William Turner (c1768) and Catherine Martin of Marion Co, SC

I (Marty Grant) don't know how (or if) I'm related to the William Turner family, but I am very interested in him though. I believe he is probably my Uncle.

William Turner was born ca 1767/68 (per 1850 census) in SC. The 1850 census gives his birth place as "Marion" (i.e. Marion District, SC), but in 1767/68 there was no Marion District. Marion was created in 1798 from Georgetown District, which was created in 1769. Prior to 1769 this region of South Carolina was part of Craven County, so technically, even if born within the Catfish Creek area, William Turner was born in Craven Co, SC.

William Turner may have actually been born in NC based on an 1814 deed that refers to him as "late of NC", but that deed may be for someone else.

William Turner is a proven son of John and Patience Turner based on a deed dated 30 Jul 1819 (see below) and also by an 1860 Court record.

William Turner was not listed on the 1790 census, though he was about 22 years old then. He was probably still at home with his father John Turner, whose household contained 10 "Other Free" persons. There was no breakdown by age or sex.

The Turners generally alternated between "White", "Free Colored" and "Mulatto" on the census records. Census takers used the "Free Colored" and "Mulatto" designation to show a person of mixed race, whether they be part Indian, part Black, or of some other origin (darker skinned). A large portion of the Turners of Marion County fell into this category. One of the earliest Turner's in the area was John Turner Sr (c1740-c1804) and his wife Patience. John and Patience were the parents of William Turner. They were listed in this mixed race category, and there are several public records relating to them. The 1790 and 1800 census list them in the "Free Colored" columns, and some court records and one deed record show them to be of black (African) origin. Some descendants claim "Indian" (Native American) origin, but I don't believe that myself.

William Turner was not listed on the 1800 census, though about 32 years old then. His father's household contained 5 "Free Colored" persons, one of which could be William. There was a William Turner (1755/74) in neighboring Horry County in 1800 (actually Georgetown District, Waccamaw / Kingston County). This could be this same William.

William Turner married Catherine Martin ca 1800/1805 in Marion District, SC. He was already over 30 by this time, so I don't know if this was his first marriage or not. Her name is proven by an 1860 court record concerning their son Martin W. Turner.

William Turner was listed on the 1810 census in Marion District. This was his first census entry. This census was alphabetical, so we can't determine where he lived exactly, or who his neighbors were.

William Turner was listed on the 1811 tax list in Marion, and charged with 17 cents tax.

William Turner was listed on the 1814 tax list in Marion, and charged with 48 cents tax.

On 3 Oct 1814, William Turner "of Marion Dist late of NC" sold a negro girl named Elizar, age 7 to John Newson. It is possible that this was a different William Turner, due to the reference "late of NC", since the William under study here had been in Marion for quite some time by 1814. This might also mean he had temporarily moved to NC but had returned by 1814. Witnesses to this deed were Richard Grantham and Mathew Dickinson. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book F page 324).

On 29 Aug 1816, William Turner was named as a debtor to the estate of Robert Hodges, deceased. (Marion Co, SC Inventory Book 1827-1836 pg 182 as published in the Pee Dee Queue).

On 7 Nov 1816, William Turner, Blacksmith, agreed to take Lewis Mills as an apprentice. The deed states that he (Mills) had neither father nor mother or guardian. He was to be taught the craft of Blacksmith, and that Turner would provide for Mills until 7 May 1820. The deed was signed by William Turner and Lewis (X) Mills. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book G page 26).

On 14 Feb 1817 William Turner sold a negro girl named Lizar to Mary Rowe. Witness was Benjamin Lewis. (Marion Co, SC Deed book G page 66).

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. 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. It is possible the deeds could predate the creation of Marion District (1798). If that was the case, they would be on file with the state 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).

On 16 Dec 1819 William Turner and John Turner sold 68 acres on the East side of Catfish to John Bridges. I believe this was land inherited from John Turner Sr, though the deed does not indicate that. Witnesses were James G. Crawford and Nathaniel Murfee. This deed suggests (but doesn't prove) that William and John Turner were brothers. (Marion Co, SC Deed book I page 146).

William Turner's wife Catherine apparently died before 1820. William may have remarried, as there was a woman age 16-25 (ca 1794-1804) with him in 1820, who could be a 2nd wife or one of his older daughters.

William Turner was listed on the 1820 census in Marion District. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so we can't determine neighbors, nor neighborhoods.

William Turner was listed on the 1824 tax list in Marion District, he was charged with 28 cents tax.

William Turner was listed on the 1830 census in Marion District. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so we can't determine who his neighbors were, nor where he lived, though it was probably somewhere along Catfish creek near Latta. If the oldest girl in 1820 was a 2nd wife, she was gone by 1830.

William Turner was listed on the 1840 census in Marion District, SC. This census was not alphabetical, so we can roughly determine where he lived. He was listed near several other Turner families, including his brother John Turner, just two houses away. William's son-in-law Alva Parker was next door to him, and between him and John Turner. Joseph Bass was his neighbor on the other side, he was the one who purchased the land from Francis Bridges that was formerly William Turner's. Joseph Bass was also nearby in 1850, so they were still in the same area, apparently in the Moody Township area near Ebenezer Cemetery, west of Temperance Hill, between there and Catfish Creek.

Debbie Smith Turner recently found a deed dated October 1843, where Mary, wife of William Turner relinquished her right to 1/3 of the estate of William Turner her husband, to Martin W. Turner and Catherine Turner Parker. This shows that William Turner married Mary --- between 1840 and 1843. They purchased her portion for $40. As widow, she would be entitled to 1/3 of his estate when he died. However, after selling this right, she must have died before he did, for in 1850, William Turner had no wife residing with him.

William Turner and his daughter Dolly were listed on the 1850 census in Marion District, SC. He was listed two houses from his son Theophilus Turner, and just two houses from his son Martin W. Turner (the elder). Another probable son Robert Turner was just three houses away. Proven daughter Catherine, wife of Alva Parker was just four houses away. This is roughly the same area I described for the 1840 census, being in what later became Moody Township.

Beginning in 1852, William Turner made deeds giving portions of his land to four of his children. Many thanks to Debbie Turner Smith for locating these deeds.

On 5 Sep 1852 William Turner gave land to his daughter Dolly Turner. This was 50 acres described as being an original grant to Benjamin Blackman, and from him to John Turner and from him to his son William Turner and from him to his daughter Dolly Turner. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book X page 287).

On 8 Mar 1853 William Turner gave livestock and sundry items to his daughter Dolly Turner. Witnesses were B. Moody and James M. Bryant. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book X page 287).

On 5 Sep 1855 William Turner gave land to his son Theophilus Turner. This was 58 acres. Witnesses were James W. Bass and S. Fore. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book W page 501).

On 2 Nov 1855 William Turner gave land to his son Martin W. Turner. This was 34 acres on the North East side of the Public Road and Catfish Swamp, being part of an original patent to John Sanders. Bordering land owners were R(obert) Hussey (a son of Milly Turner Hussey), James M. Bryant, Catherine Parker. William signed with a mark. Witnesses were James W. Bass and B. Moody. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book X page 279).

On 2 Nov 1855 William Turner gave more land to his son Martin W. Turner. This was 93 acres on the North East side of Catfish described as where he (Martin) currently lived. William signed with a mark. Witnesses were James W. Bass and B. Moody. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book X page 280).

On 2 Nov 1856 William Turner gave land to his daughter Catherine Parker, wife of Alva Parker. This was 8 acres. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book X page 288).

On 2 Nov 1856 William Turner gave land to his daughter Catherine Parker, wife of Alva Parker. This was 43 acres on the North East side of Catfish, bordered by Martin W. Turner, and Isham Watson. Same witnesses as before. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book X page 289).

William Turner died sometime between 1856 and 1860. In 1860, his daughter Dolly was residing with Alva and Catherine Parker (her sister).

In 1860, William's son Martin W. Turner was in court defending his rights as a Free White Person. The court records are interesting, but William was mentioned in the first affidavit, so I'll give that one here. See Martin's page for the rest of the record.

On 17 Sep 1860, in Marion Court, a case of Martin W. Turner vs R. J. Gregg, Tax Collector was brought. In the case this statement was made:

On the same date, William H. Moody made a statement for Martin, but didn't mention his ancestors names. Also on that date, James Lane Sr made a statement and repeated much of what John Blackman had said. James W. Bass also made a statement for Martin, though named none of his ancestors. Here is James Lane's statement, confirming John Blackman's:

Children

William Turner and his wife (or wives) had several children, according to the 1810 through 1850 census records. However, several of them are unidentified. Recently Debbie Turner Smith found a series of deeds (see above) from William Turner to 4 of his children, who were named as his children in the deeds. This proves four children (Dolly, Catherine, Martin and Theophilus), which is very nice, since it confirms some of the children that I thought belonged to William. However, there are still a few other children who are unproven, or unidentified. Since he divided his land up amongst these four, that could mean the others were all dead, or had moved away, or he just didn't give them anything for some reason.

Unknown Son was born ca 1800/10 in Marion District, SC, presumably in what became Moody Township. This child was with William Turner for the 1810 census (age "under 10", born ca 1800/10), but not with him in 1820, so probably had married or died by then.

Unknown Son was born ca 1804/10 in Marion District, SC, presumably in what became Moody Township. This child was with William Turner for the 1810 census (age "under 10", born ca 1800/10), and with him in 1820 (age 10-15, born ca 1804/10). He was gone by 1830, so perhaps had married or died by then.

I think the best choice for this child is John Turner (c1805) who was in Marion County, Arkansas by 1840. This John Turner named his oldest two children "William" and "Catherine" (after his parents?) and his next one "Mary" (after his step-mother?) and his next one "Alva" (after his brother-in-law?). These names are not conclusive proof, but they are compelling when added to the rest of the evidence. John (1805) and family were listed as "Free Colored" and "Mulatto" on the various census records. John was born in South Carolina (though it isn't proven he was born in Marion Dist, SC). He lived in the exact same community as Peter Calder (from Marion Co, SC) and Martin Turner (c1790) and James Turner (1796). Martin and James were from Marion Co, SC and could either be older brothers to John, or his Uncles or 1st cousins.

Catherine Turner was born ca 1804/05 in Marion District, SC, presumably in what became Moody Township. She was apparently with William Turner for the 1810 census (age "under 10", born ca 1800/10), and with him in 1820 (age 10-15, born ca 1804/10).

She married Alva Parker before 1830. I originally assigned her as a child of William based on William's daughter Dolly Turner living with Catherine and Alva during the 1860 census. Catherine Turner Parker was deeded land by her father William Turner in 1856, in which it was stated that she was his daughter, thus proving the connection.

Alva Parker was listed on the 1830 census in Marion Dist, SC. In 1840 he was there still, and listed next to his father-in-law William Turner. In 1850 he and Catherine and their family were just four houses from William Turner. In 1860 they were still in Marion. I found a widow Catherine Parker, age 60 on the 1870 census in Robeson Co, NC in Thompson Township (page 178). I haven't consulted the original listing yet, but I feel sure this is her. Her son William Parker was on the same page. And her suspected brother Robert Turner was on the next page, as was James Turner, another possible sibling.

Unknown Daughter was born ca 1804/10 in Marion District, SC, presumably in what became Moody Township. This child was with William Turner for the 1810 census (age "under 10", born ca 1800/10), and with him in 1820 (age 10-15, born ca 1804/10). She was gone by 1830, so perhaps had married or died by then.

Dolly Turner was born ca 1809/10 in Marion District, SC, presumably in what became Moody Township. She was apparently with William Turner for the 1810 (perhaps), 1820 (age "under 10", born ca 1810/20), 1830 (age 15-19, born ca 1810/15), 1840 (age 20-29, born ca 1810/20) and 1850 census. She apparently never married. In 1860 she was with her sister Catherine Turner Parker and her husband Alva Parker. I didn't find her after 1860.

Dolly Turner was deeded land by her father William Turner in 1852, in which it was stated that she was his daughter. He also mentioned the fact that she had no children, and if she were to die without heirs, that Catherine Parker's children would receive Dolly's share.

Theophilus Turner was born ca 1813/14 in Marion District, SC, presumably in what became Moody Township. He was apparently with William Turner for the 1820 census (age "under 10", born ca 1810/20), but not with him in 1830.

He was married before 1837. In 1850 he was very close to William Turner. I originally assigned Theophilus as a child of William Turner based on how close he lived. Debbie Turner Smith recently found a deed (dated 1855) proving that he is William's son. (See above for more details). See his own page for additional information.

Martin W. Turner was born ca 1815/16 in Marion District, SC, presumably in what became Moody Township. He was apparently with William Turner for the 1820 and 1830 census. He was married before 1838. In 1850 he was very close to William Turner. I originally assigned Martin as a child of William Turner based on how close he lived. Debbie Turner Smith recently found two deeds (dated 1855) proving that he is William's son. (See above for more details). I found an 1860 court minute that also proves that Martin is William's son.

Unknown Son was born ca 1820/25 in Marion District, SC, presumably in what became Moody Township. This child was listed with the William Turner family for the 1830 census, but was gone by 1840, so perhaps married or died before then or just residing elsewhere (as a hired laborer or something).

This might be Robert Turner born ca 1824/25 who was living three houses from William Turner in 1850 census. There are other possibilities, but Robert seems most likely to me. By 1870 Robert had moved to Robeson Co, NC and was listed one page away from Catherine Turner Parker, so that seems more proof that he belongs here in this family.

Researcher List

1. William¹ Turner , born 1767/68 in Craven Co, SC (now Marion Co, SC); died aft 1850 in Marion Dist, SC, son of John Turner and Patience (---) . He married (1) in 1800/10 in Marion Dist, SC Catherine Martin , born 1765/84; died 1810/20 in Marion Dist, SC; (2) in 1840/43 in Marion Dist, SC Mary (---) , died 1844/50 in Marion Dist, SC.

Children of William Turner and Catherine Martin were as follows:

+ 2 i Catherine² Turner , born 1804/05 in Marion Dist, SC. She married Alva Parker .

3 ii Dolly² Turner , born 1809/10 in Marion Dist, SC.

+ 4 iii Theophilus² Turner , born 1813/14 in Marion Dist, SC. He married Martha (---) .

+ 5 iv Martin W² Turner , born 1815/16 in Marion Dist, SC; died aft 1880 in Marion Co, SC. He married Elizabeth (---) .

Generation 2

2. Catherine² Turner (William¹), born 1804/05 in Marion Dist, SC. She married in 1820/30 in Marion Dist, SC Alva Parker , born 1799/1800 in Marion Dist, SC.

Children of Catherine Turner and Alva Parker were as follows:

6 i William³ Parker , born 1831/32 in Marion Dist, SC.

7 ii Alva³ Parker , born 1839/40 in Marion Dist, SC.

8 iii John³ Parker , born 1841/42 in Marion Dist, SC.

9 iv Joseph³ Parker , born 1842/43 in Marion Dist, SC.

10 v Benjamin³ Parker , born 1846/47 in Marion Dist, SC.

11 vi Evander³ Parker , born 1851/52 in Marion Dist, SC.

12 vii Eunice³ Parker , born 1856/57 in Marion Dist, SC.

4. Theophilus² Turner (William¹), born 1813/14 in Marion Dist, SC. He married in 1830/37 in Marion Dist, SC Martha (---) , born 1813/14 in Marion Dist, SC.

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

13 i Mary³ Turner , born 1836/37 in Marion Dist, SC.

14 ii David³ Turner , born 1840/41 in Marion Dist, SC.

5. Martin W² Turner (William¹), born 1815/16 in Marion Dist, SC; died aft 1880 in Marion Co, SC. He married bef 1838 in Marion Dist, SC Elizabeth (---) , born 1823/24 in Marion Dist, SC.

Children of Martin W Turner and Elizabeth (---) were as follows:

15 i Frances³ Turner , born 1837/38 in Marion Dist, SC.

16 ii Cherry³ Turner , born 1839/40 in Marion Dist, SC.

17 iii Eli³ Turner , born 1841/42 in Marion Dist, SC; died 29 Oct 1862.

18 iv Elijah³ Turner , born 1848/49 in Marion Dist, SC.

19 v M³ Turner , born 1857/58 in Marion Dist, SC.