Date: Sun, 6 Jul 1997 02:40:27 -0400 (EDT)
From: NCreed1@aol.com
To: NCreed1@aol.com
Subject: Comp 143 - Burnett-Turner-Ross-Via-Etc/Etc

Part 1 of 2 parts:

					June 1985
	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
====================================================
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 affectionaly 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.

	GEORGE WASHINGTON TURNER was born May 15, 1865,
in Henry county, Va.  [This date was copied correctly, however, believe
the date should be 15 June 1805.  njd]  Grew up to maturity on his father's
farm and received a practical common school education.  It is said he was a
strong man, well developed and "tipped the beam" at 180 pounds.  He
removed with his father's family to Patrick county, Va., about 1828.  A few
years after he married Lucy, a daughter of Richard Thomas Esque, a
respectable well-to-do-family.  [Believe the name is Richard Thomas. 
Esque is probably meant to be Esquire.  njd]  Some years after he and his
bride removed to Missouri and settled in a home near Butler, Bates county,
MO.  Engaged in farming and soon became well established in the then new
county.  He took up the study of medicine and became a practising
physician.  He lost his wife and was remarried to a Mrs. Deavenport.  Was
the father of several children.  We can only identify by name two of them,
vis.:  Ruth L., daughter by first wife; Virginia, daughter by second wife. 
His death occurred probably about 1852 or 1853.  His widow was living in
1855, and unfortunately had lost her eyesight.

	CRAWFORD TURNER, the second son, was raised up on the
farm.  Was very studious; hungered after knowledge; received a practical
education, and by dint of his own perseverence made himself a scholar.  At
the age of 26 he married Susan, a daughter of Daniel Ross, a well-to-do
old time farmer, on the 26th day of November, 1833.  She was born Sept.
14, 1817.  She was a young bride, but said to be very pretty.  They began
housekeeping highly favored.  A home paid for, farm stocked, and colored
servants to serve for profit and pleasure.  There were born unto them four
children as follows, viz:  (1) Rufus Turner was born Sept. 15, 1834; (2)
Murry Turner was born Aug. 2, 1837; (3) Arminta Turner was born Aug.
21, 1839; (4) Mattie Turner was born March 15, 1843.  Mattie still lives,
the only survivor of the family.
	Rufus was a large, vigorous, good looking man, a fine
mathemetician, well known and popular, a Whig in politics.  Was elected
Sheriff about 1856.  Served a term successfully.  Married Miss Rachel Critz
March 12, 1857.  Four children were born to them.  He died of "diptheria"
Sept. 19, 1862.  Much lamented, his widow still serves at 82; lives with her
son Edgar, near Stuart, Va.
	Murry was also a fine looking, large portly man; was quite
prominent; was also elected Sheriff of Patrick county and served 8
consecutive years.  He married Miss Sallie Rangely Jan. 3, 1866.  To this
union were born 5 or 6 children.  Politically he became a Republican and
was a U. S. Revenue official.  Owned a valuable property; resided at
Stuart, Va., and died Nov. 20, 1889.
	Arminta died Feb. 4, 1864.  Was never married.
	Mattie the youngest, was a great beauty; the idol of the family. 
Was religiously enclined, hence she became an early seeker and sure finder
of the "pearl of great price."  Has been an earnest Methodist church worker
for the past 30 or 40 years.  She married Capt. J. Thomas Clark January 8,
1867.  he died May , 1884, leaving her a widow with two orphan children. 
Thos. Lee, born Oct. 21, 1867, and Annie, born Sept. 18, 1869.  Thos. Lee
is quite a prominent citizen and resides at Stuart, Va.  Annie married Dr.
Boothe and resides at Pearisburg, Va.
	Crawford Turner was a public-spirited citizen.  Like his father, was
an ardent Whig.  Was popular and widely known in his early days.  Was a
Civil Magistrate for several years; was a Court Commissioner in Chancery;
was elected two terms to the Legislature of Virginia; was the Whig
candidate for State Senator in the District composed of the counties of
Patrick, Henry, and Franklin.  Archibald Stuart was the Democratic
candidate.  In Patrick and Henry Turner's majority was unusually large, but
Franklin was overwhelmingly Democratic.  Stuart was selected by a
reduced plurality.  He was for many years Colonel, commanding Patrick
county's regiment of Virginia Militia way back in the 40's and 50's.  Was
elected Sheriff of Patrick county, Va., and served two consecutive terms. 
The war for the union, 1861 to 1865, coupled with the irreparable loss of a
son and daughter of great promise, virtually crushed the life out of Colonel
Turner.  He died rather prematurely July 17, 1865; age 58.  His widow
survived him 23 years.  She died March 4, 1888; age 71 years.

	WILLIAM TURNER, the third son, was raised up to maturity on
the farm and received a plain, simple education.  By occupation was a
practical farmer and stone mason.  He married Martha, a daughter of
Edward Philpott, Sr., who resided at the mouth of Town creek in Henry
county.  He settled with his bride on waters of Sycamore creek, a tributary
of Smith's river, in Patrick county.  His family consisted of one daughter,
Ruth, born about 1839.  She married Mat. T. Lawson, a surveyor, of
Patrick county.  They had quite a large family.  Mr. Lawson died during the
Civil War.  Ruth still lives and resides on the "Meadows of Dan" in Patrick
county.  Her father sold out his holdings, and bought a nice farm on the
Meadows of Dan, situate on the west border of Patrick county, Va., where
he died of measles at age 80 years of age.  He was well-built, strong man,
medium height, weight about 165 pounds; was quite well informed;
companionable; a fine talker, and scrupulously honest; had many friends
and comparatively few enemies; in sentiment a Whig and Missionary
Baptist.  Truly it may be said of him, "he kept his mouth and tongue out of
mischief (making) an kept his soul from trouble."  His good widow
survived him eight or ten years and passed out, doubtless to rejoin him in
the land far away, where the inhabitants never more say I am sick.  Blessed
world, happy dwellers over yonder.

	JUDETH TURNER was the fourth addition to Rev. John Turner's
family.  She grew up a well trained daughter in domesticity and married
Constant Martin, a quiet, industrious farmer.  They made a plain, good
substantial living by tilling the soil, and raised a large respectable
family,
always residents of Henry county, Va.  She died about the year 1900, aged
89.  The names of four of their children we can recall:  two sons, Wm. and
Thomas, daughters Lucinda R. and Harriet.  Wm. was a fine, tall, steady
young man, heroic and daring.  Was killed in battle at Atlanta, Georgia, in
defense of the lost cause.  Lucinda married Thos. Mitchell.  The old
gentlemen died, probably proceeding his wife.

	RUTH TURNER, fifth in the family, married John Lackey, and
there were born to them six children, four sons and two daughters, by name
in rotation as follows:  Wm. Crawford, Georgia, Mariah, Letitia, Elkanah
and Marshall.  Mrs. Lackey was the first of her family to pass.  She died
March 14, 1844.  She was an excellent woman, a member of the primitive
baptist church.  Her funeral was preached by Rev. Joshua Adams, of
precious memory, from the text, "many daughters have done virtuously but
thou excelleth them all."  The family resided near Elamsville, Patrick
county, Va.  Their eldest son, Wm. Crawford, married a daughter of
Samuel Snead.  They raised a family of six or seven children.  One of his
sons, Elkanah, is a Dunkard preacher, and a man of gigantic physical
strength.  Crawford died some five or six years since.  His widow still
survives.  George, the second son, died suddenly of choleramorbus while
out on a wagon trip over in Floyd county, V., in 1857.  Mariah is presumed
to be living still.  She never married.  Letitia was a physical beauty.  She
married Tazwell A. Thomas in 1856.  He was a brave confederate soldier. 
They had quite a large family.  They are both living, but are quite old and
infirm.
	Elkanah died in the Confederate army a beautiful youth, brave and
heroic, of about twenty summers.  Marshall, the youngest in youth as
"beautiful as Absolem," whether living or dead, alas, we know not.  their
father, John Lackey, lived to be the great age of 90 years.

	PERMELIA TURNER, the sixth of the family, was never married,
and died in great peace March 15, 1898, at the advanced age of 84 years. 
She was intellectual, industrious.  It could never be said of her "she eat
the
bread of idleness."  She owned a good property and her own colored
servant girl.  Lived quietly and well.  She had a host of friends to lament
her demise.  Her death surely was earth's loss and heaven's gain.  Her dust
repose in a nice quiet little cemetery on a hill just east from the mouth of
Town creek near Philpott station, Henry county, Va.

	JOHN BURNETT TURNER, the seventh of the family, grew up
on the farm, acquired a common school education; was 6 feet tall; weight
165 to 170 pounds; well developed; very strong, straight, erect and good
looking, but likely always had too much confidence in "the other fellow" to
safeguard his own financial interests.  On Sept. 19, 1838, he married
Naoma A., a daughter of Wm. Via, a well doing, respectable farmer.  This
place is now called "Dodson"  She was born Sept. . 6, 1821.  They settled
in a home about one mile north from Hairston's iron furnace, now called
Fayerdale, Patrick county, Va.  Owned a good farm, a nice, comfortable
home; owned four colored servants.  There were born unto them six
children, 4 sons and 2 daughters, born in rotation as follows:  (1)  Henry
Clay, born 1839, and died of "Bold Hives" three weeks after birth.  (2)
Wm., born Jan. 17, 1841.  (3) Nancy Elizabeth,  born Jan. 17, 1843.  (4)
John Burnett, Jr., Nov. 26, 1847.  (5) Mary Jane, born Dec. 22, 1850. 
Geo. W. was born June 6, 1853.
	Way back about 1847, unfortunately, John Burnett Turner engaged
in a tobacco manufacturing enterprise, bought up a large amount of leaf
tobacco on time; also a wagon and team outfit; had it manufactured, placed
the team and tobacco in the hands of a trader, who went South to sell.  By
and by the trader returned, but nothing tangible in compensation for team
and tobacco appeared.  Under the then law it was merely a breath of trust. 
But honest (victim), John Burnett Turner, paid all his creditors, principle
and interest.  But it swept away all his holdings, home and servants.  Of
necessity he became a renter, and in a sense a dependent.
	He leased, for a term of years, a farm of the John A. Hairston lands,
on Hales creek, one mile west from Fayerdale.  He and his family worked
and economized with all their might to recuperate.  He never lost his manly
pride or dignity on account of unavoidable poverty.  But in the
circumstances that then existed in Patrick county, what chances had the
unfortunately, poor, strugling renter to rise socially and financially?  John
Burnett Turner was astute enough to see the propriety of Horace Greely's
advice.  "Go West.:  So he removed with his family in Nov. 1857, to
Raleigh county, now W. Va.  Fortunate move.  At that time thousands of
acres could be purchased at 50c per acre, that now, 1914, sells at from $50
to $100 per acre.  During the winter of 1857-58 he had a long seige of
typhoid fever that wrecked the physical powers of the strong man.  In the
political crisis contest of 1860 he voted for Belle and Everett.  But when it
was ascertained that Lincoln was legally elected and by a large majority, he
said, "The majority must rule, the minority, otherwise anarchy prevails. 
That he was loyal to his country, and that his loyalty was not bounded by
state lines."  He was past age for military service; kept quiet, worked as
best he could on the farm.  His son, William, entered in the union army in
Dec., 1861.  A mortal offense, seemingly to the Southern Confederacy, for
none other than known provocation, a scouting part of seven Confederates
burned his home with all its contents.  His took the spoiling of his goods
cheerfully, simply saying, "I am one among many innocent sufferers."
	In 1870 he was elected Assessor of Raleigh county, and served a
term of two years.  His valuations of property was much praised for its
uniformity.  In 1862 he was soundly converted from nature to grace, and
died in great peace May 9, 1897, aged 81 years.  His wife died Dec. 11,
1898, aged 76 years.  They died honored members of the "Methodist
Episcopal church;" and their mortal remains slumber side by side in a little
cemetery near Matville, Raleigh county, West Virginia.
	Of their children we briefly speak as follows:
	(1)	Wm. Turner, son of John B. and Naoma A. was born in
Patrick county, Va., Jan. 17, 1841.  What pity he had not been favored
with a classical education.  Nine months in detached intervals in rude
country schools, was the some of his educational opportunity.  Still it must
be said he is a scholar.  Has always been a student and closest observer of
men and things.  Had a retentive memory; an expert judge of men and their
motives.  His aspirations, ideals and cravings are of a lofty character. 
Combative but an open fighter; unswerving in purpose, buy governed by
reason.  In politics, Republican.  Voted for Lincoln in 1864, and Taft in
1912.  In religion, Methodist Episcopal.  Has met the exigencies of life
successfully; has filled many positions of trust and responsibility.
 Enlisted
in the Union army in Dec., 1861, as a private; was commissioned a captain
Feb. 11, 1864, and honorable discharged Aug. 1, 1865.  Was severely
wounded in action June 8, 1862, at the battle of Cross Keys.  On April 11,
1866, he married Martha Doliver, a daughter of Hon. James H. Hinchman;
of Logan county, W. Va.  He settled his home at Matville, Raleigh county,
W. Va.  Was appointed postmaster, which position he and his wife
alternately held for 34 years.  In 1867 was elected Survey or Lands, and
served out two consecutive terms.  Was school commissioner and trustee
for 15 years.  Under General Grant's administration was appointed,
commissioned and served 4 years as U. S. Internal Revenue Assessor and
Distillery Surveyor for the 6th Div. 3rd Dist. W. Va.  On Feb. 10, 1871, he
was licensed a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church, which
license are still annually renewed.  He was energetic, forceful, and
effective
until his voice failed about 1900 on account of bronchial trouble.  For a
number of years he was in active politics as organizer, committeeman,
writer, speaker and delegate to conventions, but never an office seeker, as
refusal to accept a tendered nomination for State Senator in a district
where nomination was equivolent to an election shows.  Office came to
him, usually unsought.  He seved two years as a member of the school
book board of Raleigh county, W. Va.  Scholarship was required and he
was not found wanting.  In 1902, on account of securing better educational
advantages, he sold his personal and a part of his realty for $20,000 and
removed to Barboursville, Cabell county, W. Va., the location of the
splendid Morris Harvey College.  He was elected and served as corporation
counselman two terms.
	In 1910 he and his wife visited Washington, D. C., looked over the
city, liked it, and purchased for themselves a $5,000 home and had it
conveyed to them as "joint tenants."  They occupy it through the winter
and spring, spending their summer and autumn in West Virginia.
	They own valuable property in Raleigh, Logan and Cabell counties,
W. Va.  In Suffolk, Va., Milmay, N. J., several hundred shares of stock in
western mining companies, bank stock, and other interest of minor
importance.
	But their greatest legacy is their 9 fine living children, ranging ages,
the youngest 24 to 47 the oldest; all well situated, and six of the nine are
college graduates; one P. H. D. Prof. of Economics in Cornell University,
N. Y.; two M. D.'s, one P. H. G., one C. E. and Draftsman, one Real
Estate, one Elocutionist, and China Decorator.  All are workers, all
Republicans, all Methodists and all proud of Turner name.
	Four of their sons-in-law are Democrats, but good and acceptable
all the same.  No recantations desired.
	(2)	Nancy Elizabeth, daughter of John B. and Naoma A.
Turner, was born Jan. 17, 1843, in Patrick county, Va.  She grew up inured
to domestic avocations, ease and leisure; seldom came into her girl life. 
She was bright, portly and good looking.  She had aspirations, but
opportunities were wanting.  Times were gloomy, the public mind
distracted, the horrors of Civil War approaching, the crisis came and finally
passed.  In Jan., 1866, she married Wm. Dickens, a late U. S. veteran of
the Civil War; a quiet, industrious farmer.  They raised a respectable large
family, all grown up and doing for themselves.  She and her husband are
living still in Raleigh county, W. Va., enjoying a good living; both devoted
members of the M. E. church, but old, well stricken in years; have many
friends and no known enemies.  Good old people, abiding quietly their
time.
	(3)	John Burnett Turner, Jr., son of John B. and Naoma A., was
born in Patrick county, Va., Nov. 26, 1847.  Was grown up on the farm,
had few school advantages, and took little interest in educational matters. 
Was always quiet, had strictly a home-staying turn of mind, domestic in his
habits.  He enlisted in the Union army in 1864 for one year; served out his
term; was a superb soldier; saved his wages, bought 130 acres of land on
Drews creek, in Raleigh county, W. Va., at 50c per acre; paid for it,
obtained his titlee deed build a house married a wife in Jan., 1866, Miss
Jane Canterbury, a good woman.  He was a good worker, a good planner,
a close saver and safe trader, and had all the grit and independence any man
need to have.  He soon had a nice farm and well stocked; took a great
interest in bee culture, cattle raising, and fruit growings; had a place for
everything, and kept things in their place.  In 1912 he sold his farm,
reserving a little occupancy of the surface intact, to a coal syndicate at
$60
per acre; placed his cash in savings bank.  The semi-annual interest more
than supplies his necessary outlays and expenditures.  He lives in luxury,
delights in the visits of his relatives and friends.  Seldom leaves home
except on business or going to church.  He is a free will Baptist, a
Republican, has his third wife, the two former both died of consrjption.  In
the autumn of 1865 he set out on foot and walked from Raleigh, W. Va., to
Patrick, Va., 150 miles, to visit his grandfather, Rev. John turner.  Said he
had a curiosity to see the dear old man that to be gratified.  Stayed with
him and visited in the neighborhood of his birthplace eight or ten days and
faced westward, retraced his steps, passing through Floyd, Montgomery,
Giles, Monroe and Mercer counties home, and expressed himself as
abundantly satisfied with his long walk and satisfying visit.
	(4)	Mary Jane Turner, daughter of John B. and Naoma a., was
born Dec. 22, 1850, in Patrick county, Va.  Grew up minus the advantages
of a proper education.  She was industrious, looked well, spiritually
minded, rather inclined to melancholia.  In early life united with the M. E.
church and still remains a faithful member.  She was united in marriage
April 30, 1874, to John H. Dickens, a quiet industrious fellow, religious, a
farmer by occupation.  The own in fee a modest but comfortable home near
Matville, Raleigh county, W. Va.  The raised a family of six, two sons and
four daughters.
	(5)	George W. Turner, youngest of John B. and Naoma A., was
born in Patrick county, Va., June 6, 1853.  Grew up to manhood on the
farm, with little "book learning."  But quaint drollery and witty expressions
he was of the "Josh Billings type."  He was the quick wit of the family. 
Had a superior natural intellect.  Undeveloped for lack of that education
that trains the mind to think, to reflect, combine, concentrate and bring out
the powers of a developed mind.  Education is required for all human
minds to harmonize the faculties.  George was 6 foot tall, weight about 165
pounds, was a strong man.  He married Sarah Stover.  There were born to
them 10 children, 5 sons, 5 daughters.  Rather prematurely George died
May 5, 1907, age 54 years.  His mortal remains slumber near by his father
and mother.

See Part 2 of 2 part. (Comp 144)