New Berne in the Legislature, where, from his ability and purity of character, he wielded great influence. He continued to reside at New Berne in the practice of his profession until 1808, when he removed to Hillsboro', and purchased the residence of his friend, Judge Cameron, where he resided till his death. In 1814-15 and 1816-17 he represented Orange County in the Legislature, and in 1818 was elected one of the judges of the Superior Courts. He possessed those qualities which Lord Campbell has designated as essential to a good judge: "Patience in hearing, eveness of temper, and kindness of heart." He served eight years in this laborious and important position when he resigned; and in 1827-28 represented Hillsboro' in the House of Commons. He was again elected in 1836 to the Superior Court Bench, and in 1844 succeeded Judge Gaston as one of the justices of the Supreme Court. One the resignation of Judge Ruffin he was made Chief Justice. Here was a field where his extensive learning, his amenity of temper and his "even-handed justice" had full employment. He occupied this important post till his death, which occurred at Hillsboro' on 5th December, 1858.

        He married Mary Kallock, of Elizabethtown, New Jersey, and left a large family.

        Among them: I, Frederick; II, Henry K.; III, Shepperd; IV, Sally; V, Maria.

        For much of this sketch we are indebted to the Memoir of Judge Nash, by the late Hon. John H. Bryan. Uni. Mag., X., 257.

        Archibald Debow Murphey, (born 1777, died 3rd February, 1832,) son of Colonel Archibald Murphey, was born in Caswell County, near Milton. His early education was conducted by Rev. Dr. David Caldwell, and finished at the University, where he graduated in 1799, in the second class graduated at that institution. In this class were Francis Nash, William Benton, John Phifer and others. Such was his reputation as a scholar, that he was appointed to the chair of Ancient Languages in the University, which he filled acceptably for three years, when he resigned and studied law under William Duffy, then residing in Hillsboro. He rapidly advanced in his profession, at that period, adorned by the ability of such legal celebrities as Cameron, Norwood, Nash, Seawell, Yancey, Ruffin, Badger and others. Among these he held a high position, and which fully justified the remark of Pinkney that the Bar was not a place where false and fraudulent reputation for talents can be maintained. His practice for years was not exceeded by that of any lawyer in the State; and his success was equal to its extent. Particularly did he excel in the Equity branch of the profession and in the examination of witnesses. In 1818 he was elected one of the judges of the Superior Courts, and in this elevated position he well sustained his reputation for learning and ability which had been so well established at the Bar. He commanded the admiration of the profession and the people, by the courtesy, patience, dignity and justice of his rulings. After riding the circuit for two years he resigned, and returned to the less laborious and more germane practice of his profession. From 1812 to 1818 he was a Senator in the Legislature from Orange County In this new arena he was more conspicuous than he had been at the Bar, or on the Bench, and wielded a larger influence than any other member in the Councils of the State. In 1819 he published "A Memoir of Improvements Contemplated, and the Resources and Finances of the State," dedicated to Gov. Branch, which will rank with the efforts of a Clinton or a Calhoun, and which elicited from the North American Review, high commendations. With his mind absorbed in the gigantic schemes of internal improvements, at the same time he assiduously labored in his profession and literary pursuits. Judge Murphey conceived the purpose

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