James Murphy/Murfey (1685-1729) was born about 1685 in Kent County, Maryland. The identity of his parents is unknown but they came by sea to America. Perhaps they were English or Irish. He married the widow of Thomas Hynson. The activities in James’ life are not well documented and all that exists are records of his marriage, birth of his daughter, and the final appraisal of his estate.
The earliest known record is of James’ marriage. James Murfey married Margaret Harris Hynson on January 1, 1712 at Saint Paul’s Parish, Kent County, Maryland.
Her father was William Harris.
James Murphy and Margaret Hynson‘s known children:
| Child | Born | Married | Departed |
| Priscilla Murphy | 18 Jun 1714 | Stephen Bordley 22 Apr 1731 | 1742 |
Their daughter Priscilla Murphy married the son of Reverend Stephen Bordley of St. Paul’s Parish, Kent County, Maryland.
What is known of James and Margaret’s life is found in the inventory of their estates. The estate of Mr. James Murphey was valued at 15.183 KE £238.8.1 on July 22, 1729 and September 29, 1729. The Appraisers were E. Ringold and Vincent Hutchinson. Creditors were Simon Wilmer, Ja. Harris. His next of kin were identified as Thomas Hynson and Charles Hynson, presumably his brother-in-laws. His widow Margaret Murphey was his Administratrix and Executrix.
The inventory of Margret (Margaret) Murphey was estimated at 17.606 KE £167.7.4 in October 1, 1733 and February 7, 1733. The Appraisers were William Ringgold and Vincent Hatcheson. Creditors and next of kin were James Harris (uncle?), Charles Hynson (brother?), Patrick Clarke. Executors were Thomas Hynson and William Hynson.
Records exist for the estate of Margaret Murfey valued at 14.484 A KE £83.13.4 on November 12, 1737. The legatees were William Hynson (accountant). The issue was payments of their filial portions to Ann Hynson (daughter of Charles Hynson (deceased was executrix)) paid to her husband Edward Carwardin, Charles Hynson (son of Charles Hynson (deceased was executrix)), William Hynson (son of Charles Hynson (deceased was executrix)). Executors were Thomas Hynson, William Hynson.
It is assumed that William and Margaret are buried within the grounds of St. Paul’s Parish.
Resources
Margaret Harris Early Colonial Settlers
James Murphy Early Colonial Settlers
Colonial Families of of the Eastern Shore, Vol. 2
Barnes, Robert, Maryland Marriages 1634-1777 cites 3KE-302
MARYLAND CALENDAR OF WILLS: Volume 3
I believe you are in error about the James Murfey, Margaret Hynson marriage. I believe Margaret Hynson, 1697- married Samuel Groome in 1718; that Margaret Harris Hynson married James Murfey/Murphy 7 months after the death of Charles Hynson, her first husband. If she is the mother of Priscilla Murphy, she would have been about 45. I have seen a birth year for Margaret Harris anywhere from 1650-1669.
Thank you for your corrections. Any information on the mother of Priscilla Murphy is much appreciated.