IN MEMORIAM OF
MY
GRAND
PARENTS
Every effort has been made to accurately transcribe the original document
with no attempt to correct spelling, grammar, or punctuation. Italicized
words are those of the author and evidently reflect items of great importance
to him. Although I carefully proofread, I apologize for any errors
inadvertently introduced. Unfortunately, the Appendix (Great Grand
Father), which is the last page, is partially illegible. Should anyone
have a better copy, I would certainly appreciate knowing the ages at their
death of the children of William Turner.
Capt. William Turner, his wife Martha, and their daughter Louise
are buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery just
outside Washington, D.C.
Nyla CREED DePauk
A great-great-niece of Captain William Turner
Transcribed by njd: June 1985
HTML: May 1998
============================
IN MEMORIAM OF
MY
GRAND
PARENTS
and their large family of
thirteen children and part of
grand children named and to all grand
children and their descendants, this
brief memorial is affectionately dedicated
By WILLIAM TURNER
Huntington, West Va. - Sept. 1914
The subject of this sketch, Rev. John Turner, was the third son of Wm.
Turner, of Franklin country, Va; was born Sept. 21, 1779, and married Nancy,
a daughter of John Burnett, of Patrick county, Va., in 1804. She was born
Aug. 15, 1787. To this union there were born 13 children, 7 sons, 6 daughters.
He resided in Henry country, Va., where all their children were born save
their youngest, on the waters of Town creek. They sold their holdings in
Henry county to a kinsman, Stephen Turner, and removed to Patrick county
about 1828, and owned and occupied a farm of 433 acres on a branch of Goblin
Town creek, a tributary of Smith's river. The farm adjoined that of his
father-in-law, John Burnett, aforesaid postoffice address, Elamsville,
Va.
They owned 10 or 12 colored servants. He and his good wife recognized the
fact that they were human beings and accountable to God for the deeds done
in the body, therefore, they were kind and indulgent to their colored servants,
sharing liberally with them products of the farm such as food and substantial
clothing. They were not tasked, nor spurred by threats of whip or lash.
He was not a classical scholar, but had a practical education. During
"the war of 1812" he served a term as a soldier in defense of his country,
and held the honored rank of "ensign." Was stationed at Norfolk, Va., and
received honorable discharge immediately after the battle at New Orleans
January 8, 1815.
Morally he was clean and upright. Few men have lived nearer up to the
Golden Rule. Intellectual, above an average; a man of fine native ability,
he had and held the respect and confidence of his acquaintance. Politically,
he was a staunch Clay and Webster Whig, and voted for Belle and Everett
in 1860. Further politically this deponent sayeth not.
He was a Civil Magistrate in Patrick county many years prior to 1850.
Religiously, he was a Baptist minister of the Gospel about 60 years. First
a primitive, and when the split came on about 1850 he went with the missionary
wing of Emanuel's army. If "all are children of God by faith in Christ
Jesus," what does mere name or sect amount to, anyway?
He was not eloquent, but better, he was logical and conclusive. Was
well red up, and blessed with a tenactious memory. His wife, died Nov.
19, 1871. Closing out a long laborous life. She served faithfully her day
and generation as a devoted wife, a loving mother and a generous neighbor.
He lingered after her demise lonely and sad, seemingly the objects of time
and sense had lost their charms for him. So on May 20, 1874, in the 95th
year of his age, he, too, quit the shores of time. Good old people. Their
mortal remains slumber side by side about 600 feet north from their old
mansion home house to sleep quietly the coming years away.
Their children were as follows, viz.:
1. George W. Turner, son of Rev. John Turner,
was born June 15, 1805, in Henry county, Va.
2. Crawford Turner was born May 5, 1807,
in Henry county, Va.
3. William Turner was born Dec. 23, 1808,
in Henry county, Va.
4. Judeth Turner was born Jan. 6, 1811,
in Henry county, Va.
5. Ruth Turner was born April 5 1812, in
Henry county, Va.
6. Permelia Turner was born April 19, 1814,
in Henry county, Va.
7. John Burnett Turner was born Feb. 27,
1816, in Henry county, Va.
8. Nancy Tate Turner was born Jan. 17, 1818,
in Henry county, Va.
9. Adelphia Turner was born Jan. 24, 1821,
in Henry county, Va.
10. Elkanah B. Turner was born Jan. 6, 1823,
in Henry county, Va.
11. Elizabeth Jane Turner was born Aug.
23, 1825, in Henry county, Va.
12. Stephen Hubbard Turner was born Dec.
8, 1826 in Henry county, Va
13. James Cornelius Turner was born May
10, 1829, in Patrick county, Va
Appendix - Great Grand Father (William Turner)