Reuben Turner (1760/65) and Dorothy Martin of Marion Co, SC

I (Marty Grant) don't know how I'm related to the Reuben Turner family. I strongly believe that he is the father of my ancestor Daniel Turner (c1796), but I have no solid proof. If that connection is true, then Reuben and Dorothy would be my 4th Great Grandparents.

Reuben Turner was born ca 1760/65 (per census analysis). He was probably born in Halifax (now Martin) County, North Carolina as was his brother John Turner (born there in 1765).

Reuben Turner is a proven son of John and Patience Turner based on a deed dated 30 Jul 1819 (see below), and also proven by other records.

Reuben Turner married Dorothy Martin sometime before 1790. She was born ca 1765/70. Her maiden name is proven by a Marion court record dated 1860 (see below for more on that). I don't know who her parents were, but it seems likely that she was a sister to Catherine Martin who married William Turner, Reuben's brother, and also to John Martin who married their sister Penelope Turner. If these three Martin's were not siblings, then they were probably closely related in some other way.

Reuben Turner was listed on the 1790 census. He was listed in Prince Frederick Parish of Georgetown District. His brother John Turner (Jr) was also listed there.

The 1790 census was alphabetical, so we can't determine who a person's neighbors were, nor where they lived exactly.

On 9 Dec 1797 Reuben Turner was mentioned in a deed between John Sanders and Enos Tart. Land was being sold that bordered various people including: James Blackmon, Peter Colder (Calder), Thomas Hulan, Reuben Turnor (Turner), John Turnor Sr (Turner) and Charles Oates. Most of these other names were neighbors of the Turner family on Catfish Creek for generation after generation. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book D page 178).

The fact that Reuben Turner had property already indicates that he had purchased it, inherited it, or received a land grant (or grants) for some land. I haven't found that record yet.

Marion District was formed in 1798 (effective 1800) from Georgetown District, and it included portions of Prince Frederick and Prince George Parish (I don't know exactly where the parish boundary line ran). The Turner's were found in Marion District from then on. They lived in the region of Catfish Creek roughly between the modern towns of Latta and Sellers and the Temperance Hill community.

Reuben Turner was listed on the 1800 census in Marion District, SC. He was listed next door to his brother John Turner Jr and just two houses from his brother-in-law Barnabas Hathcock (married to Catherine Turner). All of these (and several of their other neighbors) were listed in the "Free Colored" columns of the census. Unfortunately, this column was "lumped" together, and was not broken down by age and sex, so all we can tell is their were 6 people in the household.

Marion County records show that most of the Turners were "Free Colored", meaning they were darker skinned, and probably had black (African) blood. (Many descendants today claim "Indian" blood, but I have trouble with that claim). However, in spite of the prevailing racism of the day, the Turners were held in respect by their white neighbors and friends as shown by various affidavits on the subject. Reuben's parents were described as being part African. His father John was described as being half black, and his mother Patience was described as being one quarter black. Reuben was mentioned in one of these records concerning his grandson Martin W. Turner

In 1860, Martin Turner was in court defending his right as free white. An Affidavit was filed by upstanding "white" citizens defending his character, but clearly pointing out that the Turners had black blood, though had always lived as free men and "passed" for white and were received as such, even though everyone knew they had African ancestry.

The first statement was made on 9 Aug 1860 in the case of Martin W. Turner (c1820) vs N. C. McDuffie, Sheriff of Marion District. A statement filed by John Blackman Sr and James Lane Sr (both relatives of mine by the way) said this about Martin:

A month later some of the same men (and others) made similar statements on behalf of the other Martin Turner (a nephew of Reuben Turner), and they made the same statements concerning the ethnic origins of the Turners. They also made it a point that the Turners were upstanding citizens and always did their duty in the militias and road crews, and so forth.

On 30 Oct 1804 Reuben Turner and his wife Dorothy Turner gave a horse, and several other items to their "son" Robert Turner. This deed makes Robert Turner a proven son of Reuben. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book F page 231).

Reuben Turner was listed on the 1810 census in Marion District, SC. This census was alphabetical, so we can't determine where he lived, nor who his neighbors were, but I imagine he was in the Catfish creek area described earlier. Based on the apparent children in Reuben's household in 1810, several of them were born before 1800, suggesting that his household in 1800 should have included 10 persons, instead of just 6. Some of these might not be their children, or perhaps the 1800 census was in error (or this one is in error).

Reuben Turner was listed on the 1811 Marion tax list, and charged with 50 cents tax.

On 15 Jan 1815 Reuben and "Doraty" Turner sold 163 acres of land (on Catfish) to Francis Bridges. Witnesses included Daniel Platt and John Dew. A later deed from Francis Bridges (see below) explains where Reuben got this land. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book G page 76).

On 30 Jul 1819 a very informative deed was made between Francis Bridges and Joseph Bass. Bridges sold 300 acres to Bass, in several tracts. The title history of the land was given (as was often, but not always done). The first tract was described as being land from John Turner Sr to his son Rubin Turner and from R. Turner to Francis Bridges, containing 163 acres (see deed dated 1815 above). The second tract was from John Sanders to Levi Solomon, and Solomon to Bridges, being 100 acres. The third tract was described as from John Turner Sr to his son William Turner and from him to Francis Bridges, containing 50 acres, and all were on the east side of Catfish. This deed proves that Reuben and William were sons of John Turner Sr. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book K page 42).

The above deed refers to land previously sold (or given) by John Turner Sr to his sons Reuben Turner and William Turner. I found no deeds showing this transaction from John Turner to his sons. It is possible the deeds could predate the creation of Marion District (1798). If that was the case, they may be in the lost Georgetown records. I'll look for them eventually. It is also possible that the deeds were never recorded, especially in the case of John Turner Sr to his sons, as they may have inherited it from his estate (of which no record has been found).

Reuben Turner was listed on the 1820 census in Marion District. Once again, the census was alphabetical, so we can't determine who his neighbors were nor where he lived (though likely still on Catfish).

Reuben Turner was listed on the 1830 census in Marion District. As before, this census was alphabetical, so we can't determine his neighbors, etc. There are several "Extra" people with Reuben in 1830, who weren't with him in 1820. The ages and sexes of these folks are a perfect match with his daughter Martha Turner's family (in 1840 and 1820 census). So I think it is highly likely this is her and her children come back home (she was head of household in 1820).

Reuben Turner was not found on the 1840 census, neither was Dorothy, his wife, so both of them apparently died before then, or else were residing with a married daughter or something like that.

Children

Reuben Turner and his wife Dorothy had several children, according to the 1790 through 1830 census records. However, only two are proven (Martha and Robert), the rest are all unidentified. There are numerous "unclaimed" Turner's that could easily belong to Reuben and Dorothy Turner, but so far, I have insufficient evidence to place them here with any authority.

Unknown Son (1784/90). Reuben Turner had an apparent son this age. He was home in 1790 (age "under 16", born ca 1774/90), and home in 1800 (no ages given, so born before 1800), and still home in 1810 (age 16-25, born ca 1784/94), but gone by 1820, so probably married or dead by then.

This could be Martin Turner born ca 1789/90, who left Marion District before 1830 and moved to Izard Co, AR. This could also be Reuben Turner ca 1784/85, though he lived in the Effingham area, and didn't seem to be associated with the Catfish Creek Turner family, but his name is certainly of special notice. However, "Martin" Turner is of the same amount of interest, for he could have been named for his mother who's maiden name was "Martin".

Martha Turner before was born ca 1784/90. She is a proven child of Reuben (per the 1860 Court record quoted earlier). She was a single mother having a number of children out of wedlock. See her own page for additional information.

Unknown Daughter (bef 1790). Reuben Turner had an apparent daughter this age. She was home in 1790 (no ages given, so born before 1790), but gone by 1800, so probably married or dead by then.

Unknown Daughter (bef 1790). Reuben Turner had an apparent daughter this age. She was home in 1790 (no ages given, so born before 1790), and still home in 1800 (no ages, born before 1800), but gone by 1810, so probably married or dead by then.

Robert Turner was born ca 1793/94 in Georgetown District, SC (later became Marion District), presumably in what became Moody Township. Robert is a proven child of Reuben. He was named as a "son" in a deed from his parents. He was apparently home with them for the 1800 census (no ages given), and home in 1810 (age 16-25, born ca 1784/94), and still home in 1820 (age 16-25, born ca 1794/1804). He married Rebecca --- in the 1820's.

Unknown Son (1794/1800). Reuben Turner had an apparent son this age. He did not seem to be home in 1800, but was home in 1810 (age 10-15, born ca 1794/1800), but gone by 1820, so probably married or dead by then.

This could be James Turner born ca 1795/96, who with his brother Martin Turner born ca 1789/90, left Marion District before 1830 and moved to Izard Co, AR. This could also be my ancestor Daniel Turner (c1795/96).

Unknown Daughter (1794/1800). Reuben Turner had an apparent daughter this age. She did not seem to be home in 1800, but was home in 1810 (age 10-15, born ca 1794/1800), but gone by 1820, so probably married or dead by then.

Unknown Daughter (1794/1800). Reuben Turner had an apparent daughter this age. She did not seem to be home in 1800, but was home in 1810 (age 10-15, born ca 1794/1800), and still home in 1820 (age 16-25, born ca 1794/1804), but gone by 1830, so probably married or dead by then.

Unknown Son (1804/10). Reuben Turner had an apparent son this age. He was home in 1810 (age "under 10", born ca 1800/10), and still home in 1820 (age 10-15, born ca 1804/10), but gone by 1830 so probably married or dead by then.

This could be one of the following "unclaimed" Turners: Henry Turner (c1800/10); Jesse Turner (c1800/10); John Turner (c1800/04); Joseph Turner (c1802/03); and Stephen Turner (c1809/10). Of these, Joseph and John seem slightly too old to properly fit. That leaves Stephen, Henry and Jesse and prime candidates.

Researcher List

1. Reuben¹ Turner , born 1760/65 in SC; died 1830/40 in Marion Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC), son of John Turner and Patience (---) . He married bef 1790 in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC) Dorothy Martin , born 1765/70; died 1830/40 in Marion Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC).

Children of Reuben Turner and Dorothy Martin were as follows:

+ 2 i Martha² Turner , born 1784/90 in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC); died aft 1840 in Marion Dist, SC. She married (1) ? (---) ; (2) Needham Watson .

+ 3 ii Robert² Turner , born 1793/94 in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC); died aft 1860 in Marion Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC). He married (1) Rebecca (---) ; (2) Mary (---) .

Generation 2

2. Martha² Turner (Reuben¹), born 1784/90 in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC); died aft 1840 in Marion Dist, SC. She married (1) Not married ? (---) ; (2) Not married Needham Watson , son of Samuel Watson and ? (---) .

Children of Martha Turner and ? (---) were as follows:

+ 4 i Martin M³ Turner Pvt , born 1819/20 in Marion Dist, SC; died 4 Jan 1890 in Marion Co, SC (now Dillon Co, SC); buried in Hulon Cemetery, Dillon Co, SC. He married Eliza (---) .

3. Robert² Turner (Reuben¹), born 1793/94 in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC); died aft 1860 in Marion Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC). He married (1) in 1820/30 in Marion Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC) Rebecca (---) , born 1793/94 in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC); died 1850/60 in Marion Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC); (2) in 1850/60 in Marion Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC) Mary (---) , born 1811/12 in Marion Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC).

Children of Robert Turner and Rebecca (---) were as follows:

+ 6 i Jesse³ Turner , born 1833/34 in Marion Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC); died 1880/1900 in Marion Co, SC or Horry Co, SC. He married Mary J (---) .

7 ii Druscilla³ Turner , born 1834/35 in Marion Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC).

Generation 3

4. Martin M³ Turner Pvt (Martha² Turner, Reuben¹), born 1819/20 in Marion Dist, SC; died 4 Jan 1890 in Marion Co, SC (now Dillon Co, SC); buried in Hulon Cemetery, Dillon Co, SC. He married in 1830/39 in Marion Dist, SC Eliza (---) , born 1819/20 in Marion Dist, SC; died 4 Jan 1890 in Marion Co, SC (now Dillon Co, SC); buried in Hulon Cemetery, Dillon Co, SC.

Children of Martin M Turner Pvt and Eliza (---) were as follows:

8 i Rebecca⁴ Turner , born 1838/39 in Marion Dist, SC.

9 ii Mary T⁴ Turner , born 1841/42 in Marion Dist, SC.

+ 10 iii Kenneth T⁴ Turner , born Jun 1848 in Marion Dist, SC; died 1 Jul 1924 in Dillon Co, SC; buried in Turner Cemetery, Dillon Co, SC. He married Amanda (---) .

11 iv John⁴ Turner , born 1850 in Marion Dist, SC; died 1850/60 in Marion Dist, SC.

12 v Martha⁴ Turner , born 1855/56 in Marion Dist, SC.

13 vi Elsey Catherine⁴ Turner , born 1860 in Marion Dist, SC.

6. Jesse³ Turner (Robert², Reuben¹), born 1833/34 in Marion Dist, SC (now Dillon Co, SC); died 1880/1900 in Marion Co, SC or Horry Co, SC. He married bef 1857 in Marion Dist, SC Mary J (---) , born Jun 1835 in SC; died aft 1900 in Horry Co, SC.

Children of Jesse Turner and Mary J (---) were as follows:

14 i Anna M⁴ Turner , born Sep 1852 in SC.

15 ii Hugh G⁴ Turner , born 1859/60 in SC.

16 iii Mary J⁴ Turner , born 1861/62 in SC.

17 iv Druscilla⁴ Turner , born 1864/65 in SC.

18 v Jesse⁴ Turner , born 1867/68 in SC.

19 vi Jimmie⁴ Turner , born 1870/71 in SC.

20 vii Evander⁴ Turner , born Feb 1875 in SC.

21 viii Rebecca⁴ Turner , born Aug 1877 in SC.