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Somewhere in Virginia, William Turner, about 20 years old, enlisted and served in the nation's war for independence. Before that time, he is a mystery.
After serving in the war, he made his home in Virginia's Albemarle County, the rolling foothills between the Atlantic coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's there where he married (to a woman unknown) and raised a family of at least nine children; six sons and three daughters.
As both a landowner and a slave owner, Turner would have been at least somewhat well-to-do, but at some time prior to 1818, his circumstances worsened. Friends suggested it was the raising of a large family who did not remain on the farm to help, along with a patch of land that was steep and rocky and thus difficult to farm, that led to his accumulating debts. Whatever it was, he applied for a pension from the U.S. government based on his service in the war, stating he needed the financial support.
He received the pension for a short time but then it was suspended, the war office suspecting he had sold off his property as a way to look impecunious. Eventually it was reinstated again, but debt would continue to follow him through life.
Sometime around 1833 Turner's last child living in the area, Mariah, moved with her husband to Madison County, Kentucky and Turner went with them. It is believed his wife had died by this time.
In Kentucky, he purchased property, first in Madison County and then in Todd County.
He died a widower in Nov 1849 in Todd, Kentucky, of bronchitis. In his will, he left his property to his daughter Mariah and her children.
Addressing some common beliefs:
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Maybe. None of the documentation for William Turner states a middle name, but there is one document, from 1810, he signed himself (acknowledging that he had been named in a law suit, having served as security on a debt being collected). Based on the information in the suit, the bond itself would have been signed in 1809 or early 1810... and under Virginia law, a person had to be age 21 to sign a bond. William's son, William Cluny Turner, was born 29 Jan 1792 and would not have turned 21 until 29 Jan 1813, so it could not have been the son who signed the bond. It was signed as Wm C. Turner, though the "C" seems to have been added as an afterthought. A second document, the bond he signed for his daughter Mariah's marriage to Pleasant Martin, was also signed as William C (Wm C Turner). The signature could have been given by his son, but the bond itself refers to William Turner (no initial) as the bondsman, and that Mariah Turner was the daughter of William Turner. He is the one who would have had to sign in that place. So it seems likely that it was her father who did, indeed, sign.
Probably not. I have searched most online family trees that name Elizabeth Thurmond as his wife, and have found none with documentation supporting the same. Some include a record from England that shows a William Turner and wife Elizabeth Thurmond with a son Benjamin, but Benjamin is not a known son of our William Turner. In addition, William Turner's first child was born in 1786, suggesting he was married around 1784. We have records placing William in Albemarle County as early as 1783, which makes it unlikely that he would have married in England.
The other sources that show Elizabeth Thurmond as his wife are DAR applications which claim the pair as the parents of either Summer or Susannah Turner who married Littlepage Dameron. Not only is she not a daughter of this William Turner, those records are clear that the William Turner who was Susannah's father was born in 1757 in Nelson County, and died in 1817 in Amherst County, which doesn't fit the information we have for this William Turner.
Maybe not. The most reliable source of that information is an affidavit given by James Wilson Turner, his grandson, that says he was a Methodist minister. However, William Turner's Revolutionary War pension was rescinded when the War Office believed he had sold off property in an effort to fraudulently make himself appear eligible for the pension monies; it seems likely that if he were a minister, that information would have been included in at least one of the affidavits offered in support of his character at the time.
An additional 'source' I've come across for this claim is a vanity feature written about Pleasant Martin, William's son-in-law, and John McKinney, whose wife Luvenia was a granddaughter of William Turner, which both state William Turner was a Methodist minister.[1] The book was written in 1995, though the family history portion reads like it might have been copied from one of the Goodspeed-type vanity publications of the late 19th century. No one at the time of writing would have personal knowledge of whether he was a minister or not, and no other documentation has been found to suggest he was. William Turner's son, William Cluny Turner, is also suggested to have been a Methodist minister; I have not researched him enough to be sure whether this is true or not. But if it is, it's possible that information has been erroneously applied to his father.
Prior to the Revolution, the Church of England was the official church of the American Colonies. With the advent of freedom to practice religion, Albemarle County saw three Methodist ministers registered and licensed to practice marriage in the 1790s – and none of them were William Turner.[2] In addition, his name has not yet been found associated with any of the early Methodist churches of Albemarle.
William Turner was born in 11 February 1756.[3] Family tradition says he was born in England, yet there is no documentation found that suggests this to be the case. The only documentation that gives a place of birth is from the U.S. census mortality schedule when he died,[4] which states he was born in Virginia, a British Colony at the time of his birth. Our records for him begin in Albemarle County, Virginia, where he lived after the war, married, and raised his family. He was a prosperous man who owned a plantation and slaves... until he wasn't anymore. His wife died, his kids moved away for better opportunities in the new American frontiers and finally, almost 80 years old, he left the county that he'd made his home, and moved with his youngest daughter into the frontier of Kentucky, his bones left to rest in a place unknown to the descendants who live today.
In the spring of 1776, around the age of 20, he enlisted in the Continental Army some place other than Albemarle County, Virginia[5] and served as a Private in Captain Francis Taylor's company, Colonel Alexander Spotswood's Virginia Regiment.[6] He served for two years before being discharged. He was paid $6 2/3 for his service in the army each month.[7]
On 4 Oct 1777, as a member of Captain Francis Taylor's company, William Turner participated in the Battle of Germantown, near Philadelphia. This was a surprise attack, commanded by General George Washington, on a British troop. It became a rout for the American forces, who died in twice the numbers of the British.[8]
In the (spring?) of 1778 Turner reenlisted in the Continental Army for one year as a member of Captain Burnley's Virginia Company, which was part of Colonel Francis Taylor's regiment.[9] “Garland Burnley’s company belonged to the Convention Army Guard Regiment, which was organized at the request of Congress to Gov. Patrick Henry of Virginia for the specific duty of manning the prison barracks near Charlottesville in Albemarle County VA.”[10]
During the war years the states, including the state of Virginia, required all free males over the age of 16, excepting indentured servants, to sign an Oath of Allegience (opposing King George).[11] Extant lists for 1776,[12] 1777[13] and 1779 exist for Albemarle County,[14] but William Turner was not a signer. It's possible that he signed in another county where he lived between terms of service, but it seems most likely that his service was practically continuous, and he gave his oath when he enlisted.
In the (spring?) of 1779, Turner reenlisted for the term of one year in Captain Samuel Booker's Company.[15]
On 16 Jul 1779 William Turner, as a member of Captain Francis Taylor's company, was part of the assault on Stony Point under the command of Brigadier General “Mad Anthony” Wayne.[16] Stony Point was a British outpost about 30 miles northwest of New York City. The battle was considered an important victory for the Continental Army.
At the end of his year of service with Captain Booker, Turner received his discharge and then, as he stated in his request for a pension, he served several tours in the militia until the war ended.
In “Virginia Militia in the Revolution” the author writes, “In 1781, practically all of the available militia of Virginia were summoned into service, taking part in the Battle of Guilford Court House, serving with Lafayette, and at the siege of Yorktown."[17]
In 1783, with the war now over, we first find William Turner was taxed in Albemarle Co., Virginia for one male above 21, one black under 16, and one horse.[18] Given his army salary had not been substantial, owning a slave suggests Turner might have come from a family with means.
On 30 July 1783 William Turner received a Revolutionary War land warrant #1443 for 100 acres in return for his three years service in the war.[19] He did not, however, apply to use this warrant to obtain land.
On 13 Nov 1783, established as a titheable in Albemarle County, William Turner, with a list of others, was ordered to open the road viewed by James Marks, et al.[20] British common law allowed for any “male titheable” to be ordered to build a road, so Turner's inclusion on this list does not indicate whether or not he owned any property at the time.[21]
It's likely that William Turner married sometime between 1784 and 1785. No marriage bond in Albemarle County or the surrounding counties has been found as of yet, and his wife's name is unknown.
In 1786 William Turner was taxed in Albemarle Co., Virginia for one male above 21, one black under 16, and two horses.[22]
On 13 Jun 1786 Turner's daughter Francis “Fanny” Turner[23] was born in Albemarle Co., Virginia.[24] [Note that all marriage dates are actually the dates found on the bond for marriage, unless otherwise noted.]
The 1787 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists a William Turner living in a home with Charles Turner;[25] Charles Turner is chargeable for the tax. There is one male between the ages of 16 and 21, and 3 blacks over the age of 16. Charles is also taxed for 4 horses. No other William Turner is found on this tax list.
There is a Charles Turner who it's claimed died in 1789 in Albemarle County. Born in 1745, it's possible he could be a brother to William Turner.[26] But Charles is listed by many family trees as a son of Terisha Turner, a prominent landowner in the area; while Terisha had a son named William, this William is believed to have lived and died in Amherst County.[27]
On 18 Jan 1788, William's son Randolph Turner[28] was born in Albemarle Co., Virginia.
William Turner assigned (likely sold) his Revolutionary War Land warrant on 17 Jul 1788 to William Reynolds.[29]
A personal property tax list[30] for St. Anne's Parish in Albemarle Co, Virginia for 1789 lists a William Turner over age 16 who would presumably be ours. No other information is given on household. He owned two horses.
Daughter Elizabeth “Bettie” Turner is born in Albemarle County.[31] on 7 May 1790.
On 13 Oct 1791 "Richard Moore, William Moran and William Austin made a report of a view of a way petitioned for by James Jones Jr in the following words to wit: In obedients to an Order made by the County Court of Albemarle bearing date Sept 1791 We the Assigners hereof being Ordered to make a return of a road compleat petitioned for by James Jones Jr. We do report that the said Road is part of the road running from Harts Store to Wm. Turners and begins on the lines of Richard Moore nearly on the line of said Jones running thence through the lands of said Jones about half a mile then falling into said road of Jones own land and is no ways injurious to any person or opersons whatsoever which is Established agreeable to sd report and it is ordered that a Rev'd Irvings male labouring hands Thos Pembertons do and John Graves do be added to Richard Moores gang to work on the same."[32]
On 9 Jan 1792 William Turner and John Graves purchase 280 acres in Albemarle Co. from Thomas Martin. They paid 8 thousandweight of tobacco for the same.[33] The land was located on the head branches of the South Fork of the Hardware River (114 acres),[34] and in the same location, 54 acres.[35] Thomas Martin was the father of William's son-in-law Pleasant Martin (who would later marry Mariah, and who witnessed the deed). John Graves was the father of William's son-in-law William Lynch Graves (who would marry Sarah 1811). It seems likely that William Turner and John Graves were related in some way given they purchased land together.
29 Jan 1792 marked the birth of son William Cluny Turner in Albemarle County.[36]
The 1793 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner with one white above 16, two negros above 16 and two horses.[37]
On 13 Jun 1793 William Turner, with others, ordered to survey a road from the Amherst line through Austins Gap to Benjamin Norvells under the supervision of Robert Page.[38] Because the order was to survey the road, not to build it yet, I suspect this was located near William Turner's land.
On 14 Jun 1793 William Turner purchased, for 30 pounds 'current Virginia money' a tract of land (acreage not given) on Hurd (sic) Mountain[39] from Bennett and Elizabeth Henderson. [40]
The 1794 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner with one white above 16, two negros above 16 and two horses.[41]
Daughter Sarah “Sallie” Turner was born on 15 Jan 1794.[42]
On 2 Feb 1795 William Turner made motion "for the view of a way from his house to the plantation of John Graves to a plantation belonging to the said Turner; George Martin, Robert Page, James Jones and Benjamin Norvell or any three of them appointed to view the said way and report the conveniences and inconveniences that may attend the opening of the said road.”[43] James Jones was mentioned as an abutting landowner in the land survey for part of the 280 acres Turner purchased in 1792.[44]
Then on 3 Jun 1795 John Graves was ordered to be summoned to "shew cause why the way Petitioned for by William Turner should not be established agreeable to report of the Viewers appointed by a former order of this Court."[45]
The 1796 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner with one white above 16, three negroes above 16, one negro aged 12-16, and two horses.[46]
On 4 Jan 1796 William Turner, Thomas Pemberton, John Graves and Richard Pemberton were ordered to view a road "from the fork below Benjamin Nowell's house to his and [James Jones'] mill.[47] Again, James Jones was an abutting landowner of Turner, and it would appear Benjamin Nowell or Norvell was as well.
Son Talton Turner was born on 13 May 1796.[48]
Turner and others returned their report on the road they were ordered to view on 6 Dec 1796.[49]
The 1797 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner & overseer & Fitzpatrick with two whites above 16, two negros above 16, one negro aged 12-16, and three horses.[50] Who is Fitzpatrick (other than a white, taxable male)? He might simply be someone hired to help on the farm, or be some kind of relative.
The 1798 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner with two whites above 16, three negros above 16, and four horses.[51] He is collecting rent of $141.
On 2 May 1798 daughter Mariah[52] was born in Albemarle Co., Virginia.[53] [54]
On 3 Sept 1798 William Turner was charged, along with others, to keep in repair a road Benjamin Norville was appointed to survey. The road was to run from "the Amherst line leading through Austins Gap to the fork below the said Norvilles still house.[55]
A personal property tax list for Albemarle County, Virginia in 1799 [56] lists William Turner as a male over 16, with 3 blacks over 16. Another 1799 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner with one white above 16, three negros above 16, and four horses. He is collecting rent of $180.[57]
The 1800 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner with one white above 16, five negros above 16, and four horses. He is collecting rent of $2.68.[58]
On 8 Apr 1800 the court saw a "Petition of William Turner for the view of a road leading from the upper part of his plantation to Jones Mill; Benjamin Norvill, William Suddarth, Robert Page and Richard Moore or any three of them being first sworn are appointed to view the same and make report to this court of the conveniences and inconveniences as well public as private that will attend the opening of said road."[59]
Son Alexander William Turner was born 19 Jul 1800 in Albemarle Co.[60]
The 1801 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner with one white male over 16, four black males over 16, four horses, and collecting rent of $2.24. It lists a second "William Turner overseer" with one white above 16.[61]
The 1802 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner with one white male over 16, four black males over 16, three horses, and collecting rent of $2.12. It lists a second "William Turner overseer" with one white above 16 and one black above 16.[62]
On 16 Oct. 1802 William Turner sold two slave girls,[63] Lily and Sarah, in order to satisfy a debt that he owed to “Brown River &c.” “William Turner is justly enabled to Brown River and Co. in the just and full sum of one hundred and seven pounds two shillings current money of Virginia to be paid to them on or before the said sixteenth day of October next with interest from the date hereof now this (Indenture?) witnesseth that the same William Turner in order to secure to the said Brown River Co. the payment of the debt aforesaid with interest as aforesaid and for and in consideration of the further sum of five shillings in hand paid by the said Higginbotham to the said William Turner hath bargained, sold and confirmed...”
On 19 Dec 1802 son Samuel Turner was born[64] Samuel was the last of William's nine children, and he would have been just shy of his 56th birthday. William's wife was likely in her mid to late 40s if she was no longer having children after this time.
The 1803 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner (in parentheses Hungry Town) with one white male over 16, four black males over 16, three horses, and collecting rent of $2.12. It lists a second "William Turner overseer" with one white above 16, one black above 16, and collecting rent of 44 cents.[65]
On 25 Nov 1803 William's oldest daughter Fannie marries William Fitzpatrick in Albemarle County.John Moran signed on the bond for the marriage. John Moran and Alexander Toms witnessed William Turner's permission for Fanny to marry.[66]
The 1804 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner with one white male over 16, three black males over 16, three horses, and collecting rent of $1.68. "William Turner overseer" is not found.[67]
The 1805 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner & son with two white males over 16, two black males over 16, four horses, and collecting rent of $1.36.[68] William's oldest son, Randolph, would have turned 16 the year previous.
On 22 Jun 1805 William Turner enters an indenture to sell 300 acres of land and a negro man named Jury to Samuel Minil in one year for a debt owed to Andrew Hart of 218 pounds 13 shillings.[69] Hart is to pay Turner 5 shillings for this agreement, which appears not to have been executed as Turner enters the same type of indenture a year later.
The 1806 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner & son with two white males over 16, four black males over 16, four horses, and collecting rent of $2.24. Again, the second white male should be his son Randolph.[70]
On 30 Jul 1806 William Turner again, for 5 shillings consideration from Andrew Hart, enters an indenture to sell his 300 acres of land to Garret White and James Old.[71]
The 1807 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner & son (should be son Randolph) with two white males over 16, one black male over 16, three horses, and collecting rent of 80 cents.[72]
On 6 Mar 1807, the court recorded "On the motion of William Turner a witness for the referees for William Irvine against John Tunnel, and William Irvin at the suit of John Tunnell it is ordered by the court that the said Irvin pay him fifty three cents for his attendance one day according to law and certificate of the said referees."[73]
On 14 Sept 1808 A Wm. Turner witnessed the will of Richards Moore.[74]
The 1809 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner & son (should be William Cluny as Randolph Turner is listed as a separate household.) with two white males over 16, one black male over 16, one black male age 12-16, three horses. No rent is listed. Also on this tax list is William Turner Jr., with one white male over 16, one slave 12 to 16, and 1 horse. There is a second William Turner Jr listed as well, one white male over 16 and one horse.[75]
The 1810 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner & son (should be William Cluny) with two white males over 16, two slaves over 16, and two horses. He is collecting rent of 56 cents.[76] Randolph Turner is also in this record, shown as a separate household.
The 1810 U.S. federal census for St Anns Parish in Albemarle County for William Turner [77] dovetails nicely with what we know of his children. There is one male under 10 (Samuel); two males and 1 female 10-15 (Talton, Alexander and Mariah); one male and one female 16-25 (William Cluny and Sarah), plus the parents. Not at home would be Fannie, Randolph and Bettie. We know Fannie had married in 1803; I know nothing about Bettie; Randolph would have been 22 and believably living on his own. This family, however, also owns one slave, while William, eight years later, states he's destitute and does not list owning a slave.
On 5 Jun 1810 William Turner was sued in Albemarle County chancery court by John Irvine, the administrator of the estate of William Irvine.[78] Turner had signed as security on a debt for Persey B. Tracey, a debt that Irvine was now attempting to collect from Turner as Tracey had left the area. Was Irvine somehow related, explaining why Turner would sign as his security?
The 1811 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner & son (should be William Cluny) with two white males over 16, one slaves over 16, and four horses. He is collecting rent of 92 cents. Randolph Turner is also found on this record as a separate household.[79]
William's daughter Sallie married William Lynch Graves on 5 May 1811 in Albemarle County.[80]
On 15 Oct 1811, William's son Randolph Turner took out a bond to marry Elizabeth Heston. His bondsman was Thomas Sudderth. Her father Abraham Heston requested license for her to marry.[81]
The 1812 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner & son (should be William Cluny) with two white males over 16, one slaves over 16, and four horses. He is collecting rent of 92 cents. Randolph Turner is also in this tax list, with a John Gillam in his household.[82]
On 3 Mar 1812 William Turner Sr. and William C Turner Jr. were witnesses when John Graves gave his daughter Ann permission to marry. (Ann married John Spears.)[83] William Sr. signed a $150 bond, again indicating a possible blood relationship with the Graves family. These documents show the signatures of both William and his son, which may help determining which William signed which document as William Sr. signed with a pointed bottom to his W, while the bottom of William Cluny's W is curved.
The 1813 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner Sr with one white male over 16, one slave over 16, and four horses. He is not shown as collecting any rents. Randolph Turner is also in this tax list, as is William Turner Jr. This should be William Cluny Turner, and he is taxed as a single male with one horse.[84] William Turner's son Talton should have turned 16 in 1812 and should have appeared in these tax lists. Where is he?
The 1814 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner with one white male over 16, one slave over 16, and two horses. He is collecting rent of $1.21 Neither Randolph nor William Cluny Turner are found in this year's tax list, nor is Talton.[85]
On 6 Mar 1815 Wm. Turner along with John Irwin and Wm. Suddarth, was appointed to appraise the estate of Cary Martin. Order returned 6 Sep 1815.[86]
On 18 Aug 1815 William Turner obtained a treasury warrant (#5437) for 14 acres of land in Albemarle County, located on the headwaters of the south fork of the Hardware River.[87] The warrant was registered on 13 Dec 1819
The 1816 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner with one white male over 16, one slave over 16, and two horses. He was charged $1.06 in tax. Neither Randolph, William Cluny, nor Talton Turner are found in this year's tax list.[88]
On 28 Dec 1816 Turner's Daughter Mariah marries Pleasant Martin in Albemarle County.[89] Her father signed with Pleasant Martin for the bond, and she is named as the daughter of William Turner. Pleasant signed with his mark, and William signed as William C. Because of the pointed ends of the W on the signature, it's likely her father who signed this bond and not her brother, though her brother was of an age to do so.
The 1817 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner Sr. and son (Alexander William Turner) with two white males over 16, one slave over 16, and three horses. He was charged $1.24 in tax. Neither Randolph, William Cluny, nor Talton Turner are found in this year's tax list.[90]
The 1818 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner and son (Alexander William Turner) with two white males over 16, two slaves over 16, and one horse. He was charged $1.58 in tax. Neither Randolph, William Cluny, nor Talton Turner are found in this year's tax list.[91]
On 3 Mar 1818 William Turner sued Charles Pemberton... for what?[92] Andrew Hart, John Smith, and Jacob Eversole were appointed to determine the outcome of the differences between the two, and their opinion was that “ the line this day run by Mr. Richard Wovers shall be the standing line (betwixt?) Wm Turner and Charles Pemberton (agreeably or arguably?) to a petition in the name of Peterfield Trust...” Further, Pemberton was ordered to reimburse Turner for his costs in bringing suit.
On 1 Jun 1818 William Turner's application for a revolutionary war pension was filed at Albermarle County Court.[93] At that time, pensions were only given to veterans who were poor, and that's the picture Turner paints in his application. He tells the court, for the benefit of the War Department (and, unknown to him, for us today) of his straitened circumstances. He owns land - between 340 and 350 acres - but it is "mountainous and rockey" and therefore not very suitable for crops; he has a few cows and sheep, and a bunch of hogs; he has possessions, most of which he describes as "old." He is a planter, but "much afflicted" by a burst blood vessel and a "general debility." His wife is likewise afflicted. He has two sons still living at home, and a 4-year-old girl has been bound to him. He lists no slaves, and the tax rolls for the year don't show he owned any, though he has before, and will own more soon.
On 6 Jul 1818, William's son Randolph was sued in chancery court by Garret White, who was seeking to recover monies from Randolph for delivery of a load of flour to Richmond.[94] He attached a piece of land which Randolph had sold on contract to one John Gillam for a tanyard (a place where hides were tanned) and had indicated certain items were part of the sale (i.e., logs; a bark stone; and 15 or 16 cords of bark). These items Gillam said he never received, and added that Randolph's wife had never relinquished her rights to the land, which Gillam was now not even sure Randolph had a right to sell. Thus he wanted his notes for the agreed payments returned to him, and to be removed as a party to the suit. A notice of the suit was placed in the newspaper at Staunton, as it was believed Randolph “is not an inhabitant of this commonwealth.” It's likely that Randolph emigrated with his family to White County, Illinois, though this is not yet fully confirmed.
William Turner witnessed the sale of his son Randolph's land to John Gillum on 17 Nov 1818.[95]
The 1819 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner and sons (Alexander William and Samuel Turner) with three white males over 16, one slave over 16, and two horses. He was charged $1.06 in tax. Neither Randolph, William Cluny, nor Talton Turner are found in this year's tax list.[96]
The 1820 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner and sons (Alexander William and Samuel Turner) with three white males over 16, one slave over 16, and two horses. He was charged $1.06 in tax. Neither Randolph, William Cluny, nor Talton Turner are found in this year's tax list.[97]
On 3 Jul 1820 William Turner appeared in court in Albemarle county to reiterate the declaration he had made in 1818 regarding his revolutionary war service as well as his current financial position, in order to obtain a pension. [98] In 1818 Congress had passed a law to grant pensions to veterans who had not been disabled from war injuries (those had been covered by the previous pension act)—non-officers would receive $8 per month. So many people applied, however—almost 19,000—that the costs drove an amendment to the act in 1820, "requiring applicants to submit certified schedules of income and assets with their applications" and allowing the Secretary of War to remove men from the pension rolls if he believed they did not need financial assistance.[99]
The William Turner in the 1820 census in Albemarle[100] on 7 Aug 1820 is far more difficult to reconcile with our William. It shows one male 16-18 (Samuel) one male 16-25 (Alexander), one female under 10 (this is not a known child; however, his pension file of 1820 says he has a female under the age of 5 living with him); a FREE colored man under 14; two slaves, an older male and younger female (how can he have slaves and be destitute? Unless they were owned by one of his children and left there to help care for him?) There is one foreigner not naturalized (This can't be William, as he would have had to be naturalized in order to get his pension.) Two people are engaged in commerce (which would be Alexander and Samuel). There is no female of age to be his wife, suggesting she is dead, though she is mentioned as living in that 1820 pension. The pension statement was given in July of 1820 - the census was taken in August.
The 1821 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner with one white male over 12, and one horse. No question was asked about slave ownership. He was charged 80 cents in tax. None of his sons are found in this year's tax list.[101]
The 1822 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner with one white slave over 12, and three horses. He was charged 93 cents in tax. None of his sons are found in this year's tax list.[102] His son Alexander, however, married Sarah Toms, the daughter of William's neighbor Alexander Toms, in Albemarle County on 9 Dec. 1822.[103] This at least suggests that Alexander was living somewhere nearby.
The 1823 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner, with two slaves over 12 and 3 horses. He was charged $1.30 in tax. None of his sons are found in this year's tax list.[104]
On 24 Jan 1823 William Turner sold his land on the headwaters of Hardware to his sons Alexander and Samuel.[105]
On 3 Feb 1823, Samuel Turner married Charlotte Eades in Albemarle County. His brother, William Cluny, was his bondsman. Charlotte's father, Shepherd Eades, gave his permission for the marriage, attested to by James T Starke and (?) Nowell.[106] Charlotte's parents were Shepherd Eades and Mary Nowell.
The 1824 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner, with one slave over 12 and 2 horses. He was charged 71 cents in tax. None of his sons are found in this year's tax list.[107]
On 6 Jun 1824 William Turner sues his son Alexander Turner for debt.[108] The court orders that previous judgement be set aside.
Some time after reiterating his declaration for a pension in 1820, William Turner's service pension was suspended, as the War Office believed he had fraudulently disposed of land in order to appear poor enough to qualify for said pension. So on 14 Aug 1824 Turner was back in court, appealing that decision. Samuel S Hart signed an affidavit supporting Turner's claims, saying that when Turner had first applied for his pension in 1818, he was indebted to Hart in the amount of $119.63. On 1 Jan. 1822, Turner was indebted to Hart in the amount of $141.66. I believe this was an ongoing, increasing debt, and that Hart owned a store, because he further stated “I believe the articles purchased by said Turner on account of the above debt were necessary for the use of the family and the farm.” Hart continued, saying he believed all property Turner owned had been sold via executions by the sheriff for payment of debt, one of which had been to pay Hart, and that about $45 was still owed. William Turner's son Samuel had been bound for the balance of that debt. Hart said that Turner's son Alexander had also provided security for a bond for $15 that William Turner owed Hart, due on 25 Dec 1822. [109]
On 13 Nov 1824, Alexander Turner sold the land he had purchased from his father.[110] When Alexander's wife Sarah was examined for her release of dower rights, she was examined by Justices of the Peace in Rockbridge County, suggesting they might have moved to that area.
On 23 Dec 1825, John Irvin signed an affidavit stating ..."about 20 or 25 years ago he [Wm. Turner] was making every effort to obtain a support for himself and family, but having a very rough piece of mountain land to cultivate, and the weight of his family still increasing, he at length became involved in debt, and about this time, when nothing but extraordinary exertions could have freed him from this situation, he lost his health and became entirely an invalid, and has been incapable of manual labor ever since." He said that Turner had to sell all of his property "in order to meet the demands of his creditors," except for about 40 acres of mountainous land, worth perhaps seventy-five cents per acre. He added that Turner's wife was "but little [?] and no more capable of labor" and that she was the "only member of his family their children having left him."[111]
The 1825 tax list for Albemarle Co. lists William Turner, one horse. He was charged 12 cents in tax. Samuel Turner is found on the tax list with one slave over 12.[112]
On 29 January 1825, Samuel Turner agreed to sell his personal property, a share in a crop of tobacco, and the land he purchased from his father to Joseph Coffman if he was unable to pay $74.13 on a bond he signed with his father for money owed to Samuel Hart. This was filed in the court on 7 Jul 1827 (possibly examined and declared by Hart?)[113]
On 23 Dec 1825, John Irvin signed an affidavit stating ..."about 20 or 25 years ago he [Wm. Turner] was making every effort to obtain a support for himself and family, but having a very rough piece of mountain land to cultivate, and the weight of his family still increasing, he at length became involved in debt, and about this time, when nothing but extraordinary exertions could have freed him from this situation, he lost his health and became entirely an invalid, and has been incapable of manual labor ever since." He said that Turner had to sell all of his property "in order to meet the demands of his creditors," except for about 40 acres of mountainous land, worth perhaps seventy-five cents per acre. He added that Turner's wife was "but little [?] and no more capable of labor" and that she was the "only member of his family their children having left him."[114]
On 24 Dec 1825, William G Hart signed an affidavit, reporting that the "principle part" of the property owned by William Turner and described in his 1818 application had been sold to Turner's sons, which the Secretary of War had determined was fraudulently done. Hart said he had known Turner for 20 years as he was in the mercantile business and that Turner had "raised a large family of children, he had but an indifferent tract of land" that he had become mired in debt but "he made out to get along... with the selling occasionally of some of his property." He mentioned that since Turner's sons "had left him" most of his property had been sold "under execution" but he was still "considerably in arrears" and therefore had sold his land to his sons, who gave him "a fair price." Hart believed the land sale not to be fraudulent, but necessary in order to pay the debts. Hart agreed that Turner only had about 40 acres of land left, and valued it at no more than 50 cents per acre. He believed both Turner and his wife were old, infirm, and unable to work.[115]
On the 1826 tax list for Albemarle Co. Samuel Turner is found on the tax list with five slaves over 12 and 3 horses, but William Turner is not found.[116]
On the 1827 tax list for Albemarle Co. William Turner is taxed as a white male with one horse in the amount of 12 cents. Samuel Turner is also found on this tax list.[117]
On the 1828 tax list for Albemarle Co. William Turner is taxed as a white male with one horse in the amount of 12 cents. Samuel Turner is also on this list.[118]
On 9 January 1828 William Turner bought from William Morris for the sum of $1 the land he formerly owned on the headwaters of Hardware.[119] William had sold this land to his son Alexander; Alexander sold it to Morris; and Morris was now selling it to William Turner. By why such a cheap price? Was William Morris also somehow related to the family?
On 2 October 1828 William Turner sold 120 acres of his land in Albemarle for $172 to Thomas and Joseph Haskins. It was a 120 acre tract bordered by Smith Toms, William Morris, Henry Pemberton and others. Samuel Turner was a witness to the deed. Because his wife's dower rights were not mentioned, she must have died by this time.[120]
On 14 January 1829 Samuel Turner and his (heretofore unknown) wife Charlotte sold to Smithen Toms their 100 acres on the headwaters of the Hardware – the land he had purchased from his father. Charlotte was not examined regarding her dower rights on this land, so that document must have been registered at another time.[121]
On the 1830 tax list for Albemarle Co. William Turner is taxed as a white male with one horse in the amount of 8 cents.[122] His daughter Fanny, now married to William Fitzpatrick, has moved to Madison County, Kentucky.[123]
Although William Turner is not found on the 1830 census, his son-in-law, Pleasant Martin, is.[124] And living in Martin's home is a while male aged 70-79... this is probably William.
On the 1831 tax list for Albemarle Co. William Turner is taxed as a white male with one horse in the amount of 6 cents.[125]
On the 1832 tax list for Albemarle Co. William Turner is taxed as a white male with two horses in the amount of 12 cents.[126]
On 10 Oct 1832 William Turner sold to Smith Toms (for $230) a tract of land on the headwaters of the south branch of the Hardware River containing 120 acres and adjoining the lands of Sam'l Martin, Tho's Haskins and Smith Toms.[127] This was the last of the land William Turner owned.
Turner is not found in the 1833 tax rolls, and has likely made his move out of the area. In 1834 William Turner is now in Madison County, Kentucky, along with his son-in-law and daughter, Pleasant and Mariah Martin. William Turner was taxed in Madison Co., Kentucky in Park's company of the 19th district for 50 acres of land on Camp's watercourse. He was taxed 50 cents as a white male with one horse. Samuel Turner (in Campbell's district of the 19th regiment) is also on this tax list.[128]
On 18 Feb 1834 50 acres of land was surveyed for William Turner in Madison Co, Kentucky based on Kentucky land warrant #2262088.[129] The property was described as near the waters of the south fork of Station Camp Creek. Turner was the assignee of (Rider Crooke? Name is hard to read.) The Virginia Treasury Warrant #22620 was initially assigned to David Anderson for 50 acres of land on 24 Dec 1783. He paid 80 pounds for it.[130]
William Turner appeared in the Madison County court on 16 Jun 1834, and requested his pension monies be sent to Kentucky. That statement said he formerly lived in Virginia "from whence he has lately removed" suggesting he hadn't been in Kentucky for long. It also states that he moved to Kentucky because the last of his children was leaving Virginia—this would be his daughter Mariah, and her husband Pleasant Martin. He adds that after moving to Madison County, he lost his horse and became sick, and therefore moved in with Pleasant Martin, his son-in-law. He mentioned he would like to visit his children in Tennessee "as soon as his health will permit" but needed his pension money to do so, and might well move to Tennessee if he were to find it more pleasing.[131]
On 1 Apr 1837 William Turner mortgages "a negro girl named Mary, aged about 17 years," in consideration of $150 from John H. Brown, Asa Farrar, John McKee and Anderson Chenault. They had endorsed a note for him at the Richman's Branch of the Northern Bank of Kentucky, due in four months. As long as Turner paid the note and all associated costs, they agreed to continue to endorse such a note "from time to time."[132]
On 4 Oct 1837 William Turner buys 133 acres on the headwaters of Whipporwill from his son-in-law, Pleasant Martin, for $100. Martin had been living on that land.[133]
William Turner was taxed in 1838 in Todd Co., KY for 133 acres of land, one voter, 5 horses valued at $150, one mule valued at $40, and 3 cattle.[134]
In 1839 William Turner was taxed in Todd Co., KY for 133 acres of land valued at $1 per acre, one voter, 4 horses valued at $125, one mule valued at $75, and 4 cattle.[135]
In the 1840 federal census[136] he is in Todd, Kentucky and named as a veteran. William Turner is the head of household. He is likely still living with Pleasant and Mariah given the ages of family members.
In 1840 William Turner is taxed in Todd Co., KY for 133 acres of land valued at $133, one voter, 4 horses/mules valued at $100, and 3 cattle.[137]
William Turner was taxed in Todd Co., KY in 1841 for 130 acres of land valued at $130, one voter, 3 horses valued at $120, 1 mule valued at $25, and 4 cattle. There are no children between 7 and 17 in the home.[138]
The 1842 taxes in Todd County, Kentucky appraised Turner for 133 acres in the Whipporwill water course valued at $266; one white male over 21; three horses valued at $70; and four cattle.[139]
In 1843 he was taxed in Todd County, Kentucky for 133 acres in the Whipporwill water course valued at $133; one white male over 21; three horses valued at $75; and four cattle.[140]
The 1844 tax rolls for Todd County, Kentucky find Turner taxed for 160 acres in the Whipporwill water course valued at $300; one white male over 21; three horses valued at $100; and four cattle.[141]
In 1845 he was taxed in Todd County, Kentucky for 160 acres in the Whipporwill water course valued at $330; one white male over 21; horses and mules valued at $60; and three cattle.[142]
The 1846 tax lists for Todd County, Kentucky show Turner was taxed for 160 acres in the Double Lick water course (a mistake?) valued at $489; one white male over 21; two horses/mules at $40; and three cattle.[143]
In 1847 William Turner was taxed in Todd County, Kentucky for 160 acres in the Whipporwill water course valued at $640; one white male over 21; horses/mules at $40; and four cattle.[144]
But in 1848 William Turner is listed only as a qualified voter on the tax rolls for Todd County, Kentucky. He is NOT listed as owning any property, or being charged any tax.[145]
Some time in November, 1849 William Turner, a widowed man estimated to have been born in 1751 in Virginia, dies in Todd Co., Kentucky of bronchitis.[146] He was said to be 98 years old (he was actually 93), was a farmer, and had been ill for a year.
The will of William Turner was brought to the courthouse in Todd County, Kentucky on 11 Mar 1850 for probate. William left his property, which was "the land on which she now lives," to his daughter Mariah, wife of Pleasant Martin, from whom he had originally purchased the land.
He left his granddaughters Mariah Lusan Martin, Virginia Martin and Nancy T Martin $100 each. He left $25 to Sarah Audis Martin and Eliza Martin. He was owed $50 from his son Samuel and $20 from his grandson Thomas Martin, which they were to keep as long as his legacies to the girls named could be paid. He appointed Thomas Haddan as both his executor and as trustee to his legatees until they became of age. He left his furniture and books for the use of his daughter Mariah and her children. The will was witnessed by T.E. McLean and William L Martin.[147]
Pension application of June 1818 says he was aged 63 as of 'last February.' Notarized statement of grandson says he was born in 1756 per family record
Found multiple copies of BIRT DATE. Using 11 Feb 1756
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