Thomas Murphy son of William McMurchy was born c. 1744 in Campbeltown, Kintyre, Argyll, Scotland.¹

The family of Thomas Murphy moved from Campbeltown, Kintyre, Argyll, Scotland to Cape Fear, North Carolina in 1769. on the ship Edinburgh.

Thomas married Margaret Porter daughter of Robert Porter and Isobel Watson bef 1770 in Argyllshire, Scotland.¹

• A search of Argyll court records had only one reference to a Thomas McMurphy, a cooper, cited as a witness in a court case for 1770. He was not called to give evidence.

• A John McMurchie is referenced in the court records as a son of William McMurchy a piper in Campbeltown,mentioned in 1769. List of intending passengers on the ship 'Edinburgh' voyage from Campbeltown, Scotland to Cape Fear, NC in1770 : Thomas McMurchy and wife, John McMurchy. A John Murphy was on the tax list for Cumberland Co NC in 1767. Was this the same John Murphy? John could have come over earlier, go back to Scotland and then come back with his brother and his wife.

• Aug 10 1775, Duncan Phillips (Filips) planter to Thomas Murphy, cooper, both of Cumberland, for 30L NC, 42 3/4 ac on east side of Cape Fear River between Evans Creek and Locks Creek on Locks Creek swamp. Wit: Neven Calbreath, Daniel McFail. Apr 29 1783,

• Duncan PHillips, planter, and wife Mary (signed Mary McIntire), to Thomas Murphey, planter, all of Cumberland for 61.19.0L, 2 tracts totaling 157 1/2 ac. 1-77 1/4 a on Evans Creek, a branch of Locks Creek, about 70yds above the bridge to the head of Black Branch adj to field that Widow Phillips holds, patent to James PHillips 1755. 2- 80 a adj first tract on Evans Creek, patent to Dunkin Phillips, his son, Jul 22 1774. Wit: Nevan Colbreath, Neill Taylor.

• Oct 19 1784, Malcom Blue, planter, to Thomas Murphy, both of Fayette Co (Cumberland) for 1.9.6.9NC, 70a on east side of Cape Fear River on both sides of Upper Locks Creek, incl. the bridge on both sides of Campbell's line, crossing the creek, patent to Malcom Blue Feb 1775. Wit: John Blue, Malcom Munn Jan 1785, Thos Murphy witnessed purchase of land by John Blue.

Thomas Murphy was the Head of Household in the census in 1790 in Cumberland Co, NC. Thomas Murphy: males 2<16, 2 >16; females 4; slaves 5.²

Thomas Murphy was the Head of Household in the census in 1800 in Cumberland, Cumberland Co, North Carolina. Thomas Murphy: males 2 10-15, 2 16-25, 1 25-44, 1>45; females 2 16-25, 1 >45; 12 slaves.³

Thomas Murphy was the Head of Household in the census in 1810 in Capt James Culbreath's Dist, Cumberland Co, NC. Thomas Murphy: males 1<10, 1 25-44; females 1 15-25; 1 slave. Too young to be thr same Thomas.⁴

Thomas Murphy was the Head of Household in the census in 1820 in Capt Cowlet's District, Cumberland Co, North Carolina. Thos Murphy: males 2<10, 1 25-44, 1>45; females 1<10, 1 25-44, 1 >45; slaves 23.³

His wife, Margaret Porter, died in Feb, 1827 in Cumberland Co, NC at 84 years of age.

Thomas Murphy was the Head of Household in the census in 1830 in Flea Hill, Cumberland Co, North Carolina. Thomas Murphey: males 1 5-9, 1 15-19, 1 80-89; females 1 10-14, 1 40-49; 3 free colored persons; 21 slaves.⁵

Thomas died on Jun 26, 1832 in Cumberland Co, NC. Died,in this county, on the 18th inst. Mr. Thomas Murphy, a native of Scotland, age 88 years, for 65 of which he had been an Elder of the Presbyterien Church. Carolina Observer issue June 26, 1832.¹

Margaret Porter was the daughter of Robert Porter ( - ) and Isobel Watson ( - ). She and Thomas Murphy had the following children: