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

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• 15 Dec 2009 - Reformatted old page. Minor content updates.

I (Marty Grant) don't know how I'm related to the Reuben Turner family. I 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, for that is where his brother John Turner was born 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.

1790 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1790 Georgetown Dist., SC Prince Frederick Parish page 52 Ruben Turner 1-1-4-0-0

Analysis:

1 Male 16+	(bef 1774)	Reuben Turner (1760/65)

1 male 0-15	(1774/1790)	Son? (1784/90)

4 Females 	(bef 1790)	1-Dorothy Martin Turner (1765/70) wife

				2-Martha Turner (1784/90) daughter

				3-Daughter? (Bef 1790)

				4-Daughter? (Bef 1790)

0 Slaves

Reuben Turner, William Turner and Samuel Hussey signed a petition in 1794, though it was labeled as residents of Lynch's and Jeffery's Creek. That is in the region that later became Florence County, not particularly close to Catfish Creek. There was an unrelated set of Turners down there which included ones named William and Reuben, so is this our Turners? It could be. The presence of Samuel Hussey suggests these are ours since he was their brother-in-law, Perhaps this petition also included people who didn't actually live in that area. (Pee Dee Queue, Vol. XXIX, No. 2, Mar-Apr 2005. p. 1.)

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 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. It may have been lost with the rest of the Georgetown records during the Civil War.

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.

1800 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1800 Marion Dist., SC, Liberty County page 462-806 Reuben Turner 00000-00000-6-0

Analysis:

0 Whites

6 Free Colored Persons		1-Reuben Turner (1760/65)

				2-Dorothy Martin Turner (1765/70) wife

				3-Martha Turner (1784/90) daughter

				4-Robert Turner (c1794) son

				5-Child?

				6-Child?

0 Slaves

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:

"come John Blackman Sr and James Lane Sr and upon being sworn says they knew John Turner alias Jack Turner and he was a free man so treated and received that he was a mulatto one half white and one half colored, that Patience Turner his wife passed and was received as a free white woman not having more than one fourth negro blood. That Reuben Turner was one of their children and passed and was received as a free white man, that Reuben Turner married Dolly Martin a free white woman without the least mixture of African blood, that Martha Turner alias Patty Turner was one of their children, who lived passed and was received as a free white woman that Martin Turner who is her son is the reported son of Needham Watson who was a white man without any mixture. ... (more said). (From "Marion County Court Records, Court of Common Pleas 1788 to June 1861" Extracted by Lucille Utley and Transcribed by Teri Dalrymple. Three Rivers Historical Society)

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.

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).

1810 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1810 Marion Dist., SC page 79 Reuben Turner 22201-02110-0-0

Analysis:

1 Male 45+	(bef 1765)	Reuben Turner (1760/65)

2 males 16-25	(1784/1794)	1-Son? (1784/90) --> gone by 1820

				2-Robert Turner (c1794) son

2 males 10-15	(1794/1800)	1-Son? (1794/1800) --> gone by 1820

				2-Son? (1794/1800) --> gone by 1820
2 males 0-9	(1800/1810)	1-Son? (1804/10)

				2-Son? (1804/10)

1 Female 26-44	(1765/1784)	Dorothy Martin Turner (1765/70) wife

1 female 16-25	(1784/1794)	Martha Turner (1784/90) daughter

2 females 10-15	(1794/1800)	1-Daughter? (1794/1800) --> gone by 1820

				2-Daughter? (1794/1800)

0 Slaves

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

For some reason Reuben Turner was not listed on the 1814 Marion tax list.

On 30 Oct 1814 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. Reuben and Dorothy both signed with marks. Witnesses were John (X) Martin and Martha Meloy and John Blackman. (Marion Co, SC Deed Book F page 231).

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. 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).

1820 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1820 Marion Dist., SC page 67 Rubin Turner 020101-00101
Slaves=0000-0000

Analysis:

1 Male 45+	(bef 1775)	Reuben Turner (1760/65)

1 male 16-25	(1794/1804)	Robert Turner (c1794) son

2 males 10-15	(1804/1810)	1-Son? (1804/10) --> gone by 1830

				2-Son? (1804/10) --> gone by 1830
1 Female 45+	(bef 1775)	Dorothy Martin Turner (1765/70) wife

1 female 16-25	(1794/1804)	Daughter? (1794/1800) --> gone by 1830

0 Slaves

Reuben Turner was not listed on the 1824 Marion Tax list.

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).

1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1830 Marion Dist., SC page 48 Reubin Turner 1110000010000-0010001010000
Slaves=000000-000000

Analysis:

1 Male 60-69	(1760/1770)	Reuben Turner (1760/65)

1 male 10-14	(1815/1820)	Martin M. Turner (c1820) grandson s/o Martha

1 male 5-9	(1820/1825)	Grandson? (1820/25) s/o Martha

1 male 0-4	(1825/1830)	Grandson? (1825/30) s/o Martha

1 Female 60-69	(1760/1770)	Dorothy Martin Turner (1765/70) wife

1 Female 40-49	(1780/1790)	Martha Turner (1784/90) daughter

1 female 10-14	(1815/1820)	Daughter? Granddaughter? (1815/20)

0 Slaves  

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 of Reuben Turner and Dorothy Martin. 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.

1. Unknown Son (1784/90)
2. Martha Turner (1784/90)
3. Unknown Daughter (bef 1790)
4. Unknown Daughter (bef 1790)
5. Robert Turner (c1794)
6. Unknown Son (1794/1800)
7. Unknown Son (1794/1800)
8. Unknown Daughter (1794/1800)
9. Unknown Daughter (1794/1800)
10. Unknown Son (1800/04)
11. Unknown Son (1800/04)

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.

See his own page for additional information.

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 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 either Jesse Turner (c1800/10) or Stephen Turner (c1809/10), neither of whose parents are known.

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 either Jesse Turner (c1800/10) or Stephen Turner (c1809/10), neither of whose parents are known.

• Marty Grant, relationship unknown, but very interested in this entire family.
• See page for parents John Turner and Patience Smith.