Papers (1820-1901) including correspondence, deed of gift, last will and testaments, commission to talk, bills, receipts, poems, etc.
The correspondence (1836-1847) within this collection reflects in part the separation of segments of the Murphey family from their home in Franklin County, North Carolina. Friends and relatives had relocated themselves in Alabama (Decatur, Morgan City, and Madison) and several letters reflect the opportunities to be found there. The letters promote Alabama as a place of peace and plenty, with rich and fertile land. Also described is the financial situation, including the prices of cotton and corn, as well as their health and welfare, and other general topics of conversation. One aside from the major topics is the report (1847) of the victories of Generals Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott in Mexico and of Santa Anna's daring escape from imminent capture.
Deeds of gift transferring black enslaved people in 1822 from their previous enslaver Polly Perry, a member of the Murphy family, to their new enslavers, various relatives. Also included is a last will and testament of Hartsfield Perry, a "commission to talk" or summons for Williamson Murphey, and bills and receipts reflecting the cost of various items and services (1820-1901). Miscellaneous items include a poem entitled "How Shall I Know," an apparent exercise in writing, and several unidentified receipts.
Gift of Mr. Russel Melvin Inscoe
Processed by T. Coker, January 1972
Encoded by Apex Data Services
Descriptions updated by Ashlyn Racine, May 2023
Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.