His death certificate records William J. Pelfrey, age 76 years 10 months, born April 1836 in Ky, died 24 Feb 1913 in Elk Fork, Morgan Co., Ky, farmer, married, father John Pelfrey, mother’s maiden name Catherine Ferguson, both born in Ky, cause of death gastritis, informant J. P. Ferguson, Elamton, burial at R. F. Pelfrey’s.

The birthdate is probably early by several years; he was recorded in the 1850 census as age 11, and as younger than his brother Amos Davis, who was listed as 14 that year.

Listed as 11 in 1850 and 24 in 1860.

Morgan Co. marriage records list the marriage of William J. Pelphrey and Hannah McClain on 19 Nov 1856 by John Williams at the home of Buvley McClain, witnesses Richard Pelphrey and Jilson L. Day.

1860 census of Rowan Co., Ky, records as family #140:
W. J. Pelfrey, 24; Hannah, 21; Nancy J., 2. All born in Kentucky.

1870 census of Morgan Co., Ky, River precinct, enumerated 6 July, lists on p. 4 as family #23:
Pelfrey, William J., 34, farmer; Hannah, 30; Nancy, 12; Elizabeth, 8; Catherine, 7; William R., 2. All born in Ky.

1880 census of Morgan Co., Ky, River precinct, enumerated 7 June, lists on p. 8 as family #71:
Pelfrey, W. J., 44, farmer; Hannah, 42, wife; Sarah E., 17, dau; Catherine, 16, dau; Robert, 12, son; Nora, 2/12, b. April, dau. All born Ky Ky Ky.

1900 census of Morgan Co., Ky, lists with the family of Wiliam R. Pelfrey:
William J., father, 64, b. Apr 1836, farm labor; Hannah, mother, 62, b. Dec 1837, married 44 years, mother of 5 children, 4 living. Both born Ky Ky Ky.

1910 census of Morgan Co., Ky, Elk Fork precinct, enumerated 29 April, lists on p. 3A as family #38/39:
Pelfrey, William J., 73; Hannah, wife, 72, married 57 years, mother of 5 children, 4 living. Both born Ky Ky Ky.