniontown Courthouse Fayette County Tax Lists Register of Wills/Fayette County Westmoreland County; Orphan's Court; Docket A, p212 Federal Census JP Oath Book/Fayette County Murray Family Records LaFayette Magazine GENERATION I John and Catherine Saurer Murray GENERATION II John Murray, Jr. Samuel Murray Jacob S. Murray William S. Murray Elizabeth Murray GENERATION III Jacob S. and Susannah Auckerman Murray had these children: John, Martha, Catherine, James A., Samuel A., William A., Sophia, Elizabeth, Sarah, Jeremiah, Jacob A., Julia Anne, Susan William S. and Mary Catherine Flack Murray had these children: William, John F., Noah, Mary, Lydia, Catherine, Elizabeth, Frederick F. Elizabeth Murray and Jacob K. Miller had these children: John M., Samuel M., Jeremiah M. William M., Catherine, James Jacob K., Mary, Amos, George DESCENDANTS OF JOHN AND CATHERINE SAURER MURRAY John and Catherine Saurer Murray had five known children. This chapter focuses on their children and in some cases, on their grandchildren. (The vital statistics are as accurate as possible given the lack of written documentation for that time period.) John Murray, Jr. (1789-1808) Samuel Murray (died young) Jacob S. Murray (1790-1852) married Susannah Aukerman William S. Murray (1804-after1870) married Catherine Fleck Elizabeth Murray (Nov. 12, 1808-Sept. 20, 1865) married Jacob K. Miller Jacob S. Murray and Susannah Auckerman Jacob S. Murray was the son of John and Catherine Saurer Murray. He became a well-known preacher in German Reform churches. He served as executor of his father's estate. And he served as a witness for the estate of John Grindel, of Salt Lick, on March 27, 1828, according to LaFayette Magazine (V9,#3). Jacob's will was probated in 1853 (#12 October Court 1853), with a remaining balance of $858.73. John Davis and James A. Murray served as administrators. Jacob owned personal property in Greene County at the time of his death. Susannah appears as a widow on Salt Lick tax lists beginning in 1853. Upon Jacob's death, his son, James A. Murray, was appointed guardian for his siblings, Jacob A. and Julia Anne. (Orphan's Court records, #22 March 1854;V5p145). Jacob and Susannah Auckerman/Ackerman had these children: John (1814-1884) married Elizabeth "Lizzie" Fulkreth Martha "Mattie" (1816-1898) married John Davis Catherine (1819-1894) married Henry Felgar James A. (Mar.17, 1820-Apr. 9, 1911) married (1) Mary Miller, (2) Sarah Fullem Samuel A. (1822-1911) married Agnes Fulkreth William A. (1824-1910) md. (1) Eliza Jane McEnteer (2) Louisa Gore Sophia (1828-1916) married Peter Lohr (1820-1894) Elizabeth "Betsy" (1829-1909) married David (Daniel) Myers Sarah (1830-1921) md. (1) James Muir (2) Jesse Weiply (3) Jacob Otto Jeremiah (1831-after 1910) married Christine Weimer Jacob A. (1834-1922) married Sarah Brudere Julia Anne (Oct. 11, 1834-1918) married Frederick B. Weimer (1840-1913) Susan (Feb. 19, 1843-May 6, 1909) married William Weimer (1839-1905) Notes on: James A. Murray James A. Murray was the son of Jacob and Susannah Auckerman Murray and the grandson of John and Catherine Saurer Murray. He married Mary Miller (1829- May 22, 1891) on April 1, 1841. She was the sister of Jacob K. Miller. (James was the nephew of Jacob and Elizabeth Murray Miller.) James was ordained in the Brethren ministry in 1854. He worked as a stone mason in the summer and made shoes in the winter. James is listed on various Salt Lick Township tax lists at least through 1855. Between 1855-1860, he and Mary moved to Greene County. Following the death of his father, James became the guardian for his two siblings, Jacob and Julia Anne. (Orphan's Court Records, V5, p145; #22 March Court 1854) After Mary died, James married Sarah Fullem (Jan. 10, 1830-Feb. 19, 1903). He was 75 years old at the time. In 1910, James Murray was feted with a birthday party. A newspaper write-up shows where James Murray's siblings were at that time: Samuel had moved to Clarksville, PA Sophia had moved to Mt. Pleasant, PA Jeremiah had moved to Boyd, OK Jacob had moved to Rockford, ILL Julia Anne, Sarah and William had moved to Sterling, Ohio James and Mary Miller Murray had these children: Levi, Elizabeth, Samuel, Nancy, George, Susan, Sophia, Jacob and William. At least three died in childhood. William S. Murray and Mary Catherine Flack William, born in 1804 to John and Catherine Saurer Murray, became one of the earliest ministers of the Indian Creek Baptist Church congregation. He married Catherine Flack/Fleck. She was born in 1804. He later moved to Greene County and is buried there in the Hess Cemetery. Their sons, William, Frederick and John appear on the Military Enrollment List for 1865 in Fayette County. Fred and John are shown on the 1867 tax lists for Salt Lick Township. William and Catherine Flack Murray had these children: John F. (1825-July 15, 1898) married (1) Mary Ann ___ (1823-1871) (2) widow of Peter Rist Frederick F. (Jan. 7,1831- April 9,1910) married Christina Burkholder Mary (1841-after 1898) married ___ Snitehurft; lived near Greensburg William (1843-after 1898) married Nancy ___; lived in Everson Noah (1845- after 1898) married Anna ___ (b. 1850); moved to Westmoreland Lydia (1850-before 1898) Catherine (died before 1898) Elizabeth ( -after 1898); married ___ Pletcher (Fletcher); lived in Donegal Notes on some of the children of William and Catherine Murray: John F. Murray John F. Murray was the son of William and Catherine Flack Murray and the grandson of John and Catherine Saurer Murray. He married Mary Ann and then the widow of Peter Rist. Mrs. Rist's first name is unknown. Mary Ann is buried, along with their son, Joseph, in the Salt Lick Cemetery. Joseph is listed as age 19 on the 1870 Census. He died the following year at age 20. John F. Murray was a merchant, according to The History of Fayette County by Franklin Ellis. "For ten or twelve years prior to 1868 a store was carried on in the Gallentine House in the southern part of the township. The first in trade were John Gallentine and John F. Murray, and after a few years, the latter conducted the store until it was discontinued when H.L. Sparks opened his store at the tannery and where he has been engaged in merchandising the last twelve years." John F. later moved to Uniontown, where he died on Thursday, July 14, 1898. He is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. John and Mary Ann Murray had these children: Joseph (1851 - Oct. 11, 1871) William (1852 - after 1898); lived in Bridgeport James (1854 - after 1898); moved to Westmoreland Martha (1857 - after 1898); married ___ Wolf; lived in WM Benjamin (1860 - after 1898); lived in West Newton Frederick F. Murray Frederick F. Murray was the son of William and Catherine Flack Murray and the grandson of John and Catherine Saurer Murray. Frederick was born on January 7, 1831 and died on April 9, 1910. He married Christina Burkholder (1828-1908) and became a German Baptist minister. His will was proved in 1910. (Will Book 16, p125) He gave his son, David, 70 acres in Westmoreland County; his daughter, Mary, 60 acres in Westmoreland County and his son, John, 80 acres in Fayette County. His will stipulates that these children are responsible for taking care of their invalid sister, Amanda, as long as she lives. He also specifies that his son, Jacob, is not to inherit any additional property because he got his inheritance in advance. Frederick, Christina and David Murray are buried at the Ferguson Cemetery in Donegal Township, Westmoreland County. Frederick and Christina Burkholder Murray had these children: Jacob B. (1845- 1933) married Savilla Shumaker (1849-1922) David B. (Jan. 12, 1856-Feb. 7, 1912) Mary B. (1849-after 1910) John B. (1851-after 1910) Emmanuel S. (1855-before 1910) William ( ) Amanda (1868 -still living in 1910) William Murray William was the son of William and Catherine Flack Murray and the grandson of John and Catherine Saurer Murray. He was a schoolteacher. He appears as a single man on the 1865 Military Enrollment List. By 1866, he married Nancy ___. They had a daughter, Mary, born in 1867. Elizabeth Murray and Jacob K. Miller Elizabeth Murray, daughter of John and Catherine Saurer Murray, married Jacob K. Miller. He was the son of George and Magdalena Keyser Miller from Somerset County. Two of Jacob's sisters married into the Murray family. Mary married John M. Murray, the son of Jacob and Catherine Murray, and Elizabeth's first cousin. Mary married Elizabeth Murray's nephew, James A. Murray, the son of Jacob S. and Susannah Ackerman Murray. Elizabeth Murray and Jacob K. Miller had these children: John M. Miller (1829-1904) married Elizabeth Borrow (1827-1863) Samuel M. Miller (1833-1888) married Lydia (Elizabeth) Kennell (Kimmell) Jeremiah M. Miller (1831-1909) married Anna Fike (1833-1907) William M. Miller (Sept. 28, 1835-Sept. 22, 1907) married Catherine Kalp (Kalb) (1836-1905) Catherine Miller (1838-1919) married Jacob Hoff (1831-1918) James Miller (1840-1903) married Lydia Kalb (1838-1919) Jacob K. Miller (1843-1922) married Mariah Hoff (1844-1909) Mary Miller (1846- ) Amos M. Miller (1848-1906) married Mary E. Miller (1852-1918) George Miller ( ) This chapter was intended to only provide an early overview of the family of John and Catherine Saurer Murray. No history of the Murray Family of Fayette County would be complete without including them. However, since I am not descended from this couple, I did not trace the various family members through to the present day. I will leave that task to their direct descendants. Sources: Fayette County; Orphan's Court Records Salt Lick Tax Lists History of Fayette County by Franklin Ellis Military Enrollment Lists Fayette Will Book; V16, p125 Daily News Standard Federal Census Murray Family Records Ferguson Cemetery Records Personal Records of Individuals Researching Related Surnames JACOB AND CATHERINE M. MURRAY Jacob was born @ 1780 and died in 1839. Catherine (Katrina), whose maiden name is unknown, was born @ 1780 and died in 1859. The Jacob Murray family lived in that portion of Salt Lick Township that eventually became Springfield Township. At this time it is not known where Jacob came from originally. He first appears on the 1800 Census in Quemahoning Township in Somerset County. He is married with two children. The household includes one male and one female between 16-25 and two females under 10. He is next listed as a witness on a deed for Jacob Fyock (Feiock) in Shade Township, Somerset County. The date is August 26, 1803. Fyock was from Franklin County and active in the German Baptist Church, giving some credence to the notion that Jacob and his brother John once lived there, too. Jacob and Catherine's residence in Somerset County is confirmed in 1805 on the power-of- attorney document pertaining to the estate of his grandfather, William Essick. On the 1810 Census in Quemahoning Township, Jacob Murray's household included one male and one female between 26-45; two males under 10; three females under 10 and two females between 10-16. Tax lists for Somerset County show he lived there at least until 1813. Over the years he acquired some livestock and a couple of cabins. In the History of Fayette County by Ellis, (p. 754), the following item appears: Jacob Murray moved from the eastern country in 1816, and settled on the old Elder Farm, but later made a home on Mill Run where he died many years ago. He had a number of sons: John M., deceased a few years ago, Samuel, also deceased in the township and Jacob, yet living in Mill Run. Three of his daughters married Peter Ullrey, Henry Pletcher and Reuben Eicher. Land transactions show that Jacob purchased 100.5 acres in 1819, which was part of the Elder Farm. He is shown on tax records as 'being a tenant of Lyons and Elder' until 1829, leasing 305 acres from Lyons and Elder worth $1525. He served as the tax collector in 1829. There is some confusion over which parcels belonged to Jacob and Catherine Murray and which belonged to his nephew, Jacob, the son of John Murray. When used, the middle initial is the key to differentiating between the two. John Murray's sons all had the middle initial "S" symbolizing the first letter of their mother's maiden name (Saurer). Nevertheless, both appear on tax lists, confirming their residency. Jacob Murray's family maintained strong ties with people of German descent living in Somerset County. For example, even though Jacob and Catherine had already moved to Fayette County before their son Samuel was grown, he married Eva Snyder, who was the daughter of DeWalt and Clarissa Snyder of Milford Township in Somerset County. And Josiah Murray, the son of Samuel and Eva, was baptized in the Sanner Church in Somerset. In 1837, Jacob owned 150 acres and served as constable. By 1838, his sons, Samuel and James and Jacob, Jr. all appear on the tax lists. Jacob Murray died in 1839. On November 26, 1839, Samuel Murray, John M. Murray, Joseph Brooks and Peter Kooser posted the administrative bond. Catherine Murray, the widow, left her mark on the bond book entry (Bond Book 2- 143). By December 2, 1839, Jacob, Jr. was also involved in settling his father's estate. He sold 85 acres of land for $250. The 85-acre tract was adjacent to 'the Neff property, now owned by Robert Bigham.' (V7p137; Orphan Court Records) Apparently there was a lawsuit involving the estate which kept it from being settled until 1853. In the final accounting, Samuel Murray was paid $19.50 for attending to a lawsuit in regard to Jacob Murray's estate. Receipts show that Elizabeth Murray received six dollars on April 20, 1844, as her share of the estate. Jacob's widow, Catherine, received $163.26 on May 28, 1853. Thus, the final accounting of Jacob Murray's estate didn't take place until June 6, 1853. (#11, June Court 1853) John and Samuel Murray are listed as the administrators. Catherine first appears on the Salt Lick Township tax list in 1839. She owned 75 acres worth $188, one horse worth $20 and a cow worth $7. She also had $100 in interest. That year her daughters Hannah and Elizabeth also appear on the tax list. On the 1840 tax list, Hannah is shown to own one cow. Catherine last appears on the Salt Lick Township tax list in 1847. After that, she appears on the Springfield Township tax lists. (Springfield Township was created in 1848.) Catherine Murray, a 60-year-old widow, is listed on the 1850 Census for Springfield Township. She is last listed on the Springfield tax list in 1858, with one cow worth $8. She apparently lived with one of her children until she died. Eventually the Murrays owned so much land in Springfield Township, particularly around Mill Run, that the area was referred to as the Murray District on some maps. Jacob Murray died in 1839. Catherine died in 1859. It is not known where they are buried. Sources: Fayette County Township Tax Lists Federal Census Fayette County Will Books Fayette County Orphan's Court Records Fayette County Deed Books The History of Fayette County by Franklin Ellis Sanner Church Records Somerset County, Registrar of Wills; #33 Milford Twp.;. 1828 GENERATION I Jacob and Catherine M. Murray GENERATION II Mary Murray *Elizabeth Murray John M. Murray Samuel Murray Rebecca Murray Catherine Murray *Hannah Murray Jacob Murray James Murray *didn't marry GENERATION III Mary Murray and Peter Ullery had these children: Henry M., Jacob M., John M., Mary, James M. John and Elizabeth Miller Murray had these children: Jacob, George, Susanna, Elijah, Eliza, Hannah, Lydia Samuel and Eva Snyder Murray had these children: Levi, Josiah, Julia Anne, Margaret, Martha (Clarissa), Hiram Rebecca Murray and Reuben Eicher had these children: Peter, Jacob, Elizabeth, Mary, John, Sarah, Reuben, George, Kathryn, William, James, Rebecca Catherine Murray and Henry Pletcher had these children: William, David, Lydia Jacob and Elizabeth Morris Murray had these children: Amanda, Anna, Hannah, McFerrin, Isadore, Morris, Althea, John B., William James and Elizabeth Murray had these children: Susanna, Mariah, Jacob, Nancy, Daniel, Samuel, Emily, John, Isabelle, Albert, Margaret, Jane GENERATION IV Josiah and Elizabeth Prinkey Murray had these children: Jonas, Aaron, Silas P., Samuel P., Phoebe Ann, Harrison S., Sherman, Eva Laura, Melissa Jane, Richard, William, Noble, twin daughters Julianna Murray and Jacob Prinkey had these children: Catherine, Samuel, Edward Margaret Murray and Fred Miller had these children: Samuel, Mary, Smith B., Charles M., Eli, McFerrin, George, Dora Levi and Mary Agnes Long Murray had these children: Elijah, Mary Ella, *George W.L., Samuel L. *didn't marry Clarissa (Martha) Murray and Daniel Hensel had these children: Norman L., Elmer E., Samuel, Emmanuel, William Hiram and Anna Johnson Murray had these children: Anna A., Samuel GENERATION V Elijah and Sara Etta Leichliter Murray had these children: Lilly, Katie, Florence, Elmer, Russell L., John L. (2nd Marriage) Elijah and Addie Mills Murray had these children: Norman, Mary, George Samuel, Goldie, Milton, Jess Edgar, Charles, Helen Mary Ella Murray and Joshua M. Bailey had these children: Lulu, Henry, James, Thomas, Milton, William, Nettie, Lena, Delmar Samuel and Susan Eicher Murray had these children: Ebert, Agnes, Isabelle GENERATION VI Norman and Marion Shelley Murray had these children: Donna, Norman, Shelley, Norma Lee GENERATION VII Shelley Murray Cumbie had Craig Cumbie Donna Murray Allen had these children: David, Jenny, Shannon DESCENDANTS OF JACOB AND CATHERINE MURRAY Jacob was born @ 1780 and died in 1839 Catherine was born @ 1780 and died 1859. They lived in Somerset County before moving to Fayette County some time between 1816-1819, when they arrived in Salt Lick Township. When the new township of Springfield was formed, the change of boundaries made them residents of Springfield Township. The following chapters will be devoted to their son , Samuel, and his descendants, primarily through his son Levi and grandson Elijah, as that is the direct line of the author. Jacob and Catherine Murray had these children: Mary Murray (1800-Jan. 18, 1883) married Peter Ullery (1796-after 1870) John M. (1804-March 17, 1875) married Elizabeth Miller (1808 - ) Samuel (1802-June 7, 1871) married Eva Snyder (1808-1885) Hannah (1806-Jan. 5, 1894); did not marry; seamstress Elizabeth (1810-after 1860); school teacher; did not marry Jacob (1812-1882) married Elizabeth Morris (1816-after 1880) James (1813-after 1870) married Elizabeth ____ (1822- ) Rebecca (July 12, 1814-Feb. 2, 1882) married Reuben Eicher (1807-1903) Catherine (1828-before 1860) married Henry Pletcher (1828-1908) Mary "Polly" Murray and Peter Ullery Mary "Polly" Murray, daughter of Jacob and Catherine Murray, was born @ 1800 and died on Jan. 18, 1883. She married Peter Ullery (1796-after 1870). He was the son of Henry and Elizabeth Ullery. Henry Ullery is listed on the 1799 tax list for Salt Lick Township. Both appear on the 1870 Salt Lick Township Census. Mary Murray and Peter Ullery had these children: Henry M. Ullery (April 1824- ) married Rachel ___ Jacob M. Ullery (1827- ) married Elizabeth ___ John M. Ullery (@1836- 1870) married Sarah Fulton Mary Ullery (April 4, 1836-June 15, 1912) (Mary might have married Amzi Hager and moved to Ronceverte WVA.) James M. Ullery (1845- ) married Elizabeth ___ John Murray and (Maria) Elizabeth Miller John, son of Jacob and Catherine Murray, was born @ 1804 and died March 17, 1875. He married (Maria) Elizabeth Miller (May 31, 1808-1851). She was the sister of Jacob K. Miller, who married Elizabeth Murray, daughter of John and Catherine Saurer Murray. Elizabeth and Jacob Miller were the children of George and Magdalena Keyser Miller. Fayette County property records show that John bought land from William Elder in 1834. He sold property to John Coosland in 1848. In March 1857, John's daughter, Susannah Murray, as a minor, petitions the court for a share of her late mother's estate. The petition is signed by both she and Samuel Murray. She requested that George Leichliter be named her guardian. (#33 March Court, 1857) The 1870 Springfield Census suggests that John may have been living with his sisters, Hannah and Elizabeth at that time. John died in 1875. His will was proved in June 1875. The will was contested in April 1879 by the estate of Robert Wortman. The legal notice lists his heirs as Jacob, George, Eliza, Susannah, Hannah and Elijah. His daughter Lydia "Lide" Gallentine had apparently already moved to Clayton, Kansas. An item in the March 5, 1880 edition of the Keystone Courier reads: David M. Lohr has purchased the farm of John M. Murray, deceased, of Springfield Township at administrator's sale, for $1635. Mr. Lohr will take possession soon. Susannah Murray (Brooks) disputed the settlement of her father's estate (#59). The legal wrangling continued until September 1883, when her objections were overruled. John and Elizabeth Miller Murray had these children: Jacob M. (April 14,1835 - Sept. 28, 1915) married (1) Sarah Dumbauld and (2) Hannah ___ George K. (1837- after 1920) married (1) Flora Shaffer (2) Phoebe Fullem Susanna (1838-1898) married Daniel Brooks on March 24, 1861 Elijah (1845-May 1885) married Hannah Miner; both died leaving 7 orphans; (See chapter on Murray orphans.) Eliza Jane (May 19, 1848-Sept. 10, 1930) married Thomas Gallentine (July 23, 1841-June 7, 1921) on January 1, 1866. He served in the Union Army. Eliza may be buried in Norcaster, Kansas. Hannah (1850 - after 1915) married Jacob Brooks (Jacob's first wife was Elizabeth Gallentine (July 15, 1822-May 4, 1855); she was the sister of Thomas Gallentine) Lydia married ___ Gallentine and was living in Kansas in 1915 (may be the same person as Eliza Jane.) Notes on the children of John and Elizabeth Miller Murray: Jacob Murray Jacob was the son of John and Elizabeth Miller Murray and the grandson of Jacob and Catherine Murray. He was born on April 14, 1835 and died on September 28, 1915. He married twice. His first wife was Sarah Dumbauld (1825- ). By 1880, he had married Hannah. Jacob was nicknamed "Captain" because he served as the captain of the old Jefferson Blues, home guard at Davistown. Jacob died on his farm in Normalville and was buried at the Normalville Cemetery. Jacob and Sarah Dumbauld Murray had these children: David (1853- ) Minerva (1857-after 1915) married Edward Fullem Amanda (1866- ) Eliza (1866- ) John W. (1868- ) Jacob and his second wife, Hannah, had these children: William (1870-after 1915) Minnie (1872-1950) married Charles Ritenour (1867-1948); he is buried at Normalville Nettie (1875- ) Nellie (1877- ) became a school teacher; never married George W. K. Murray George was the son of John and Elizabeth Miller Murray and the grandson of Jacob and Catherine Murray. He married twice. His first wife, Flora "Flory" Shaffer, died August 22, 1883. She was the daughter of Peter and Susan Shaffer. Flora traces back to Reul Flack and Agnes Shaffer. Richard Murray handled his mother's estate in 1888, valued at $375. (Orphan's Court; V16, p113. #8 of 1888; filed April 30 and June 8, 1888. Proved November 13, 1891.) George was married to Phoebe Fullem on December 7, 1899. George and his wives are presumably buried at Normalville Cemetery, as a headstone etched with his name and those of his wives stands there. No death dates are indicated. George and Phoebe appear on the 1920 Census. George and Flora Shaffer Murray had these children. Hannah (February 1, 1860-June 12, 1915) married William Whetsel (May 13, 1858-January 4, 1901) on September 11, 1881. William was Mary Jane Whetsel's brother. Their parents were John and Whetsel. Hannah and William had these children: Gertrude (March 26,1888-Apri 25,1970) (Mrs. Frank P. Welker); Dora (May 15, 1890-April 17, 1951 ) (Fred Harmon), George (August 25,1891- May 28, 1923), Luella (July 28,1893-July 1940) (Joseph Gardner), Lora Edith (May 2, 1899- ) (Joseph Percy) and (James Condren); Mary Etta (August 25, 1884- September 9, 1973) married (John Morgart) and (Charles Coleman); Ira Clymer (Arrie) (June 8, 1882-February 1946), Norman (August 6, 1883-June 22, 1963) According to Hannah's obit in 1915, George lived in Kane's Creek, WVA, Arrie in Springfield Twp. and Norman at Waltesville, VA Richard S. (July 4, 1858-June 13, 1927) married Mary Jane Whetsel (Oct. 1, 1856- Dec. 26, 1938) in 1878 (See Murray Orphans.) Susan R. (1871- ) Susanna Murray Susanna Murray is the daughter of John and Elizabeth Murray and the granddaughter of Jacob and Catherine Murray. She was born in 1838 and died in 1898. She married Daniel Brooks on March 24, 1861. He was born @ 1839 and died in 1921. He was a school director for Springfield Township. Daniel was the son of Joseph Brooks (Brucks)(1795-September 30, 1863) and Dorothy Basinger (July 23, 1797- ). Dorothy was the daughter of Michael and Eva Magdalene Basinger. Susanna is buried in Normalville. After Susanna died, Daniel married Elizabeth Whipkey. ** Susanna Murray and Daniel Brooks had these known children: Agnes Brooks (April 13, 1862-March 1887) married George Prinkey (March 1887-July 1931); had these children: Lloyd, Blanche and Nora; after Agnes died, George married Rebecca Shaffer and then Missouri White. Agnes is buried at Normalville. Laura Ellen Brooks (January 19, 1865-October 10, 1932) married William H. Prinkey (May 9, 1864-February 14, 1944); had these children: Emri, Ira, Leora, Olive, Alvira, Carl, Osa, Ethel, Laura, Alverda, Gertrude, Ruth, Harold and an unnamed infant. Elmer E. Brooks (July 19,1863-October 3, 1905) married Amelia Ott (November 21, 1866-April 21, 1928); had these children: Earl, twins Daniel & William, Homer, Hess, Alva, E. Lloyd and Carl Braden Brooks (1866-1958); married Margaret Miller (1880-1959), the daughter of Ludwick F. and Ellen Bungard Miller; they had these children: Roy, Harry, Jacob, Henry, John, Ellen, Maude, Emma Lou (Mrs. Samuel Echard), Eva Mae (Mrs. Edward Carr); Margaret (Mrs. Lester Harbaugh), Loretta Pearl (Mrs. Samuel Coffman); both buried at Normalville Kide (Ebby?) Brooks (July 5, 1864 or 1879?-) married Wilson Miller; had these children: Louella, Buelah, Ethel Marie; Ernest; Helen John M. Brooks (September 29, 1870-May 13, 1952) married Elizabeth Firestone; children were Marshall, Robert, John, Lydia, Darvin, Mildred/Marie, Glenn, Oal Floss, Jessie and Nettie Lou Brooks (March 6, 1873-December 22, 1953) married Charles Hatfield; children were Loretta, Arthur and Phyllis Hannah Brooks (May 14,1874-1901) married Norman S. Sanner; children were Daniel, Susy and Albert Myrtle Brooks (November 27, 1877-December 3, 1945) married Benton Hart; children were Roy, Charles, Leslie, Oscar, Ethel, Laura, Homer, Mildred, Daisy Maude Brooks (October 11, 1900- ) married William Davis; one child, Mildred ** All children are those of Daniel Brooks. But Maude and maybe others were not the children of Susanna Murray. Various Brooks researchers give conflicting information. Eliza Jane Murray Eliza Jane Murray was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Miller Murray and the granddaughter of Jacob and Catherine Murray. She was born on May 19, 1848 and died on September 30, 1930. On January 1, 1866, she married Thomas Jefferson Gallentine (July 23, 1841-June 7, 1921). He was the son of Abraham Gallentine (May 16, 1907 in Ohio) and Elizabeth Lamb (died 1886 in Kansas). "Lide" and Thomas moved first to Hicksville, Ohio and eventually to Norcastur, Kansas, where they both died. According to the Defiance, Ohio 1880 Census and other Gallentine researchers, they had these children: Ora Gallentine (1867- ) John Franklin Gallentine (April 30,1868- October 11, 1954) married Rettie Alexander Eli Clark Gallentine (July 13,1870 - March 14, 1952) married Jessie Edna Gallentine (Solomon's daughter) Cora Hannah Gallentine (March 4,1872- June 26, 1932) married Joe Moreland Louie A. Gallentine (1874- ) Phoebe Jane Gallentine (April 26, 1876-December 15, 1954) married George Hixon Sarah "Sally" Beulah Gallentine (June 9,1878- April 6, 1922 married Loton Montgomery Daniel Webster "Web" Gallentine (April 22, 1884-1950??) married Bessie McCarty Lillie Mae Gallentine (April 15, 1886-June 7, 1970) married Jesse Shirley Ida Gallentine (April 4, 1867-July 22, 1951) married Moses Hare Vernon Abraham Gallentine (April 7, 1874-September 20, 1961) married Dora Wennihan *Hettie Gallentine married William Richter * Bessie Gallentine married Don Bonney Elizabeth Gallentine married Jacob Brooks * Moved to Oregon Note: There is quite a discrepancy between my personal research on the children of Eliza Murray and Thomas Gallentine and Gallentine researchers. Also the information differs between the various Gallentine researchers. All the children's names I've encountered are included here. Samuel Murray and Eva Snyder Samuel Murray, the son of Jacob and Catherine Murray, was born in 1802 and died on Sunday, June 7, 1871. He married Eva Snyder (May 17, 1808 - Oct. 20, 1885). She was the daughter of DeWalt and (Anna) Clarissa Feathers Snyder of Somerset County. Both are buried in the Bigham Family Cemetery near White, PA, along with many of the grandchildren. Apparently the land that eventually became the Bigham Cemetery was once owned by Samuel, as there is no other known connection between the two families. Samuel and Eva Murray had these children: Josiah (Dec. 5, 1830- Oct. 5, 1912) married Elizabeth Prinkey Julia Anne (1833 -1905) married Jacob Prinkey Margaret "Peggy Jane" (1843 - after 1910) married Fred Miller Levi (Sept. 1845- January 21, 1907) married Mary Agnes Long Martha "Clarissa" (1850 - after 1907) married Daniel Hensel Hiram (1835 - Nov. 5, 1864) married Ann Johnson Hannah Murray Hannah, the daughter of Jacob and Catherine Murray, was born in 1806 and died on January 5, 1894. She never married. She appears on the 1840 tax list as owning one cow. On the 1850 Springfield Township Census, she is living with her mother. Her occupation was listed as seamstress. She was living with her nephew, Levi Murray, when she died. She is buried at Indian Creek Baptist Cemetery. "Aunt" Hannah Murray Dies "Aunt" Hannah Murray, an old maiden lady who made her home with her nephew, Levi S. Murray, died January 5, 1894. Interment at Indian Creek Graveyard. -Springfield Mountaineer 1994 Elizabeth Murray Elizabeth, the daughter of Jacob and Catherine Murray, was a schoolteacher. She never married. Born @ 1811, she was living with her mother in 1850, and possibly with her brother, John, and sister, Hannah, in 1870. Her death date is not known. Elizabeth was referred to as a pioneer schoolteacher in The History of Fayette County by Franklin Ellis. Jacob Murray and Elizabeth Morris Jacob was the son of Jacob and Catherine Murray. He born around 1812 and died after 1882. He married Elizabeth Morris (1816-after1880) Jacob and Elizabeth Morris Murray had these children: Amanda (1834-Feb. 11, 19180 married James Cummings (1836 - March 1,1915) Anna Mariah (1838- ) married John Prinkey (Oct. 24, 1830-Aug. 28, 1925) Hannah (1840- ) McFerrin (Dec. 3,1842-Mar. 27, 1923) married Dorotha Johnson on March 15, 1866 Isadore (1847- ) Morris (1850- ) Althea (Feb. 19, 1852-Nov. 6, 1931) md. Hiram Livingstone (1848-Dec. 2, 1886) John B. (1856- ); still living with parents on 1880C William (1859- ) Notes on the children of Jacob and Elizabeth Morris Murray: Amanda Murray Amanda Murray was the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Morris Murray, and the granddaughter of Jacob and Catherine Murray. She was born @ 1834 and died on February 11, 1918. She married James Cummings, who died March 1, 1915. Amanda and James appear on the 1900 Census in Springfield Township. Amanda Murray and James Cummings had these children: Margaret Cummings (married D.F. Harbaugh) Ellen Cummings Kelly (moved to Salt Lake) James Cummings (moved to Butte, Montana) Jacob Cummings (moved to Butte, Montana) Mrs. Amanda Cummings Dies Mrs. Amanda Cummings, about 74 years old, a life resident of Mill Run, died last night at 9 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. D.F. Harbaugh of Mill Run. She had been ill for two years. Amanda Cummings was born at Mill Run, the daughter of the late Jacob and Elizabeth Murray. She was a widow and was well and favorably known throughout Springfield Township and other points. Her husband, James Cummings, died March 1, 1915. Mrs. Cummings is survived by four children: Mrs. D.F. Harbaugh of Mill Run; Mrs. Ellen Kelly, of Salt Lake City; James and Jacob Cummings of Butte, Montana; two brothers, McFerrin Murray of Mill Run and John B. Murray of Confluence; one sister, Althea Livingstone of Mill Run. -Mill Run Advance February 11, 1918 McFerrin Murray McFerrin was the son of Jacob and Catherine Morris Murray and the grandson of Jacob and Catherine Murray. On March 15, 1866, he married Dorotha Johnson (October 19, 1846 - February 28,1931). He served in the 6th PA Heavy Artillery, 112th PA volunteers in the Civil War and drew a pension. The couple lived in Vanderbilt in 1894. Both are buried at Indian Creek Baptist Cemetery. Dorotha had a sister named Savilla (Slaughenwhite). Dorotha's undertaker bill was $196. McFerrin and Dorotha Johnson Murray had these children: Annie (March 3, 1867-1883); buried at Bigham Family Cemetery Phillip S. (March 22, 1869- ) Sarah "Etta" (August 22, 1870-1957); married Daniel Kooser (1866-1943) Ida May (May 11,1872 -after June 1903) Mary Ellen (August 17, 1874- ) Sheridan (Mar. 22, 1869-Nov. 6, 1869); buried at Bigham Family Cemetery Althea Murray Althea Murray was the daughter of Jacob and Catherine Morris Murray and the granddaughter of Jacob and Catherine Murray. She was born on February 19, 1852 and died on November 6, 1931. She married Hiram Livingstone. He died on December 2, 1886, at age 38 years, 5 months and 29 days. Both are buried at Indian Creek Cemetery, next to their son, Edward. On the 1900 Census, her son, Frank, and grandson James Earle (born 1898) are living with Althea. Althea Murray and Hiram Livingstone had these children: Edward Livingstone (1873- ) Elizabeth Livingstone (1874- ) Frank B. Livingstone (1877- ) Anna Murray Anna Mariah Murray was the daughter of Jacob and Catherine Morris Murray and the granddaughter of Jacob and Catherine Murray. She was born in 1838 and died _____. She married John Miller Prinkey (Oct. 24, 1830-August 28, 1925). Both are buried in the Bigham Family Cemetery. Anna Murray and John Miller Prinkey had these children: John B. Prinkey Jacob M. Prinkey Mary Elizabeth Prinkey Jehu Prinkey Julia Ann Prinkey James Murray and Elizabeth ______ James, son of Jacob and Catherine Murray, was born in 1813. He married Elizabeth ___ (1822 - ). This family has been difficult to research with the time available. Thus not much is known about them at this time. The information below was taken from Springfield Township Census records. James and Elizabeth Murray had these children: Susanna (1843- ) Mariah (1842- ) Jacob (1844- ) Nancy (1846- ) Daniel (1847- ) Samuel (1848- ) Emily (1850- ) John (1852- ) Isabelle (1854- ) Albert (1857- ) Margaret "Phoebe" (1859- ) Jane (1863- ) Phillip (1859) Rebecca Murray and Reuben Eicher Rebecca Murray, the daughter of Jacob and Catherine Murray, was born July 12, 1814 and died on Feb. 2, 1882. She married Reuben Eicher (Oct. 1807-Sept. 21, 1903). He was the son of Peter and Elizabeth Marietta Eicher. The family moved to Crawford County, Ohio in the 1850s, except for their son Peter. Rebecca and Reuben are buried in the Luke Cemetery in Crawford County. Rebecca Murray and Reuben Eicher had these children: Peter Eicher (1833 - before 1864) married Magdalena Humbert Jacob Eicher (1837- 1898) married Mary Humbert Elizabeth Eicher (1838 -1903) Mary Eicher (Apr. 13,1839 - Oct. 17, 1925) married (1) Joseph H. Ritenour and (2) Isaac Smith John Eicher (1843-after 1903) married Mary Ellen Dix on March 7, 1867; Crawford County, Ohio Sarah Eicher (1845 - March 12, 1907) married (1) George Vieregge and (2) Peter Grimm Reuben Eicher (1847 - by 1903) George Eicher (1848-probably after 1918) Kathryn Eicher (Dec. 4, 1850 - Sept. 27, 1918) married Samuel Schell on Oct. 10, 1872; Crawford County, Ohio William Eicher (Oct. 14, 1854 - Jan. 26, 1930) married Ida Jane Healy on April 1, 1880 in Crawford County, Ohio James Eicher (June 22, 1856 - Nov. 28, 1838) married (1) Tabitha Bogan and (2) Regina Egid Wagner; Crawford County, Ohio Rebecca Jane Eicher (March 23 1859-April 9, 1950) married John Schell on Feb. 28, 1878; Crawford County Ohio Catherine Murray and Henry Pletcher Catherine Murray, the daughter of Jacob and Catherine Murray, was born @ 1828 in Champion, Fayette County. She married Henry Pletcher (Aug. 25, 1828 - Aug. 10, 1908) Henry was born in Lower Turkeyfoot, Somerset County and died in White, Fayette County. Henry was the son of David (1799-1861) and Phoebe (Nichols) Pletcher (1808-1872). After Catherine died, Henry married Mary Foust in 1861 and had five more children. Catherine and Henry Pletcher had these children: William Pletcher (Dec. 20, 1851- May 7, 1932) married Elizabeth Miller (1859- ) David Pletcher (Nov. 25, 1854- Mar. 31, 1897) married Jemima Grim Lydia Pletcher (May 19, 1859-October 31, 1890) married James Grim William and Elizabeth Pletcher had two sons: Ira (1885- ) and Roy (1889- ) Sources: Death Certificates Fayette County Tax Lists Fayette County Deed Book 5; page 506 and Book 4, page 338 Military Pension File 1883 Fayette Pension List Fayette County Death Lists Fayette County Will Book; 1875 Orphan Court Records 1888 Genius of Liberty; legal notice; May 1879 Death Book; Liberty Twp., Crawford County, Ohio Ohio Vital Records Luke Cemetery Tombstones; Crawford County, Ohio Obituary Abstracts; various Ohio Newspapers History of Fayette County by Franklin Ellis Springfield Mountaineer Mill Run Advance LaFayette Newsletter Federal Census; Ohio Personal Records of Others Researching Related Surnames MURRAY CHILDREN ORPHANED This chapter is dedicated to Elijah and Hannah Miner Murray, whose young children was left orphaned when the couple died within two weeks of each other in May 1885. Although they are not my direct descendants, I feel their story is a vital one to include this in family history. By doing so, it keeps their memories alive. And it will help future researchers with their arduous task. Elijah, son of John M. and Elizabeth Miller Murray, was born in 1845 and died May 28, 1885. Hannah was born in 1845 and died May 13, 1885. Hannah was the daughter of John Miner (1803-1879) and Sarah Ansel Miner (1809-18--). Elijah and Hannah both died of typhoid fever. They are buried under the tree behind the Normalville Methodist Church, beside their son Perry. On April 3, 1890, their daughters Ida and Lucy were legally adopted by Richard S. Murray and his wife Mary Jane Whetzel. Mary Jane was the daughter of John and Rebecca Shawley Whetsel. When Levi S. Murray died in 1907, each of Elijah and Hannah's children received $22.40 as a share of the dower in regard to the estate of Hannah Murray. It is likely that the dower mentioned in the Letters of Administration regarding Levi Murray's estate referred to his Aunt Hannah. (Estate Book 4, p67. & Vol. 35, p426, Dec. 1907) Hannah Murray Dies (Hannah) Mrs. Elijah Murray departed this life Wednesday morning, May 13th, after a short illness, leaving a husband and six small children to mourn their loss. The remains were interred in the Normalville Cemetery. - Genius of Liberty, May 21, 1885 Elijah Murray Dies Elijah Murray, died Thursday last, just one week after the death of his wife. He leaves seven orphan children, the oldest 14 years, and the youngest only a few days. The good neighbors have taken the little ones and will care for them as best they can. The funeral services took place Friday at the (Normalville) United Brethren Church. - Connellsville Courier, May 29, 1885 Elijah and Hannah Miner Murray had these children: Perry Murray (Nov. 22, 1868-1951); didn't marry; worked for the railroad; buried at Normalville Agnes Murray (Jan. 11, 1870-April 1962) married Nelson G. Kern (Dec. 7, 1869- April 4, 1945) on Sept. 1, 1891. Nelson was the son of George and Ellen Cramer Kern. They had three sons, Mahlon, Ralph, and Woodrow, and one daughter, Anna (Mrs. Ernest Coffman). Amy Rachel (Emma) (??-1953) married Lutelis Cole (March 10, 1877-Oct. 14, 1962). They had one daughter, Hannah (Shupe), and five sons: Albert (died 1961), Raymond, Richard, Jesse, Ralph and Homer. (Rachel's given name is listed in various places as Amy, Emma and Rachel.) Marcellus lived in Reagontown in 1894 and died before 1950. Ida (April 4, 1876-Feb. 12, 1968) married Aaron Ritenour (June 20, 1861-Dec, 26, 1933) on April 21,1899. Aaron was the son of Christopher and Sarah Miller Ritenour. His marriage to Ida Murray was his second. His first wife was Flora Ritenour, who died in 1897. Ida and Aaron had two sons, Leroy and Ernest. Aaron's obituary lists these daughters: Anna (Mrs. Thomas Morgan), Sarah, (Mrs. Kenneth Hoyle), Mrs. Mary Baird/Pirl and Mrs. Jean Ranker. George M. (July 4, 1879-Oct. 15, 1973) married Ida May Kooser (Oct. 19,1880- Sept. 6,1970) on July 2, 1908. She was the daughter of Samuel S. and Hester Basinger Kooser). George was a retired cemetery sexton. Both buried at Normalville. They had two daughters: Hazel (May 4, 1911-February 28, 1965), who married Freeman Felix Johnson and Anna Agnes (January 25, 1923- ), who married John Edward Warrick. Lucy Hannah (May 12, 1885-April 26, 1965 ) married Neri Eicher (Sept. 5, 1880- Dec. 22, 1957). He was the son of Freeman P. and Sarah Brooks Eicher. They had three sons, Albert, Charles and Neri, and five daughters, Alverda (Mrs. Lloyd Richter), Anna (Mrs. Harry Moore), Dolly (Mrs. Augustus Richter), Mary (Heck/Wolf) and Sarah (Mrs. Henry Snidemiller). Richard S. Murray and Mary Jane Whetsel Adopted Ida and Lucy Murray Richard was the son of George K. and Flora Shaffer Murray, the grandson of Jacob and Elizabeth Miller and the great-grandson of Jacob and Catherine Murray. He was born on July 4, 1858 and died June 13, 1927. He married Mary Jane Whetsel in 1878. She was born on October 1, 1856 and died on December 26, 1938. She was the daughter of John and Rebecca Shawley Whetsel. Richard and Mary Jane had a son who died as an infant. All three are buried at Normalville Cemetery. Following the death of Elijah and Hannah Miner Murray, Richard and Mary Jane adopted their daughters, Ida and Lucy. The girls were Richard's first cousins. (Elijah and George K. were the sons of John and Elizabeth Miller Murray. Richard was George's son.) Richard S. Murray Dies After a lingering illness, death early Monday morning claimed Richard S. Murray, 69 years old of Normalville. He had operated a farm in Springfield Township until he was elected tax collector, after which he moved to Normalville in order to give his full time to that office. He was regarded as one of the most thorough men ever to be in that office in the township. He was married to Mary Jane Whetsel in 1878. One son was born, but died in infancy. The couple, 42 years ago, adopted Ida and Lucy Murray, daughters of the late Elijah and Hannah Murray, whom they raised. The widow survives. The funeral service will be held at the United Brethren Church at Normalville Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment will be in the Normalville Cemetery. -Connellsville Courier Mary Jane Whetsel Murray Dies Mrs. Mary Jane Murray, 82 years old, widow of Richard Murray, died at her home near Pleasant Hill after a lingering illness. Mrs. Murray, who was born in Salt Lick Township, daughter of the late John and Rebecca Shawley Whetsel, and had resided in Salt Lick and Springfield Townships all her life. She leaves two daughters: Mrs. Lucy Eicher, near Pleasant Hill and Ida Ritenour, near Normalville; 36 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren; one brother Elmer Whetsel of Mount Pleasant; three sisters, Mrs Fannie Snyder of Connellsville, Mrs. Catherine Tedrow of Scottdale and Mrs. Elizabeth Stitt of Pittsburgh. The service was held at the Normalville United Brethren Church. Interment followed in the church cemetery. -Connellsville Courier Sources: Fayette County Marriage License Applications Normalville Tombstones Fayette County Will/Estate Book Genius of Liberty Connellsville Courier Personal Records of Mark Miner SAMUEL AND EVA SNYDER MURRAY Samuel Murray, the son of Jacob and Catherine Murray, was born in 1802 and died on Sunday, June 7, 1871. He was a farmer. His parentage is mentioned in Ellis' book on Fayette County and confirmed by various legal documents such as the wills of his siblings and census records. Samuel was likely born in Somerset County, since that's where his parents lived from 1800-1819. Eva Snyder was born on May 17, 1808 in Somerset County, and baptized on July 3, 1808 at the Sanner Church. She died on October 20, 1885. Eva was the daughter of DeWalt and Anna Snyder of Milford Township. Jacob and Catherine Murray's ties with Somerset County obviously remained intact after they moved to Fayette County. Samuel would have been no older than 13 years old when the family moved. Still he ended up marrying Eva. DeWalt Snyder died during Samuel and Eva's courtship. Samuel gave her a book (possibly a bible) written in German on June 1, 1828. The inscription is to Eve Schneider and includes a scripture. Near the word Schneider is written Snyder and the name Adam. Samuel Murray's signature is in the back of the book. Eve's brother was named Adam. (The book belongs to a descendant of Clarissa and Daniel Hensel.) Eve used the name 'Eva' and spelled her maiden name both Schneider (the German way) and Snyder (the Anglicized version). Samuel and Eva married by December 1828. This is documented by the settling of DeWalt Snyder's estate. The bond was filed on December 23, 1828 and 'Eve md. Samuel Murray' is included in the estate abstract. Samuel and Eva appear on the 1830 Census for Salt Lick Township. They also appear on the 1840 Census with two boys under five, one boy age 5-10, one girl under five and one girl between 5-10. Catherine Murray is living next door. In 1847, Samuel is shown on the Salt Lick tax list as a tanner. By 1850 the township boundaries had changed. Samuel and Eva next appeared on the Springfield Township Census with five children (Josiah, Julia Ann, Margaret "Peggy Jane", Levi and Martha). Since the last three were under age 10 on the 1850 Census, they may have lost as many as three children. One child was probably a girl named Clarissa, possibly born in 1834. She is not to be confused with their youngest daughter listed as 'Martha' on the 1850 Census, who later went by 'Clarissa.' Martha is called Clarissa in Eva's will. Samuel Murray appears on township tax lists, either in Salt Lick or Springfield, from 1828 until his death. For example, the 1850 tax list shows Samuel as a farmer with 150 acres worth 500, 2 horses worth $50, 4 cows worth $32 and the Bullock Pen Tract of 121 acres worth $225. He owned a variety of parcels in and around the Mill Run area, some as large as 150 acres. He sold one piece of property to Robert Bigham around 1838 that is presumed to be on or near the present site of the Bigham Family Cemetery, which is where Samuel is buried. Both were residents of Salt Lick at the time. Later Samuel bought 140 acres from James and Mary Paull. The parcel was next to his property. Samuel Murray appears on the 1867 Salt Lick tax list as a non-resident owner of 220 acres. He was likely considered a non-resident because his actual residence was in Springfield Township. Samuel was active in the community. He served as an assessor in 1839 and as a school director for Salt Lick Township in 1844 and in 1847. He was an assessor for the newly formed Springfield Township in 1848 (Springfield was formed from part of Salt Lick Township). He served as a school director in Springfield Township in 1865. Two of their sons - Josiah and Hiram - fought in the Civil War. Only Josiah came back. Hiram left a widow and two children. Samuel died on June 7, 1871, although some records show 1874. There are a couple of reasons for the conflicting years for his death date. First, his death is recorded as 1871 in Fayette County Estate Book 1. That is also the date on his tombstone. However, his estate wasn't settled until 1874. (#47 of September 1874). (Orphan's Court; V9 p51). Samuel's sons, Levi and Josiah, served as administrators of the estate. They "appeared in court and produced an inventory of Samuel Murray's personal estate….appraised at $1300 and set apart to his widow…" Further, the wording in Eva Murray's will makes it appear as if she inherited loan notes from Samuel in 1874. In any case, his heirs took over managing his property which included: 131 acres worth $1269; the Bullock Pen Tract of 140 acres worth $1200; McCuen Tract of 8 acres worth $18; the Nob Tract of 143 acres worth $154; Turner Tract of 66 acres worth $200. Eva did not take over her husband's property. Samuel's heirs controlled this property at least until 1878. Sometime between then and 1885, it was either divided up between the heirs or sold because it is not included in Eva's will. By 1880, Eva had moved in with her daughter Clarissa Hensel. The circumstances surrounding her death were noted in the Keystone Courier. A bad accident befell Mrs. Eva Murray, widow of Samuel Murray. She lives with her son-in-law, D. Hensel and whilst he and his wife were at the Barnum Show, she attempted to do the milking. One cow hooked at another, which sprang to one side, throwing the aged lady forcibly backward, injuring her spinal column. A grandson ran to her assistance and helped her into the house, where she now lies in an utterly helpless condition. Her life is despaired of at present writing. Friday, October 9, 1885 Keystone Courier Mrs. Eva Murray died of old age on Tuesday after our report. Her injury by the cow hastened her death. She was in the 78th year of her age. Her funeral sermon was preached by Rev. C.H. Tiemann of Connellsville. Friday, October 30, 1885 Keystone Courier Eva died on October 20, 1885. The Courier was a weekly newspaper, so it may appear that she died a week or so earlier. Eve may be buried in the Bigham Family Cemetery next to Samuel. Since a death certificate has not been located and the obituary does not include the information, her burial place has not been determined. At this writing, efforts are being made by her descendants to replace Samuel Murray's tombstone with a new one that will include a memorial inscription for Eva Murray. Sources: Fayette County Deed Books Fayette County Tax Lists History of Fayette County by Franklin Ellis Fayette County Will Book Fayette County Estate Book National Archives; Military Records Keystone Courier Federal Census Bigham Family Cemetery; site visit Somerset County Wills; #33 of 1828 Snyder Family Bible Records Sanner Church Records THE DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL AND EVA SNYDER MURRAY Samuel Murray was the son of Jacob and Catherine Murray. Eva was the daughter of DeWalt and Anna Clara (Clarissa) Snyder of Somerset County. They had these children: Josiah (Dec. 5, 1830-Oct. 12, 1912) married Elizabeth Prinkey Julianna (March 30,1833-Jan. 1,1905) married Jacob Prinkey Hiram (1835- Nov. 5, 1864) married Ann Johnson Margaret "Peggy Jane" (Sept. 30, 1843-@ 1911) married Fred Miller Levi (Sept. 1845- Jan. 21, 1907) married Mary Agnes Long Martha (Clarissa) (1850-1907) married Daniel Hensel Josiah S. Murray and Elizabeth Prinkey Josiah S. Murray, the son of Samuel and Eva Snyder Murray and the grandson of Jacob and Catherine Murray, was born on December 5, 1830 and died on October 5, 1912. He had blue eyes, dark hair, fair complexion and stood about 5'7. In later years, he sported a long white beard. He married Elizabeth Prinkey on December 24, 1850 in a ceremony conducted by Rev. W.W. Hickman. The couple had at least 15 children. He was a farmer by trade and at one time owned land in the Murray District. Josiah served in Co. K, 74th PA Regiment during the Civil War and was promoted to corporal in 1865. He received a pension. By the time he died, he was receiving $30 a month. He was buried on October 7, 1912 in the cemetery next to the Normalville United Methodist Church. (Formerly the United Brethren Church.) Josiah was active in the G.A.R. An item in the Normalville News, Jan. 4, 1895, lists these newly-elected officers for the Wm. T. Campbell Post #375 for the coming year: Commander, Geo. W. Brooks; Sr. Vice Commander, Andrew Johnston, Jr.; Vice Commander, Martin Minor; ….Quartermaster, Josiah S. Murray. Elizabeth Prinkey, born May 14, 1833, was the daughter of John and Eva Miller Prinkey. (Eva was the daughter of Jonathan Solomon and Elizabeth Miller.) Elizabeth Prinkey died May 12, 1905 and is buried in Pleasantview in Brownsville. Her brother, Jacob, married Josiah's sister, Julianna, and her brother John married Ann Mariah Murray, a cousin to Josiah and Julianna. Other Prinkey siblings include Elvina, who married Harrison Collins and moved to Iona, Oregon, Louise, who married Abraham Eicher, Silas, Jonas, Isaac, Abigail, Anna and Samuel. John and Elvina were still living in 1922. (The elder John Prinkey may have arrived Aug. 15, 1750 in Philadelphia on the ship, Royal Union.) Josiah and Elizabeth Prinkey Murray had these children: Jonas P. (Sept. 13, 1851-Aug. 18, 1932) married Martha Leichliter (1853-1912); in 1920, he lived with Isaac and Bessie Prinkey Aaron (Oct. 26, 1852-after 1920); living in Bullskin Twp. in 1920 (Census) Twin girls (June 25, 1854-July 1854) Silas P. (Sept. 16, 1855-June 11, 1882) Samuel P. (Oct. 21, 1857-1941) married Emma Snyder Phoebe Ann (May 12, 1860-1934) married John H. Nichelson Harrison S. (Aug. 13, 1862-Jan. 24, 1943) married Elizabeth ___ Sherman (June 3, 1866-Sept. 12, 1866) Eva Laura (Aug. 20, 1867- after 1943) married Davis/Vairs (might have also married a Mr. Baker and moved to Ohio.) Melissa Jane (March 20, 1870-March 3, 1873) Richard (July 18, 1872- ) William (Dec. 25, 1873- after 1943) married Maria Coughenour (Jan. 5, 1874-July 15, 1963) Noble (Oct. 19, 1875- ) Silas, Melissa and Sherman are buried at the Bigham Family Cemetery near Normalville. William's wife, Maria, is buried at Mt. Olive Cemetery. Julianna Murray and Jacob Prinkey Julia Anne (Julianna), the daughter of Samuel and Eva Snyder Murray and the granddaughter of Jacob and Catherine Murray, was born in 1833 and died in 1905. She married Jacob Prinkey. He was the son of John (1802-1869) and Eve Miller Prinkey (1806-1878). The couple moved to Wharton Twp. in 1851. Jacob was a farmer and also manufactured grain cradles. Jacob was the brother to Elizabeth Prinkey, Josiah's wife. Jacob Prinkey was born in 1827 and died on September 26, 1922. Both are buried in Bruceton Mills, WVA. Next to them, Samuel, Ella and Dora share a headstone. Dora M. Prinkey (1879-1937) is referred to as 'niece', but it is not clear as to whose niece she was. Jacob and Julianna Prinkey had these children: Catherine Prinkey (Jan. 20, 1852-after 1922) married William Henry Cupp Samuel Prinkey (Nov. 7, 1853- 1939) married Ella Ward (1853-1937) Edward Prinkey (April 3, 1865-after 1922) married Celestial Rishel (1871- ) Catherine and William Cupp had a daughter, Grace Ann, who was born on May 31, 1888. She married Cyrus Benson. Hiram Murray and Ann Johnson Hiram, the son of Samuel and Eva Snyder Murray and the grandson of Jacob and Catherine Murray, was born in 1835. He married Ann Johnson on October 15, 1860. They had two children, Mary Agnes and Samuel. He enlisted on Sept. 3, 1864 in the 6th PA Heavy Artillery, Battery "K" to fight in the Civil War. He died of typhoid fever on November 5, 1864 in Washington DC, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Ann drew a pension of $8 per month, starting in 1867, continuing until her death on July 20, 1910. (Pension #50625; Fayette County; first drawn in 1867). Her obituary stated that the Johnson family had raised the largest number of sons than any other family in the area. The name of one brother -Samuel K. Johnson - is known. Samuel, a Civil War veteran, died February 5, 1918 at age 79. Ann and Mary Agnes are listed on the 1900 and 1910 Springfield Census. A grandson, Wilbur, (b. 1885) is living with them. They lived next to Althea Murray Livingstone, who was widowed by this time. On the 1920 Census, Agnes and Wilber are still living together. From all indications, Wilber is Agnes' son. Other researchers show him marrying (Rev.) Cora Prinkey (Nov. 19, 1884-Nov. 1, 1958), who was the daughter of John H. and Mary J. Tedrow. Agnes died in 1943. Her will was probated in 1944 (V37 p247). She left everything to the Firestones 'who took care of her.' Apparently Wilber had died by this time. Ann and her daughter Mary Agnes are buried at Indian Creek Cemetery, near McFerrin Murray. Hiram and Anna Johnson Murray had these children: Mary Agnes (March 20, 1862-1943); never married Samuel (June 20, 1864- ); unknown Mrs. Ann Murray Dies Mrs. Ann Murray, widow of the late Hiram Murray, who was killed in the Civil war, died after a long and patient illness at her home north of the village Wednesday evening, July 20, 1910, age 73 years. She is survived by a daughter, Miss Agnes, at home, one brother, Samuel K. Johnson, of Mill Run, who is the only member left of the largest family of boys ever brought up in this community. (Samuel died Feb. 5, 1918.) The funeral was held on Friday afternoon following, at the (Indian Creek) Baptist Cemetery, and was largely attended by sympathizing friends. Rev. E.H. Baker, pastor of the United Brethren Church officiated. -Mill Run Advance July 29, 1910 Margaret "Peggy Jane" Murray and Fred Miller Margaret "Peggy Jane" Murray, the daughter of Samuel and Eva Snyder Murray and granddaughter of Jacob and Catherine Murray, was born on September 30, 1843 and died after October 1910. On October 1, 1865, she married Frederick Fox Miller. The marriage ceremony was performed by Jacob H. Miller. Fred, born Oct. 2, 1843, was the son of Abraham Hede and Catherine Fox Miller. His grandfather was Robert Miller, the original settler from this branch of the Miller family. Fred served for three months during the Civil War in the Illinois Volunteer Infantry, 143rd Regiment, Company B. The couple remained in Springfield Township and, in later years, moved to Connellsville. The Census shows them living on E. Fayette Street and they were members of the South Connellsville Evangelical Church. When Fred died on October 27, 1910, Margaret was listed as a survivor. Fred is buried in Hill Grove Cemetery. Margaret is most likely buried there, too, although her grave is not marked. Margaret Murray and Fred Miller had these children: Samuel M. Miller ( 1867-after 1910) George W.M. Miller (1863-after 1910) married Edith ___ (1874- ) Smith B. Miller (Oct. 1879-after 1910) married Christina Hawk Charles M. Miller (Mar. 7 1882-Jan. 1963); lived in Hazelwood in 1910 Eli Miller McFerrin Miller Mary Miller (1869- ) Dora Miller The last four children died in infancy. George and Samuel were brakemen on the railroad. George lived in Fayette City in 1910. He had four children according to the 1900 Census. Levi S. Murray and Mary Long Levi S. Murray was the son of Samuel and Eva Snyder Murray and the grandson of Jacob and Catherine Murray. He was born in September 1845 and died on January 21, 1907. A prominent farmer, he married Mary Agnes Long around 1863. Mary was born in 1846-1847. She died on January 15, 1903. The identity of her parents has not been determined. According to the 1850 Springfield Township Census, she is age 5 and living with Jeremiah and Sarah Nichelson. However, both her obituary and her headstone give her age as 56 when she died. She remained with them until she married Levi. Levi and Mary Agnes Long Murray had these children: Elijah (Dec. 26, 1864-April 27, 1943) married Sara Etta Leichliter & Addie Mills Mary Ella (1868-1958) married Joshua Bailey George W. L. (Nov. 20, 1870-June 5, 1929); never married Samuel L. (1863-1922-1929) married Susan Eicher Martha "Clarissa" Murray and Daniel Hensel Clarissa Murray, the daughter of Samuel and Eva Snyder Murray and the granddaughter of Jacob and Catherine Murray, was born in 1850 and died in 1907. She married Daniel Hensel, who was born in 1834 and died on March 20, 1915 at the home of his son, Emmanuel, who lived near Mill Run. Daniel worked as a carpenter. However, Daniel appears on the 1900 Census as living with his son Emmanuel and his occupation is listed as a farmer. Clarissa's mother, Eva Snyder Murray, lived with her when she became too old to live alone. Eva was living at the Hensel house at the time of her death. Eva's will indicates that most of her personal effects went to Clarissa. Daniel Hensel was the son of Emmanuel and Sussannah Hensel. His brothers were Jonathan, George and William (who married Elizabeth Seneff. His sister was named Ella. Clarissa Murray and Daniel Hensel had these children: Norman Hensel (1868-Dec. 1930) married Alice M. ___ (1871-1950) Elmer E. Hensel (1870- ) Samuel Hensel (1876-Jan. 18, 1880); age 4y, 9m, 7d Emmanuel Hensel (July 9, 1875-1946) married Sadie E. ___ (1877-1952) William Hensel (Aug. 31, 1882-January 1964) Samuel is buried by Samuel Murray at Bigham Family Cemetery. Norman and Emmanuel Hensel and their wives are buried at Indian Creek Cemetery. Norman and Alice Hensel have three children buried at Bigham Cemetery: Charles (Nov. 1895); Lillie (Feb. 1895) and Dewey (April 1887) Also buried at Bigham Cemetery are Charles Hensel (1893-1913) and Theodore Hensel (Jan. 8, 1905-May 13,1907). Theodore is the son of NN & MA Hensel. Sources: Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County by John Jordan and James Hadden. Federal Census Death Certificates Military Pension Files Fayette Deed Book 82, page 427 Fayette Deed Book, Vol. 29, page 541 Fayette Deed Book 274, page 137 Fayette County Marriage License Applications Obituaries Daily News Standard Indian Creek Cemetery Bigham Cemetery; site visit MURRAYS IN THE CIVIL WAR At least three grandsons of Jacob Murray served in the Civil War. Hiram and Josiah Murray were the sons of Samuel and Eva Snyder Murray. McFerrin Murray was the son of John and Elizabeth Morris Murray. Hiram was killed in the war. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He left a widow and two children. Josiah and McFerrin returned to Fayette County. Both drew pensions. The following information was obtained from the military and/or pension records through the national archives. Hiram Murray Hiram enlisted in September 1864 and served as a private in Co. K, 6th PA Heavy Artillery under the command of Col. Barnes. He contracted typhoid fever around October 10 at Ft. Ethan Allen and died on November 6, 1864 at Mt. Pleasant Hospital in Washington, DC. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His widow, Ann Johnson Murray, received a pension of $8 per month, plus $2 per month for each child under 16. (Cert. #50625) Samuel Murray and Susannah Murray witnessed Ann's claim for benefits. Her claim for increased benefits was witnessed by Mary Johnson and Clarissa Christner. Josiah Murray Josiah served in Co. K, 74th PA Regiment and was promoted to Corporal in 1865. He received a pension. By the time he died he was receiving $30 a month. In later years he sported a long white beard. He remained active in Fayette County veterans' affairs and was an officer in the local G.A.R., Wm. T. Campbell Post #375. He had blue eyes, fair complexion and dark hair. He stood about 5'7". He married Elizabeth Prinkey and fathered at least 15 children. He was buried October 7, 1912 in the Normalville Cemetery, adjacent to the United Methodist Church. McFerrin Murray McFerrin Murray enlisted on August 31, 1864 at age 21. He became part of the PA 204th Regiment on September 1, 1864 in Pittsburgh, serving in Co. 6, PA Heavy Artillery. He was promoted from private to corporal. Discharged June 13, 1865. Co.E 6th Regiment 112th PA Volunteers. He married Dorotha Johnson on March 15, 1866. He had dark hair, blue eyes, and fair complexion and stood 5'6". He applied for a pension on Oct. 1, 1921. In March 1923, his widow, Dorotha Johnson Murray, applied for a widow's pension #1063554 (which says 212th Regiment). At the time of her death, Dorotha's pension was $50 a month. McFerrin died of heart disease on March 27, 1923. On June 3, 1931, Savilla Slaughenwhite (Dorotha's sister) of Uniontown made an application for reimbursement for the last illness and burial of Dorotha Murray. (Cert. No. 935.584) Both buried at Indian Creek Baptist Cemetery. continued on murray02.txt