Alas, a Dead End

I think I may have to close the book on trying to find any more information on Anthony Murray. I had it all worked out how Anthony Murray fit into William Murray’s family tree, and then I came across these details:

There’s an Anthony Murray in Dorchester land records of 1737.  Of course, this wouldn’t be my Anthony born in 1747, but it could be a parent. But, there’s no mention of an Anthony Murray any place else in all the references I’ve scoured.  Dead end.

There’s an Anthony Murray living in Caroline County – right next to Dorchester.  And, as above, there’s no mention of this person in any other reference.  Dead end.

I thought there was a good possibility that Anthony was a product of a dalliance between Margaret Murray (William’s daughter) and neighboring William or son Abraham Lee, as several references showed Margaret marrying and having children when she was 37.  Could Anthony have been her love child when Margaret was about 22?  When I did more digging, this marriage and child was erroneous, as Dr. William’s will indicated she was married to a different man and had been since she was 17.  Dead end.

Of course, it’s possible no records exist for ordinary people living back in the 1700s, but unlikely.  Here is what I do believe – that Anthony Murray was most likely born out of wedlock and raised by a Murray family.  This is probably where the break exists in our Murray genetic connection to the Murrays of Scotland.

And that is that.  Maybe I’ll find something years from now that suddenly pops up.  I’m ok with that.  Time to move on to Indiana – to visit the James Murray house! Tomorrow is a down day to pick up a few things – dog food, coffee beans (have to find a roaster since the grocery store only carries ground coffee – so uncivilized!) and fill up my truck with fuel.

10/20/2024