Two things recently piqued my interest in my Turner line again. One, the mention of my Great Grandmother, Penny Wayne Turner Davis in my Mother's Day Post, and second, the discovery of the George Turner cemetery.
Recently, during three beautiful spring days, a few distant Davis relatives from out of town, and myself, went exploring the countryside and the few traces of the old Winfield and Davis lands. One thing we attempted during this trek was the discovery of the old John Lee Cemetery, where our common ancestor, Henry Davis, is buried.
I recently blogged about John Lee, the discovery of a mention in an old cemetery book about the location of his family cemetery, where Henry was buried, and his descendants. I then attempted to locate the cemetery, but did not locate it, as I didn't want to trek through unknown woods alone.
Following the directions of a local octogenarian, whose name I thought was Ellison Parker,but instead,( from talking to some living Turner descendants who still live on Turner lands next to "Big Branch", formerly known at Arnett's Branch), I learned was instead called Eddison Martin. Bad ears, my bad.
We found the sight of the old Efird Mill, which was sold to J. E. Efrid by Eliza Ann Morris Turner in 1879. The mill had previously been operated by James M. Davis and his brother Marriott Freeman Davis, a son-in-law of George Turner.
Mr. Martin had remembered a few of the old cemetery locations, as he had plowed the fields near them for years. While looking for the John Lee cemetery, we actually came acorss the George Turner Cemetery. There we discovered the graves of the Turner family, along with Elizabeth Davis Turner and her toddler daughter, Rebeth Davis, who died about 8 months after her mother.
I thought my Turner line was done, well, as far as could be determined, with the father of George Turner, James Melchor "Jaspar" Turner, down to George Turner, George Washington Turner, William Alexander Turner, then to my Great Grandmother, Penny. I thought her to be a niece of Elizabeth Turner, who married M. F. Davis, the Great Uncle of her husband, William Hampton Davis. But, after seeing his grave in person, I wanted to know a little more about George Turner, the man himself.
George Turner was born about 1794. Somewhere in the early 1820's, probably 1822 or 1823, he married Nancy Broadaway, or Broadway. Some show her as "Beadia Nancy Broadway", so her name may have been Nancy Obedience or Obedience Nancy.
He first appears in the census records of Anson County in 1830.
| Name: | George Turner |
|---|---|
| Home in 1830 (City, County, State): | Anson, North Carolina |
| Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: | 2 |
| Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39: | 1 |
| Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: | 1 |
| Slaves - Males - Under 10: | 1 |
| Slaves - Females - Under 10: | 1 |
| Slaves - Females - 10 thru 23: | 1 |
| Free White Persons - Under 20: | 2 |
| Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: | 2 |
| Total Free White Persons: | 4 |
| Total Slaves: | 3 |
| Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): | 7 |
He is shown with a young family, as a man in his thirties, with a wife in her 20's and two small boys under 5. He must have had a good-sized farm by then and had three slaves to help work it.
By 1840, it's easy to tell that George Turner has prospered, perhaps by way of inheritance, as his property has swelled and the number of slaves he has has grown to 31, 7 of them being children. It's oddly noted, however, that only 18 people were engaged in agriculture. It's evident that some he had taken on, not for the purpose of farming. Another unusual notation is under the heading "Colored persons- Insane and Idiots at Public Charge", where there was one. This person was possibly the 55 thru 99 year old female mentioned through the list. She may have had dementia.
George has 3 young children living with him now. The ages may be wrong, or his first two sons may have died, as they are all listed as being under 5 years old.
| Name: | George Turner | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age: | 53 | ||||||||||
| Birth Year: | abt 1797 | ||||||||||
| Birthplace: | North Carolina | ||||||||||
| Home in 1850: | Burnsville, Anson, North Carolina, USA | ||||||||||
| Gender: | Male | ||||||||||
| Family Number: | 743 | ||||||||||
| Household Members: |
|
By 1850, his youngest son, John, has joined the family and his only daughter, Elizabeth, is 13. Living right next to him is his son Wilson (Wilson Pinkney Turner) age 25, and his young family and right next to them, my ancestor Stark Ramsey and several other memberts of the Ramsey family. Also nearby is James Broadaway, probably a brother-in-law. I have, or thought I had, 3 Broadaway lines. It could now be 2. Could the Ramsey's and Turners be tied in together someway, or was it just a coincidence that they were neighbors?
In the land records, it's made clear that George Turner was the son of James Melchor "Jaspar" Turner and that Martin, Green, Ausburn, Mary and Delilah, were his siblings.
The Will of Jaspar Turner is located in Anson County, Will Book A, Page 149
In the Name of God, Amen. I, Jaspar Turner , of the county of Anson and the State of North Carolina, being in sound mind and memory, do make this to be my last will and testament. In the first place, I want all of my just debts paid and those due me collected. 1st, I give and bequeath unto my wife Lucy, a negro man by the name of Tom, her lifetime, and then to my three daughters, to wit, Dilly, Elizabeth and Polly Turner. Also I want, at the death of my wife, Lucy Turner, the said tract of land that I have willed to her, to be equally divided among all my legatees. Also I give to my wife all my stock of every description, but if she and the family thinks proper, to sell part of them, then they can do so. Also, my wagon and cart and plantation tools to my said wife Lucy. Also, I wish at my death, I want some of my neighbors to value those things last named, and make a division of them among my children without a sale. But if the said Lucy Turner marries, I want for her to have an equal part with my children and no more. Now, this stock that I have mentioned about to be sold, and the money arising from this sale of stock than is necessary to educate my son Martin, I want the rest to be divided among the rest of my children. Also I give and bequeath unto my son Green Turner, a certain tract of land adjoining Jepthah Woodard and William Hatcher containing two hundred acres more or less. In the next place, I give unto my son Ausborn Turner, a certain tract of land that I purchased of John and Mathew Seagle adjoining Frederick Staton and John Allen, containing two hundred and fifty acres more or less, lying on the waters of Cribbs Creek. Also, I give unto my son Martin Turner, a certain parcel or tract of land lying on the waters of Arnetts branch, containing one hundred and nintety-nine acres. Also, another tratct of land bought of Joseph Medley, goes by the name of the Harrison place, containing one hundred acres more or less. Also a small entry that I have made adjoining John Allen, Frederick Staton and myself, which I wish to be saved with money out of my estate and for the land to belong to my son Martin, containing 8 acres. As for my household and kitchen furniture, I want for it to stay as is, but if one or more of the family wishes or needs part of the furniture for the family, to give of what they think is their equal part, and I hereby make George Turner and Austin Turner to be my Executors of this my last will and testament. January 13th, 1828
Jaspar (X) Turner
Test: William Brantley
R. N. Allen
Recorded April Session 1828
The Will of Jaspar Turner tells me his wife was named Lucy and that Jaspar Turner was pretty well situated for his time and era. He wasn't extremely wealthy, but he neigther was he poor. He was comfortable. He had 7 children: Sons, George, Ausborn, Martin and Greene and daughters, Dilly (Delilah), Polly (Mary) and Elizabeth.
| Location of Marshall County, MS |
Elizabeth Turner married David Allen in 1828, right after her father passed away. It seems a great many weddings were more about property than love back then and she had just became heiress to a portion of her father's estate.
David Allen was a widower with children, about 15 years her senior and it was a good deal and a good deal more for him. Elizabeth's age of 45 in the 1850 census, gives her a birth year of about 1805, meaning she was 23 the year of her father's passing, the same year of her marriage to David Allen, who, with a birth year of 1785, would have made him about 43 in 1828.
David and Elizabeth Turner Allen, in 1840, sold this tract of land to her brother, Ausborn Turner for $40, totalling 116 acres.
"a parcel of land willed by Jaspar Turner to his wife Lucy Turner being our share of the land of our mother, Lucy Turner on Cribbs Creek adjoining John Allen, Robert N. Allen and others"
Witnesses were H. M. Broadaway and Martin Turner. David and Elizabeth then moved to Marhall County, Mississippi. At least one of his older sons did as well. David and Elizabeth seem to have had 3 daughters together. I have not delved deeply into their family. But this is how they appeared in the 1850 census for Marshall County. If they moved there in 1840, they would have been there for about 10 years.
| Name: | Elizabeth Allen | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age: | 45 | ||||||||||||
| Birth Year: | abt 1805 | ||||||||||||
| Birthplace: | North Carolina | ||||||||||||
| Home in 1850: | Northern Division, Marshall, Mississippi, USA | ||||||||||||
| Gender: | Female | ||||||||||||
| Family Number: | 1091 | ||||||||||||
| Household Members: |
|
Their stay in Marshall was not very long after this. I found the below information on Find-A-Grave for David Allen:
This is a memorial for David Allen, for whom we have tantalizing bits and pieces but not enough to satisfy our curiosity.
There is evidence that David Allen existed, as a son of Nelly Jarrott (unk-1845) and Drury Allen (1750-1823, and father of Clement Allen (1823-1892), husband of Winnie Davis (1825-1900).
He was born about 1790 in North Carolina or Virginia. At some point, a lot of the Allen family moved to Anson County, NC. Many are buried in the Rocky Mount Baptist Church Cemetery or the Drury Allen Cemetery.
His first wife, Mary Polly Parker, was a bit older. She was born about 1776 and died before 1840. A female of that age is not on the 1840 census but is on the 1830 census.
David's second wife was Elizabeth Turner. No known children they might’ve had together.
Elizabeth’s father/brother bought land from David and her just before they moved to MS in 1846.
David died young in or just after 1857, the year Elizabeth returned home to NC.
Burial details are unknown for David Allen and his wives, Mary Polly Parker and Elizabeth Turner. There is a stone in the Drury Allen Cemetery for Mary P. Some believe this is Mary Parker Allen. There is another grave next to her's. It may be that David was brought back from MS and buried there as well.
David and his brother, John (1788-1857), husband of Mary "Polly" Allen (1789-unk), would have been too young to fight in the civil war.
A child of David and Mary, Claiborne and his family, remained in MS.
There is a death record in Arkansas for their youngest child, Christopher Columbus Allen, who died in 1915. He never married.
David Allen may have been a cotton merchant. I have no proof that the David Allen mentioned below is the same one, but it's very possible as he came from a prominent cotton region.
Semi-Weekly Mississippian
Jackson, Mississippi06 Apr 1860, Fri • Page 4
The below was on ancestry.com, proof of pubilcation in 'The People's Press'of DeSoto County, Mississippi of the division of land of David Allen, amongst his heirs, and giving notice to those of his older children whom remained in North Carolina or elsewhere. As it is highly doubted any of them subscribed to the Mississippi papers, they were just out of luck. The same happened with children who migrated south and east from here in North Carolina when their parents died. It was advertised for several weeks, then if there was no response by mail, telegraph or in person, the heir did not recieve a share of the estate. Listed were James Allen, Richard Allen, Rebecca Ingram, Clement Allen and Ellison Allen.
Lucy Seagraves Turner was still alive in 1840. She appears as Head of Household in the census. The two younger females in the census would have been Delilah "Dilly" and Mary "Polly" Turner. There were two Lucy's married to Turners, but Lucy Marshall, widow of a James Turner who died in 1812, remarried to a Waddill and was no longer a Turner, so this had to be Lucy, the widow of Jaspar.
| Name: | Lucy Turner |
|---|---|
| Home in 1840 (City, County, State): | Anson, North Carolina |
| Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39: | 2 |
| Free White Persons - Females - 60 thru 69: | 1 |
| Slaves - Males - Under 10: | 2 |
| Slaves - Males - 24 thru 35: | 1 |
| Slaves - Males - 36 thru 54: | 1 |
| Slaves - Females - Under 10: | 1 |
| Slaves - Females - 10 thru 23: | 1 |
| Persons Employed in Agriculture: | 3 |
| No. White Persons over 20 Who Cannot Read and Write: | 3 |
| Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: | 2 |
| Total Free White Persons: | 3 |
| Total Slaves: | 6 |
| Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: | 9 |
Green Turner is shown in two deeds, both after this father's decease. In one 1830 involving a sale of 200 acres on Cribs Creek, bordering the Rocky River to William Hatcher.
The second deed is from Green Turner of Henderson County, Tennesee to Mark High of HenryCounty, Tennesee, for $45, 75 acres on Richardson's Creek in Anson County, NC. It was part of a grant from Asa Bawcomb to Green Turner. The Highs were also an Anson County family.
Green must have been one of the younger children of Jaspar Turner. He never appeared in a census as head of household. He was not involved in a land transaction until 1830. He's the only one of Jaspar and Lucy's children that I can't find an exact birth year for. Based on the 1850 census and Mortality Schedules, the birth order of the other children are:
George 1794: George is the only one who is HOH in 1830 with a wife and 2 boys under 5.
Delilah 1795
Mary 1797
Elizabeth 1805
Ausborn 1808
Martin 1819
In 1830, George is on his own and Elizabeth has married David Allen. Lucy's family appears as:
| Name: | Lucy Turner |
|---|---|
| Home in 1830 (City, County, State): | Anson , North Carolina |
| Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: | 1 Martin |
| Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: | 2 Ausborn and Green |
| Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: | 2 Dillie and Polly |
| Free White Persons - Females - 60 thru 69: | 1 Lucy b about 1768 |
| Slaves - Males - 24 thru 35: | 1 |
| Free White Persons - Under 20: | 1 |
| Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: | 4 |
| Total Free White Persons: | 6 |
| Total Slaves: | 1 |
| Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): | 7 |
Martin was obviously the baby of the family, not yet having entered his formal eductation by the date of his father's will. The 1850 Mortality schedule has him at 30 in 1850. That puts Green and Ausborn between 20 and 29 in 1830 or 1801 to 1810 in birth years.
Green married Piety Duck, at a very young age, who was also from Anson County, NC. He appears to have migrated with her family to Henderson County, Tennesse between 1830 and 1832. He did not live long in Tennesee, but did leave one son, Martin Woodward Turner. His descendants seemed to keep in touch, or later find, their Anson County roots. There's a bit of information on the web about these Turners, who turned into some of the hardy mountain people of Tennesee.
 |
| Martin Woodward Turner, son of Green Turner and Piety Duck Turner |
The below link tells of the Diamond Wedding Anniversary of Jonathan Sampson Turner and wife, Mary Frances Austin. "Samp" was a grandson of Green Turner, and the article gives a bit of history on the family, the lifestyles and the habits, of these people. Many originated in Anson or surrounding counties in North Carolina.
Diamond Anniversary of J. S. and M. F. Turner
Most interestingly, it tells of how Green Turner came to live in Henderson County, Tennesee.
Jonathan Sampson Turner was born in a rural settlement, known as "Lick Skillet," located in Decatur County, Tennessee, some three miles South-east of Scotts Hill, on December 3, 1857. His parents were Martin W. and Rena (Woodward) Turner. The former was born near the same place in 1830, the son of Green Turner, a pioneer from the state of North Carolina, who had spent nearly three months on the road coming in an ox cart. His mother was born in 1832, not far away. Both parents are buried in the "Fellowship" cemetery, two miles South of Scotts Hill in Henderson County, the father having died in April, 1883; the mother, in September, 1913.
This next link is a listing of the internments of Fellowship Cemetery near Scotts Hill in Henderson County, Tennesee. This is where Green Turner settled and his descendants made a home. Among the list is his wife, Piety Duck Turner, their son, Martin Woodward Turner, and great many of the Duck family, including her parents.
Fellowship Cemetery, Henderson County, Tennesee
Martin Turner was the youngest child. Born about 1819 or 1820, he would have still been a child when his father was dying and writing his will in 1828, and Jaspar was therefore concerned for his future education.
Martin married neighbor, Elizabeth "Betsy" Broadaway, daughter of neighbor Robin Broadway and his wife, Sarah, around 1840-1843. The young couple were close in age and had two daughters, Laura Isabell Turner, in 1845 and Sarah Webster Turner, in 1848.
| Name: | Martin Turner |
|---|---|
| Gender: | Male |
| Estimated birth year: | abt 1819 |
| Birth Place: | North Carolina, USA |
| Age: | 30 |
| Death Date: | Sep 1849 |
| Cause of Death: | Sore Throat |
| Census Year: | 1850 |
| Census Place: | Anson, North Carolina, USA |
| Line: | 31 |
Martin died of a "Sore Throat" in 1850, before the census takers got around, and was duly noted in the mortality schedules. A sore throat, of course, would not be considered lethal in modern times, which indicates he probably had something far more serious, like scarlett fever, or a strep infection that caused sepsis.
| Name: | Betsey Turner |
|---|---|
| Age: | 27 |
| Birth Year: | abt 1823 |
| Birthplace: | North Carolina |
| Home in 1850: | Burnsville, Anson, North Carolina, USA |
| Gender: | Female |
| Family Number: | 705 |
| Household Members: |
Betsy and her two young daughters are seen living with her parents in 1850. They will remain with her family most of their lives.
The Messenger and Intelligencer
Wadesboro, North Carolina25 Apr 1910, Mon • Page 3
The youngest daughter, Sarah, never married. She passed away in 1910 at the age of 62. In a column in The Messenger and Intelligencer of Wadesboro, NC, in a column called "News of old Burnsville", it's reported that she is sick.
The Messenger and Intelligencer
Wadesboro, North Carolina06 Jun 1910, Mon • Page 3
Two months later, it was reported she had died, still living with her Broadway relatives. This incorrectly refers to her as "Mrs.", but she was a "Miss". She was buried at Rocky Mount Church cemetery, interred on that high hill overlooking the little valley where Richardson Creek runs into the Rocky River, not a great distance from the George Turner cemetery or Arnett's Branch, which defined this group of Turners.
The Ansonian
Wadesboro, North Carolina18 Feb 1908, Tue • Page 3
Older sister, Laura Isabell Turner, did marry, but not until 1895, when she was 50 years old, to James Columbus Braswell. Her husband was a widower, who still had young children at the time, so for the last years of her life, she helped rear them. Laura was also buried at Rocky Mount Church.
 |
| Ennis Staton |
Martin Turners widow eventually remarried, but also, not in her childbearing years. In 1882, she became the third wife of Ennis Staton, son of Frederick Staton and brother of Rev. Uriah Staton.
The Anson Times
Wadesboro, North Carolina16 Mar 1882, Thu • Page 3
The blushing bride was 61 and the groom, 82. Needless to say, there were no children born of this union. Ennis died 3 years after the wedding, but Betsy lived another 24 years. Betsy died on September 12, 1906. She was also buried at Rocky Mount.
The Messenger and Intelligencer
Wadesboro, North Carolina27 Sep 1906, Thu • Page 1
So therefore, Martin has no living descendants.
Ausburn, Delilah and Mary Turner never married. In 1850, the three siblings are living together in the Burnsville District near a number of Lee's. With them is a 20 year old Andrew Hooks, farm laborer. Being a Hooks descendant as well, I'm very interested to know what the connection between the Hooks and Turner families were, and where Andrew Hooks may or may not fit into my Hooks family. Green Turner's only son, Martin Woodward Turner, had a descendant with the middle name of Hooks, so that has me wondering if there is a Hooks somewhere up the Turner Tree.
Name:Ausburn Turner
Age:42
Birth Year:abt 180
8Birthplace:North Carolina
Home in 1850:Burnsville, Anson, North Carolina, USA
Gender:Male
Family Number:696
Household Members:
| Name | Age |
|---|---|
| Ausburn Turner | 42 |
| Delila Turner | 55 |
| Mary Turner | 52 |
| Andrew Hooks | 20 |
Ausburn Turner's will lists his initials as "J. A. Turner", but I've only seen his name as the several spellings of Osborne, Ausburn, Ausborn, and even 'Austin'. The J may have stood for James, after his father. Descendants of Green has his middle name as Drury, and George, whose middle initial was "L", as "Lilly". I'm sure someone who has worked on this line longer and deeper than I have discovered their middle names on something, at some point.
Ausburn Turner was an obviously well-educated man. He served in several local county offices, was a Justice of the Peace and is seen witnessing numerous documents. Ausburn seems to be the one of the 4 Turner brothers who deemed himself caretaker of his maiden sisters, and remained single. He certainly had money and property, well set to offer a bride home, hearth and security. Many married with less. He must have been a catch.
In the 1830's and 1840's, Ausburn flipped alot of property, all over the county. In 1831 he bought 100 acres on Crib's Creek from Robert M Lanier, that bordered Thomas Preslar and Arthur Davis. The same year, he sold 150 acres on Cribbs Creek to Frederick Staton, father of Rev. Uriah Staton, with Uriah as a witness.
In 1835 he sold 262 acres on Crib's Creek to Joseph Smith, who immediately, in the very next deed (Book Z Page 236 and 237) conveyed the same property to his wife Sarah.
In 1836 Ausburn bought the inheritance tract from their father, Jaspar, from his brother Martin on Arnett's Branch. He bought another tract on Arnett's branch from John Brooks, witnessed by Alex Brooks. In Book 10, Page 422 he bought more property from Headly Thomas on Arnetts Branch that bordered Jaspar Turner's corner, which must have been Lucy's share, or dower.
In 1845, he bought a tract of land on Richardson's Creek from Allen Tye that bordered Walter F. Burns property, and was witnessed by Martin Turner. The same year he bought a tract of land from his brother-in-law, David Allen and his siter Elizabeth Turner Allen, on Cribs Creek. This must have been the year they moved to Marshall County, MS.
Also in 1845, he bought a tract on Lane's Creek that bordered the Camden Road and Mary Tye's land, from Ransom R. Bryant. In 1846, he bought 100 acres on the Rocky River from H. R. Pritchard and Malachi Harwood (an ancestor of many Stanly County Harwoods), witnessed by brother George Turner.
In 1849, Ausburn bought a tract of land on Arnetts Branch from Robert Ramsey, a brother of my ancestor Samuel Ramsey, both sons of Starkey Ramsey that bordered James Brooks. This must have been before Robert moved to Union County and settled in New Salem.
Early in 1851, Ausburn passed away. His will was written on September 24, 1849, with Ausburn leaving everything to sisters Delilah (spelled Delia in the will) and Mary. It was probated in April of 1851. George Turner was named administrator.
In June of 1851, George sold the tract that bordered Walther F. Burns and William and Sheby Baucom to Joshua Allen. Thomas H. Threadgill was a witness. He also sold a tract on Arnetts Branch that bordered the properties of Jason Jones, Hinson, and another of my ancestors, Julius Hill, to William Lee 'R R', which I take to designate this William Lee as the renouned "Rocky River Bill" Lee as opposed to "Wagon Wheel Bill" Lee and "Turkey Leg Bill" Lee and any of the other Bill Lees that popped up.
The last sale of Ausburn's property was to Wilson P. Turner, George's son, a tract on Arnett's branch that crossed a panther's path and had been transferred at some point by James Broadaway, Esquire to Allen Carpenter, known as the Baucom tract and bordered Nancy Moses's land. Witnessed by Thomas H. Broadaway.
 |
| Jaspar Melchor Turner Monument in the 1960's |
"for natural love and affection that Delia and Mary have for George and for care and trouble of supporting Delia and Mary for their lives which this deed imposes on George and for $10 sold in their trust their interest...a) .200 acres on Arnetts Branch, begins at John Broadaway's now Turner's corner post oak; b) 200 acrs on waters of Crib's Creek; begins at Jaspar Turner's corner post oak and joins Samuel Smith. b) 100 acres on waters of Cribs Creek; begins at a post oak, crosses Arnett's Branch & crosses a spring branch; d) Negros: Tom, Britt, Giles, Wade "or" Hamp, & Adeline'& e) all their household & kitchen furniture, horses, cows, hogs & their interest under will of their late brother Ausburn Turner; George to manage the land & personal property and receive rent for hire and provide comfortable support and maintenance of Delia & Mary for their natural lives as they are in the habit of living; any surplus goes to paying maintenance of Delia & Mary to be retained by George as annual compensation to him; after death of Delia and Mary, George gets to keep the premises. Signed Deilila Turner & Mary Turner
Witnesses: E. W. Davis (Edward Winfield Davis of Stanly County, son of Job Davis)
Jos M Broadaway
Witness oath July 1851 by E. W. Davis; Book 13 Page 469
On June 10, 1851, another deed followed.
"Delila Turner & Mary Turner to George Turner for $600 sold 3 tracts: 100 acres border begins at post oak, crosses Arnetts branch, crosses spring branch b) 200 acres on Arnetts branch c) 200 acres at John Broadaways and joins Samuel Smith. Signed Delila Turner and Mary Turner, Witnessed by E. W. Davis and J. M. Broadaway
| Name: | Delia Turner | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age: | 66 | ||||||
| Birth Year: | abt 1794 | ||||||
| Gender: | Female | ||||||
| Birth Place: | North Carolina | ||||||
| Home in 1860: | Burnsville, Anson, North Carolina | ||||||
| Post Office: | Ansonville | ||||||
| Dwelling Number: | 65 | ||||||
| Family Number: | 65 | ||||||
| Occupation: | Proprietor of Farm | ||||||
| Real Estate Value: | 1000 | ||||||
| Personal Estate Value: | 2800 | ||||||
| Household Members: |
|
In 1860, the two sisters are living alone together, right next to George Turner, their brother and his household. On the other side is a James Jackson, with George's youngest son, John, living with him. Oddly James Jackson, the head of that household is black, in 1860, a free man of color, and John Turner, 17, is shown as having been born in Virginia. George's house is full of young ladies boarding, (they may have been attending the reknowned School for Girls in nearby Ansonville) and Dilly (alternately Delia or Delila) is the Proprietor of a farm with personal property valued at $2800 and real estate at $1000. In comparison, George's real estate is valued at $3300 and his personal property at $15,000. James Jackson and John Turner, despite living in a separate house, #66, with the sisters in # 65 and George in # 64, appear to be working for the Turner Sisters.
Shortly after, the Civil War would break out. By 1864, the country had been at war with itself for two years and the County of Anson, and it's people, were in great suffering. Farms were being abandoned, northern and southern armies alike were taking and comendeering supplies, horses and valuables. The only difference being the Norther armies were burning properties and homes to the ground. It was a horrific time to live in.
Delila Turner was the oldest sister, if not the oldest child. She was born in 1794 or 1795. She and George were very close in age. She wrote her will on January 7, 1858. It was proven in July of 1864. Delila Turner was about 70 years old when she died.
"In the name of God, Amen. I, Dilly Turner, being in sound mind and feeling my earthly existence coming to a close and being desirous of making a distribution of all my property for certain purposes, I make this my last will and testament.
1st, I want and desire immediately after my departure from this life, all my debts that may be owing at my death to be fully paid and settled. 2nd, I do for the natural love and affection that I have for my sister, Mary Turner, give unto her all my real and personal estate, both of land and money, stock and the negros, all my interest in a negro man named Tom, and a negro woman named Ann and child, and their increase, and all and every species of property or interest in property that may belong to me at my death in any way for her the said Mary Turner to have for her own use and benefit during her natural life, and at her death, I will and bequeath that all of the property, both real and personal, in any way to go and be left to Sarah and Laura Turner, minor heirs of my brother Martin Turner, for their own use, to be equally divided between them and their lawful heirs after their death. In testimony whereunto I set my hand and affix my seal this the seventh day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight. I appoint J. P. M. Broadaway, my Excecutor.
Witnessess: \
John Broadway
Robert N. Allen
J. P. Broadaway
Dilly (X) Turner
Recorded this July Term of 1864
P. J. Coppedge
Mary Turner was the third child of Jaspar M Turner. She was born in either 1797 or 1798. When her sister Delila died in 1864, Mary was left alone. She had her brother George and his son near, but it appears there were others who loved her enough to attend to her care.
In one of his last deeds, on November 9, 1874 George transferred ownership of 2 tracts of land, for $5, back to his sister, Mary. The first was the 100 acres on Arnetts branch that crossed the spring branch. The second was the 200 acre tract on Arnestts branch that had once belonged to John Broadaway and now belonged to the Turners. It was proven on November 6th, 1878 and witnessed by William L. Kendall.
The 1870 census was a very important one for many reasons, but the most important, and different, was that it was the first one taken after the civil war, when former slaves were now identified by name and household, just like everyone else. For the population of Anson County, it was a significant increase. Households of adjoining lands may not seem so close together now, but they were, as the households of the freed people upon them were now counted.
| Name: | Mary Turner (victim of a transcription error) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age in 1870: | 68 | ||||
| Birth Year: | abt 1802 | ||||
| Birthplace: | North Carolina | ||||
| Dwelling Number: | 177 | ||||
| Home in 1870: | Burnsville, Anson, North Carolina | ||||
| Race: | White | ||||
| Gender: | Female | ||||
| Occupation: | Keeping House | ||||
| Household Members: |
|
In the 1870 community of Burnsville Township, a section of the census read like this, just listing heads of households. Race was indicated in the census by W for white, B for black and M for Mulatto, or mixed (anything 'other' was labeled mulatto).
154) Wilson Turner (son of George) (W)
155) Johnson Davis (B)
156) Tishie Davis (B) Note: I've also been researching, although no where near complete, the slaves of Job Davis and his family. I've seen the names of Tishie and her son Johnson. They were transferred from John Lee to his daughter Rowena Lee Davis and her husband James Davis, son of Job Davis, for whom this blog is named.
157) Hampton Davis (B) Note: Hampton, another former slave of the Davis family, was transferred from E. W. Davis to Wilson P Turner. He is buried in the old Davis cemetery where Job Davis and his wife, Sarah Winfield Davis rest.
158) John Moore (W)
159 George Turner (W) Brother of Mary and father of Wilson. With his wife Eliza, his second and in an apparently second resisdence, Emmaline Morris.
160) James Howell (W)
161) Thomas Davis (B)
162) Mary Turner (W)
163) Robert Allen (W)
164) empty
165) Thomas Avitt (W)
166) Alexander Braswell (W)
167) Samuel Turner (B)
168) Ann Turner (B)
169 Mary Staton (B)
170) Stephen Lee (W)
171) Hampton Davis (W) Note: This Hampton was the grandson of Job Davis, son of Henry and brother of John E. Davis who married the daughter of Uriah Staton and also brother of my Second Great Grandfather, Haut Davis.
I don't know exactly what time Millard took off for Chicago, or really even why, but he had left the area by the time his Grandfather George Turner passed away. He can't be found in the 1880 census, and it was said that he traveled a great deal through Oklahoma and Texas, married a girl in Oklahoma and finally settled down in Texas. This was nearly the exact same account that had passed down through the Turner family, because I recently found an account in the family stories of an Anson County book.
| Chicago Stockyards in the 1880's |
Another clue I had, was that he had kept up correspondence with, and was particularly close to Haut Davis, his first cousin and my Second Great Grandfather, and that he had named one of his children for Haut.
Here's what I found.
Millard Fillmore Davis had left the Rocky River and the Stanly/Anson County border by 1874. He would have been about 20 years old at that time. From then, until 1893, he must have been in Chicago or driving cattle back and forth from Texas and Oklahoma to Illinois, or somewhere in between until 1893.
In 1893, he would have been 31 years old and had found himself in a town called Bowie, in Monteague County, Texas. There, he had met a girl named Sarah Ellen Johnson, only 17 years old. She was the daughter of a Clark L. Johnson and Vienna McLure Johnson.
They were married on February 8, 1893.
 |
| Della Davis Bain |
That same year, their daughter Della was born. It was a 'shotgun' wedding. Della married twice and lived until 1956.
Second child, Augustus G Davis was born in 1889. He was an Ice Dealer, had a large family, and died in 1935 of pneumonia.
A third child, Dora Francis, was born to a couple, but died as an infant. Sarah Ellen Johnson Davis died in 1893, a year after her last child.
In 1896, still in Monteague County, Texas, Millard married Ona Smith, originally from Mississippi.
In 1897, a son, Thomas D. Davis was born and in 1899, a daughter, Lizzie.
| Name: | Millard F Davis [Williard F Davis] | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age: | 46 | ||||||||||||||
| Birth Date: | abt 1854 | ||||||||||||||
| Birthplace: | Arkansas | ||||||||||||||
| Home in 1900: | Township 7, Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory | ||||||||||||||
| House Number: | 5 | ||||||||||||||
| Sheet Number: | 19 | ||||||||||||||
| Number of Dwelling in Order of Visitation: | 24 | ||||||||||||||
| Family Number: | 317 | ||||||||||||||
| Race: | White | ||||||||||||||
| Relation to Head of House: | Head | ||||||||||||||
| Spouse's name: | Oma Davis | ||||||||||||||
| Occupation: | Farmer | ||||||||||||||
| Can Read: | Yes | ||||||||||||||
| Can Write: | Yes | ||||||||||||||
| Can Speak English: | Yes | ||||||||||||||
| House Owned or Rented: | R | ||||||||||||||
| Farm or House: | F | ||||||||||||||
| Neighbors: | |||||||||||||||
| Household Members: |
|
In the 1900 census, he is living in Indian Territory, Chickasaw Nation, with Oma, their two little ones, and his two living children by Ellen, Della and Gus. This was in what is now Oklahoma.
Little Lizzie, who was born in Indian Territory, died there, at the age of 4. She passed away on March 24, 1904.
She was the first of the family to be buried at Rubottom, Burney, Love County, Oklahoma.
Three more children were to follow.
Ross Millard Davis (1902-1983)
Haughty Ottence Davis (1904-1983)
Mark Andrew Davis (1907-1962)
Mark Davis has living children in their 80's. DNA confirms they are related to grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Horton Hampton "Haut" Davis. The child he named for his favored cousins was Haughty Ottence Davis, a girl. Haughty in honor of Haut and "Ottence" in honor of Sarah Hortense Davis, only daughter of Edward Winfield Davis. Hortense being spelled in the west as it was pronounced.
 |
| Gus Davis and family |
Rubottom in Love County, Oklahoma is an unincorporated community and is located in what was Chickasaw Indian Territory. Love County is right on the Oklahoma/Texas border. The family did not move, the land changed names.
Named for a family of the same name, Rubottom is now considered a ghost town. Love County, itself, remains sparsely populated. It was formed from Chickasaw Territory in 1907, when Oklahoma recieved statehood. Love County is considered part of the Red River Valley region. It's this silty bottomlands and softly rolling hills that drew settlers like Millard F. Davis to it.
The family was living in Burney, now Burneyville, in the 1910 and 1920 census, named for a Chickasaw family who established the first post office there.
| Name: | Millard Davis | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age: | 68 | ||||||||||||||
| Birth Year: | abt 1852 | ||||||||||||||
| Birthplace: | Texas | ||||||||||||||
| Home in 1920: | Burney, Love, Oklahoma | ||||||||||||||
| House Number: | Farm | ||||||||||||||
| Residence Date: | 1920 | ||||||||||||||
| Race: | White | ||||||||||||||
| Gender: | Male | ||||||||||||||
| Relation to Head of House: | Head | ||||||||||||||
| Marital status: | Married | ||||||||||||||
| Spouse's name: | Ona Davis | ||||||||||||||
| Father's Birthplace: | North Carolina | ||||||||||||||
| Mother's Birthplace: | North Carolina | ||||||||||||||
| Able to Speak English: | Yes | ||||||||||||||
| Occupation: | Farmer | ||||||||||||||
| Industry: | General | ||||||||||||||
| Employment Field: | Employer | ||||||||||||||
| Home Owned or Rented: | Own | ||||||||||||||
| Home Free or Mortgaged: | Mortgaged | ||||||||||||||
| Able to Read: | Yes | ||||||||||||||
| Able to Write: | Yes | ||||||||||||||
| Neighbors: | |||||||||||||||
| Household Members: |
|
Millard claimed to be born in Texas, with his parents born in North Carolina, on the 1920 census. This totally confused his descendants. Although it's quite possible that Marriott F. Davis and wife Mary Ann made the trek to the Red River Valley in their old age, as their graves have not been located in Stanly County, they were in Stanly County, NC in the 1880 census. But Millard was definately born in North Carolina, himself. He was here in the 1860 and 1870 census.
Mifflard Filmore Davis died shortly after this 1929 photograph was taken, on February 9, 1930. He was buried in the Rubottom Cemetery with his daughter Lizzie, no doubt named for his mother, Elizabeth Turner Davis. He was 74.
| Name: | Onia Davis | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Year: | abt 1868 | ||||||||||
| Gender: | Female | ||||||||||
| Race: | White | ||||||||||
| Birthplace: | Mississippi | ||||||||||
| Marital status: | Widowed | ||||||||||
| Relation to Head of House: | Mother | ||||||||||
| Homemaker?: | Yes | ||||||||||
| Home in 1930: | Burney, Love, Oklahoma, USA | ||||||||||
| Map of Home: | View Map | ||||||||||
| House Number: | 22 | ||||||||||
| Dwelling Number: | 39 | ||||||||||
| Family Number: | 40 | ||||||||||
| Attended School: | No | ||||||||||
| Able to Read and Write: | Yes | ||||||||||
| Father's Birthplace: | Virginia | ||||||||||
| Mother's Birthplace: | Virginia | ||||||||||
| Able to Speak English: | Yes | ||||||||||
| Household Members: |
|
Oma lived another 6 years, and then was laid to rest next to her husband at the Rubottom Cemetery in 1936. In the 1930 census, she is shown living with sons Tom and Mark and Mark's young wife, Lillian. Of course, there had to be transcription errors.
Monteague County, Texas lies just south of the Oklahoma border. The Davis family didn't move very far after its founding.
 |
| Monteague County, Texas abandoned stone building |
Most of Milalrds children and grandchildren ended up living in Oklahoma and Texas, where most of them remain.
We last saw George Turner in the 1850 census with his wife Nancy, and his two youngest children, Elizabeth and John. The 1830 and 1840 census records indicate he may have had one or two older sons near the age of Wilson Pinkney Turner, but from land records and other available information, I can not determine their names. There is a rumour in the Turner family of a son named James "that went west and was never heard of again", but I've not found a trace of him in Anson County, or anything on a James Turner 'out west', of which there was many, that ties him to Anson County.
Youngest son, John W. Turner, was only 7 in the 1850 census, and was shown as a teenager in the 1860 census, living next to his father with a James Jackson.
John W Turner, at age 20, volunteered for service in the Civil War on April 2, 1862. He was injured in battle, but not severely, the next year, and was furloughed on September 29, 1863, by "Genl R E Lee", himself. Likely stoked, he soon returned to battle and this time did not make it home. He was wounded on October 19, 1864 and died. The NC Argus reported his demise. John W Turner died unmarried, with no increase.
Nancy Broadaway Turner had died about 1856, and sometime between then and 1860, George remarried to Eliza Ann Morris Allen Brooks.
To fully understand the 1860, 1870 and 1880 censuses, and the individuals in them, which have been so incorrectly identified by so many, I had to take a very close look at this incredible woman and her entire family.
Eliza Ann Morris, born about 1818, was the oldest daughter of Rev. William Airley Morris, and granddaughter of William Morris and Martha Ann "Patsy" Nance, who had arrived to Anson County from Virginia, from different parts and at different times. Her mother was Martha "Patsy" Smith, daughter of William Smith and Nancy Allen.
In 1833, at the age of 15, Eliza Ann was married to Miles Allen, son of Thomas Meredith Allen and Nancy Smith Allen. It is quite possible, due to the common family names, that they were related in some way, as well.
| Name: | Miles Allen |
|---|---|
| Home in 1840 (City, County, State): | Fayette, Tennessee |
| Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: | 1 |
| Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: | 1 |
| Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: | 3 |
| Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: | 1 |
| Slaves - Females - 24 thru 35: | 1 |
| Persons Employed in Agriculture: | 2 |
| Free White Persons - Under 20: | 4 |
| Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: | 2 |
| Total Free White Persons: | 6 |
| Total Slaves: | 1 |
| Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: | 7 |
Before the birth of their first child, Miles and Eliza, with a number of other people from the area, migrated to Fayette County, Tennesee. All 5 of their children were born there. Miles died in 1844 in Tennesee. Eliza and her 5 children returned to Anson County, NC.
The children were: William Thomas, Martha Ann, Rebecca Jane, Kessiah "Kizzy" and Frances.
About 1845, Eliza remarried in Anson County, to Alexander Brooks. Alex Brooks had been married to Cornelia Boggan and that marriage had produced several children, including:
Sarah Ann Brooks (1824-1901) Mrs. William Milam Austin
James G. Brooks born about 1829
William Alexander Brooks, born about 1830
Thomas Hampton Brooks, born about 1832
Cornelius Boggan Brooks, born about 1834
The 1830 and 1840 census records indicate there were two more daughters born into that marriage than Sarah, but I've not been able to track them down. It does appear they lived to adulthood, due to a few 1870 and 1880 deeds, and one married a Smith and another married a different Austin.
Eliza Ann would have 3 daughters with Alexander Brooks,
1846 Elizabeth Isabell Brooks
1847 Mary Caroline Brooks
1851 Susan Elenor Brooks.
In the 1850 census, the combined family appeared this way.
| Name: | Eliza Brooks |
|---|---|
| Age: | 32 |
| Birth Year: | abt 1818 |
| Birthplace: | North Carolina |
| Home in 1850: | Burnsville, Anson, North Carolina, USA |
| Gender: | Female |
| Family Number: | 722 |
| Household Members: |
James G, William A, Thomas H and Cornelius B Brooks were sons of Alexanders from his first marriage still living at home. All of them would die in the Civil War, except for William Alexander Brooks, who would remove to Georgia.
Elizabeth, 5 and Mary C, 2, were Alexander and Eliza's daughters together. Susan, or Susannah, had not been born yet.
The 5 Allen children: William, Martha, Rebecca, Kesiah and Francis, were Eliza's children by her first marriage to Miles Allen.
In the Anson County deeds, Book 14 Page 271, is the following statement: "following jury of good and lawful men to wit, John Tyson, Jr. Jere Ingram, H. A. Clark, Jesse B. George, Allen Carpenter, Edward Winfield, Richmond Lee, Shepherd Lee, Wlm Lee Jr. , Wm Lee RR (indicating Rocky River Bill Lee), George Turner , and Gideon Threadgill......to lay off and alot to Eliza Brooks, widow and relict of Alexander Brooks, deceased, her dower and a third in turn. ...
Dated February 1st, 1854.
Eliza was again widowed. Alexander Brooks is buried in the George Turner family cemetery. The dates on his stone are: Birth March 1791 - Death July 27, 1853.
Deed Book 15 Page 163 is an 1854 deed from the Heirs of Alexander Brooks to W. E. Troy, Clerk and Master to Simon Godwin.
Book 15 Page 672, William A. Brooks of Lee County, Georgia sells to George Turner, a tract of land bordering Cribs Creek and the Rocky River, his interest in the dower laid off to Eliza Brooks.
Book 17 Page 328 JG, TH and Cornelius B. Brooks sell to George Turner their title and interest in the dower of Eliza Brooks. George was probably married to Eliza by then.
Later on, in Book 20 Page 638 John B. Parker and wife Caroline and Isabell Brooks sell to George Turner for $150 their dower interest in a tract on Cribs Creek and Spring Branch. This is Mary Caroline Brooks and her husband and Elizabeth Isabell, her sister.
CLIPPED FROM
North Carolina Argus Wadesboro, North Carolina12 Apr 1856, Sat • Page 4
So, now knowing the children of Eliza Ann Turner and seeing the 1860 census record, we can determine a transcription error was made.
| Name: | Eliza Turner | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age: | 43 | ||||||||||||||
| Birth Year: | abt 1817 | ||||||||||||||
| Gender: | Female | ||||||||||||||
| Birth Place: | North Carolina | ||||||||||||||
| Home in 1860: | Burnsville, Anson, North Carolina | ||||||||||||||
| Post Office: | Ansonville | ||||||||||||||
| Dwelling Number: | 64 | ||||||||||||||
| Family Number: | 64 | ||||||||||||||
| Occupation: | Housekeeper | ||||||||||||||
| Household Members: |
|
Isabella, Caroline and Susanna Turner, were not Turners. They were Elizabeth Isabella Brooks, Mary Caroline Brooks and Susanna Eleanor Brooks, daughters of Eliza and her second husband, Alexander Brooks. So many family trees have them listed as daughters of George and Eliza and "disappearing", but they did not. They all 3 married and had abundant families. Emeline "Mosier" is a transcription error for Emeline Morris, younger sister of Eliza. Even though Eliza could have been her mother, she was the oldest child and the spacing was not all that unusual. Firstborn children often arrived while the parents,especially the mothers, were still in their teens, and younger children could show up as late as the mid-40's.
| Name: | Sarah E Morris | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age: | 10 | ||||||||||||||||
| Birth Year: | abt 1840 | ||||||||||||||||
| Birthplace: | North Carolina | ||||||||||||||||
| Home in 1850: | Diamond Hill, Anson, North Carolina, USA | ||||||||||||||||
| Gender: | Female | ||||||||||||||||
| Family Number: | 772 | ||||||||||||||||
| Household Members: |
|
This is Sarah Emeline Morris with her widowed mother in the 1850 census. Their father passed away in 1844, but Martha lived until 1853.
In the 1860 census, Delilah and Mary Turner were still living next to them on Arnett's creek and George's son John was living nearby also with James Jackson. The War had not yet begun. Ten years later, Isabella and Caroline had married, Susan was still at home.
Emeline, Eliza's sister, was still living with them, but this time they listed her next, with her own separate abode, but still under George Turner as Head of Household. Susan is listed, correctly, as a Brooks this time. George's son Wilson, who by now was head of a large family of his own, is listed closeby, just up the page some.
Notably, the James T. Howard and wife Jane living right next door to George and Eliza is Rebecca Jane Allen, Rebecca's daughter by her first husband, Miles Allen.
The younger 3 "Brooks" daughters of Eliza were a bit interesting.
Elizabeth Isabelle Brooks married in 1867 to John Benton Parker (1838-1905), son of William Wiley Parker and Annis Broadaway Parker. They had 9 children:
1869 James Thomas aka Jim
1870 Joanna
1873 Paulina Jane aka Lina
1876 Columbus Algie
1879 Winney Ada
1882 Mary Alma
1884 Marshall Brooks
1886 John Ray
1889 Charles Millard
Mary Caroline Brooks married in 1865 to John Benton Parker (1845-1926) son of William Nicholas Parker and Dianna Penelope Burns Parker. They had 3 children:
1867 Willliam Alexander
1869 James Stephen
1872 Frederick Vance aka Fred
Mary Caroline Brooks Parker died May 18, 1874. Her widower remarried on March 10, 1876 to Susan Caroline Curlee, who also went by her middle name, Caroline. Together they would have 9 more children:
1877 Ida Cornelia
1879 Virginia Lenora
1880 Charlie
1882 John Henry
1884 Sarah Francis
1886 Constance Henrietta
1888 Essie
1892 Jessie Pearl
1894 Thelma
Susannah Elanor Brooks would marry on December 29, 1870 to William Lock Kendall, son of Henry Douglas Kendall and Caroline E. Locke Kendall.
 |
| William Locke Kendall |
Together they would have 8 children:
1872 Cora E.
1874 James A.
1876 Charles B.
1878 Alfred A
1881 Esther Charlotte
1884 Walter Cecil
1887 Rosa Blanche
1890 Lula Morris
For two sisters to marry completely different men with the very same name, close to the same time, and then for one of the sisters to pass and her widower remarry a woman who went by the same given name, is a genealogical nightmare. At any rate...
Name:Eliza M. Turner
Age:62
Birth Date:Abt 1818
Birthplace:North Carolina
Home in 1880:Burnsville, Anson, North Carolina, USA
Dwelling Number:83
Race:WhiteGender:Female
Relation to Head of House:Self (Head)
Marital status:Widowed
Father's Birthplace:North Carolina
Mother's Birthplace:North Carolina
Occupation:Keeping House
Months Not Employed:12
Household Members:
| Name | Age |
|---|---|
| Eliza M. Turner | 62 |
| Martha A. Smith | 44 |
| Fannie R. Smith | 14 |
| Sallie D. Smith | 12 |
| Allice S. Smith | 9 |
Eliza Ann Morris Allen Brooks Turner survived her third and last husband, George Turner. In 1880, she is shown living with her oldest daughter, Martha Allen Smith. Eliza, according to family trees, as I have not been able to locate her grave, died on May 4, 1890. She would have been 71.
Wilson Nelson Pinkney Turner
Wilson was the oldest and most prominent child of George Turner. With such a significant collection of surnames in his moniker, he was bound for success and I wonder who he was being named for. There was a Nelson Turner in Anson County, a contemporary of George, who was not his brother, but could there have been a connection further back?
Wilson was born on May 14, 1825. He married well. On January 15, 1846, he married Elizabeth Laura Burns, daughter of Walter Farr Burns and wife, Sarah White Lilly Burns.
Wilson lived near his father in the early days and the family for generations were loyal to Rocky Mount Church, that old church on the hill overlooking Richardson's Creek and its conjunction with the Rocky River.
Wilson was very involved in land dealings and local government. His name was everywhere. He was a mover and a shaker. He was close friends with his former brother-in-law, M. F. Davis and Marriot's brother, businessman E. W. Davis.
They attempted and invested in several business ventures together involving agriculture, merchantile, transportation, milling and land development.
Later, about 1878-1879, Wilson and Laura settled into the booming town, at the time, named for her family, Burnsville, Anson, North Carolina. Burnsville still exists, but in not anywhere close to the place it was a century ago. The video below is of their beautiful home, now left for ruin, that should be purchased and restored by the historical association.
Wilson and Laura had 9 children together:
1848: Mary Cornelia Turner Goodman
1850: Benton Ausburn Turner
1853: James Walter Turner
1854: George Lilly Turner
1856: Anna Marie Turner Efird (married the Efird that Eliza would sell the mill tract to)
1859: Lucy Elizabeth Turner Edwards
1863: Nancy Eugenia Turner Nance
1866: Emma Burns Turner Lee
1869: Samuel Junius Turner
Wilson N. P. Turner died in 1902, his wife in 1895.
Wilson had been the Executor of his father's will in 1878. Eliza A. Turner sued in May of 1878.
George died on April 8, 1878. He was 84. His will was very clear and very brief.
He mentions his debts, his wife Eliza to recieve her legal share, "according to law", and Millard F. Davis, "my Gran Son comes giv him 150 dolars for his in tine s***r" (share?) and determin the balance in his own hands by settling up with Eliza A. Turner my wife according to law". He makes Wilson P. Turner his executor.
By the time his Grandfather passed away, Millard F. Davis had already 'left the country', and headed west.
So the heirs of George Turner, living, were Wilson P. Turner and his family, which would fall under their living father's share, his widow, Eliza Ann Morris Turner and his grandson, Millard F. Davis, son of his daughter, Elizabeth.
No other living children, or children of deceased children existed.
Below is an excerpt from "The Hisorty of Rocky River Baptist Church", by E. M. Brooks, 1928
"The Turners. A family "tree" shows Jasper Turner the forbear of them all. The male members of this family were not church members then or after. The women were members and faithful attendants. George was the only son to raise a family, lie lived to be exceedingly old and was buried in sight of his old home. Wilson, son of George, raised a large family, some of whom are living, namely: Sam Turner, of the old home, and Mrs. Fred Lee, of Ansonville, and Mrs. Cornelia Goodman, of Polkton. Aunt Polly and Dilly, two old maiden sisters, daughters of Jasper Turner, never married and willed their farm and other property to a colored slave who never left them during their natural life. He was a good negro and perhaps deserved the reward for his long stay with and kind attention to these good old ladies. They were both members of the church and faithful. "
But what about George Washington Turner? He was alive, living in Anson County, in the Burnsville District, at this time. If he was a son of George Turner, there would be some sign of connection, some mention. There was not.
He also was not a son of Wilson P. Turner or of any other son of George Turner. None are mentioned. Wilson was actually not old enough to be his father. It may have been possible scientifically, but not likely. Wilson had a clear son, George Lilly Turner, who was NOT George Washington Turner.
The only conclusion is, everyone who descended from George Washington Turner, my line, has been barking up the wrong tree. We do not descend from George Turner or any of his brothers.
Jaspar Melchor Turner appears to have come from Wake County, NC. There's some interactions between him, an Augustus B. Turner, a Thomas Jenning Turner and another contemporary Turner, who may have been his brothers. They may have been sons of an older, George R. Turner. Could G. W. Turners line connect at this point? It's possible, but will require a great deal more research.
So who was MY George?
