Howard Turner of This City Killed at a Colored Folks Picnic.
Hayneville, June 30. -[Special.]- Last Saturday the colored people had a picnic across Big Swamp near Hayneville. The result is Howard Turner, who came from Montgomery was killed by one Phillip McCall. Too much whisky and too many pistols. Phillip surrendered this morning.” The Weekly Advertiser (Montgomery, Alabama) Thursday, July 10, 1891 Page 2
We were always told that my grandmother Fannie Turner Graham’s father was killed at a barbeque when she was four years old. After years of being unable to find any documentation, I found this news item on Newspapers. dot com today. I was just looking for various people in the newspapers when I came across it.
Howard Turner’s widow with their daughters. Jennie Virginia Allen Turner holding Daisy Turner (my great grandmother) and my grandmother Fannie sitting there holding her hat.
I have found so much new information since I started this blog that I feel the need to go back and put it all together for the various branches. My project for 2018.
These are the family groups I picked out from the first (1852) appraisment done of Wiley Turner’s Lowndes County, Alabama estate. I will follow those I can through the other three lists and then see what families I can find in the 1870 census. My 2X great grandfather, Joseph Turner, is listed as “Joe (white)” on page 3. He was too old to be in a family group at 15, so I do not know if his mother was on this file.
There are four family groups on page one (above) of the 1852 probate record.
Forty year old Ellen and child, and Abby, age fourteen and Little Margaret age ten.
Thirty year old woman Maria and child Ransom, nine year old little Jane, four year old Louisa and two year old Adella.
Doctor, Mary and fourteen year old Eliza went to Wiley Turner’s wife and so do not appear in later lists. Twelve year old Minerva and Ten year old Amanda, who may be part of this family, were not included in Francis Turner’s group.
Twenty two year old Adam, eighteen year old Mary Ellen and child Edward.
Fifty year old William, fifty year old Rachell and eight year old little Charles.
There are six possible family groups on page 2 (above) in the 1852 record.
Eliza 36 and Harriett 5.
Robbin 25, Cherry 36 and child Louisa, Prince 5
Rachell Patton 28, Robert 11, Frank 6
Rose 28 and child Gabriel – to Francis Mosely Turner.
Abigail 23 and child Ema
Clara 35 and child Alford, Sylvia 12, Lucy 10, Alice 8, Freeman 6, Harrison 6, Julia Ann 3.
There were five family groups on page 3 (above) in the 1852 appraisment.
Man Old Jim 45 years, Minty 45, Daniel 3 – to widow Francis Mosley Turner
Ben 33, Mary McQueen 28, Henry 12
Hannah 55, George 13
Betsy 23, child Caroline, Phillis 8, Peggy 3
Achilles 43, Mariah Mosely 35, Elvira 14 – to widow Francis Mosley Turner
There was one family group on page 4 (above)
Yellow John 24 (from previous page), Yellow Milly 30, Anthony infant, Little William 10, Carter 6, Braxton 4
I will be taking each family as far as I can in time, through the other probate lists as groups are made up to give to various family members and into the 1866, 1870 and for some beyond to later censuses.
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The photograph is from the National Archives. The pages from the Estate File are from Ancestry.com.
I recently found that The Emancipator newspaper was online at Newspapers.com. The Emancipator was published from October 1917 to August 1920. My grandmother’s first cousin, James Edward McCall and his wife were the publishers. You can read more about him at the link above.
Lowndes Adams sang a solo. Victor Tulane walked the bride in. Clifton Graham was best man. Naomi Tulane played the piano.
Fannie, Jennie, Alice with Daisy standing in back.
Announcement
Mrs. Jennie Turner wishes to announce the engagement of her daughter, Fannie Mae, to Mr. Mershell C. Graham of Detroit, Mich. The marriage to take place in the spring.
Mershell and Fannie (Turner) Graham. August 1919 Detroit, Michigan.
Graham-Turner Wedding
Graham-Turner Wedding
On Sunday, June 15th at four o’clock Miss Fannie Turner and Mr. Merchell Graham were happily united in marriage at the home of the bride on E. Grove St. The home was prettily decorated for the occasion.
Just before the entrance of the bridal party, Mr. Lowndes Adams sang a beautiful solo, immediately after which the groom entered the parlor to the strains of Mendelson’s wedding March, with Mr. Clifton Graham, his brother, as best man. The bride entered with her uncle, Mr. V.H. Tulane, who gave her away, gowned in white satin with real lace and pearl bead trimmings the hat, a beautiful creation of white Georgette, the bride made a very pleasing appearance. She carried a large bouquet of roses and fern.
The home was crowded to its fullest capacity, fully two hundred guests being present which bespoke the esteem and popularity in which the young couple are held.
The presents were many and varied, consisting of silver, cut glass, linen, wearing apparel, money, and many useful household articles.
Rev. E.E. Scott performed the ceremony and Miss Naomi Tulane presided at the piano.
The guests were served delicious refreshments.
The happy couple left Sunday evening for Detroit, Mich., their future home.
Some of the Graham’s friends in Detroit. Mershell and Fannie are at the end of the line.
On Friday evening, 29th inst. at 8:30 the beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. M.L. Walker, St. Jean Ave., was the scene of a delightful entertainment complimentary to Mr. and Mrs. M.C. Graham. The guests were limited to Mrs. Walker’s Club members and their husbands. The house was artistically decorated with cut flowers. Progressive Whist was played, mints and salted peanuts were served throughout the evening, after which a delicious salad course with punch was served.
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Mrs. Topp Detroit 1919
Mrs. J.W. Topp had a few friends over to meet Mr. and Mrs. M.C. Graham on Saturday evening. Progressive whist was played after which a delicious two course luncheon and punch were served.
_________________
Mrs. J.A. Martin entertain quite a few friends at a real Southern dinner Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock. Among the guests were Mrs. M.L. Walker, Mr. and Mrs. M.C. Graham, Mrs. Thompson, Mr. Moses Thompson, Mr. Chas. Love, the Dale Family, Mr. and Mrs Mills, Mrs. Dora Davis, Mr. James Payton, Mr. Joe Shannon, Mr. Oliver, Mr. Barnette, and others.
This was the fourth and final inventory of the estate of Wiley Turner, deceased, formerly of Lowndes County Alabama. In the spring of 1865 the people enslaved in Alabama were emancipated by the presence of the Federal Army. This list was made in March of 1865. Emancipation followed shortly thereafter. Columns are Name, Age (approximate and if known) and Value. Number 27. Joseph, was my great great grandfather. He was my maternal grandmother Fannie Turner Graham’s grandfather.
Fed 36 $3,500
Nat 4,500
Andrew 32 4,500
Tony 37 3,500
Nelson 27 4,500
Cary 25 3,500
Lloyd 29 4,000
Freeman 18 4,500
Long George 31 4,000
Jim 31 4,000
Henry 30 4,500
Harrison 18 4,500
George 25 4,000
Lewis 30 2,500
Bill Tyus 44 4,000
Frank 18 3,500
Bill Campbell 33 3,500
Prince 17 3,500
Isaac 22 3,000
Jessie 33 1,500
Aolbut 13 3,000
Adam 34 1,000
Samuel 47 1,000
Wilson 40 4,000
Jack 500
Jess 33 4,500
Joseph 27 4,500 (My 2X great grandfather)
Ed 15 2,500
Rachal 72 800
Fanny 33 1,000
Ellen 37 1,000
Clary 25 1,000
Eliza 49 500
Milly 67 500
Amy 41 2,500
Martha 37 2,500
Hagar 35 1,500
Emma 15 3,000
Abigail 45 500
Peggy 15 3,500
Cherry 48 500
Louiza 17 3,000
Margaret 25 1,000
Harrit 17 2,500
Fanny(35) & child Mary 4,000
Lucy(24) & child Rubie 4,000
Frances 1,200
Polly 1,200
Phillis (23) & child Susan 4,000
Betsy 1,000
Adeline 2,000
Eliza(29) & child 4,000
May & child Virginia 4,000
Wesley 8 1,000
Mariah & child Minty 4,000
Ellen 3,000
Anna 1,000
Georgiana 8 2,000
Tom 2,000
William 25 2,000
Julia 15 1,000
State of Alabama} Lowndes County} Probate Court March 14th 1865
Personally came before me James W. Graham Judge of Probate of Lowndes County John A. Tyson, Thomas E Gully and William J Garrett appraisers of the personal estate of Wiley Turner late of said County – deceased, who being severally sworn that the foregoing sheets contain a full and complete appraisementof all the personal estate of Wiley Turner, exhibited to them the said appraisement by James W Turner the administrator on the 13 day of March 1865.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14th day of March 1865 James W Graham Judge of Probate
John A Tyson Thomas E Gully W.J. Garrett
______________________________________
Related Links:
Joe Turner in the 1852 Estate File of Wiley Turner – The first list which was made in 1853 when all of the property of Wiley Turner was valued. It includes names, ages and valuations for all the enslaved before any divisions were made. My 2 X great grandfather, Joe was about 15 when this list was made.
Measuring Worth – An article about valuation of the enslaved. It includes several charts about valuation of enslaved people, at various ages and in various years, showing that (as I saw in these lists) values soared from 1852 to 1861.
Albert B. Cleage Sr. This photo was enclosed in the letter.
This was the house where Pearl’s aunt lived. She received mail there sometimes because her mother disliked Albert. The two houses were on opposite streets and shared a yard
3/18/10
My dear Sweetheart:-
How did you spend St. Patrick’s day? It was a lovely day sure and also has today been beautiful. How are you? Have you gotten entirely well. I hope that pains and aches with you are now “past history.”Does your mother seem to be improving?
These are busy days with me. Examinations for the close of the winter term begin Monday and will last one week after which comes a ten or twelve day’s vacation.- What can I do with so much time all by my lone self.
Do you remember that last year we planned a day’s outing in the country and I thinking the day appointed, too bad did not show up? And also how you got angry with me? See how well I remember. That has been one year ago but it to me certainly does not seem so long. You did go to Brookside with me, which was the beginning of several very pleasant trips which will always be sweet sweet memories to me. My vacation is about 10 days off and it may be yet that you will be able to take that trip which we planned last year.
Mrs. White, I believe goes to Lincoln Hospital tomorrow to be operated upon Monday. Mrs. Brady – Little Marcum Mitchell’s grandmother died at the City Hospital this morning.
Of course I selected that negative which you liked better, others whose opinion I asked were about equally divided. I send you the other which is fast fading.
Be careful for yourself. The things you said in your last letter were surely the product of a melancholie mind – such moods are not good for you. Cheer up!! Of course, God in His wise providence might call your mother home, and ’tis he alone who can cause me to cease loving you. So wake up from your dream – you shall nurse, not patients for someone else, but (__?__) for yourself – Won’t you like that better. Yes, I believe you will – Ha! ha!
Your Albert
{Had better burn this letter up}
Click for more Sepia posts
My grandparents, Pearl Reed and Albert Cleage, exchanged letters for several years while they were courting. The letters go from 1907 when they met to 1912 when they were married, my father had been born and they were moving from Indianapolis, IN to Kalamazoo, MI. Unfortunately I do not have copies of my grandmother’s letters, just my grandfather’s. You can read more of Albert’s letters to Pearl and what else was going on when he wrote them, by looking at the Index of blog posts I wrote for the A to Z Challenge in 2014. Scroll down past the posts for 2017, 2016 and 2015 until you reach 2014. Perhaps I should give each year’s index a separate page.
At one point, this letter refers back to a letter from a year ago. You can read it here at K is for Kenwood.
My sister Pearl interviewed me in 2010 about my interest and findings in family history research. I talked about some of the stories I’ve blogged about – Dock Allen’s Escape, finding Eliza in the 1860 census and slave documents. I have found more information since the time of this interview – court records about the land case between the Turners, newspaper articles, and several Wills from slave holders who owned my Cleages and Turners.
It gives you a chance to hear my voice and my thoughts about how to start your research. I highly recommend being interviewed. I am enjoying listening to myself talk, for one thing. If you can’t find anyone to interview you, interview yourself! I think it makes a great addition to the legacy we are leaving for those following us.
2010 Story Corps interview with my sister Pearl asking me about my research and findings.
Me and Pearl walking through a field on cousin Ernest’s land – South Carolina, 2013.
Wiley Turner died in 1851 in Lowndes County Alabama. The first inventory of his personal property, including those enslaved on his plantation, took place in 1852. You can see a list of names, ages and “values” in this post – Joe Turner in the 1852 Estate File of Wiley Turner. The second inventory was taken in 1856 when the oldest child came of age – Second Inventory of Wiley Turner’s Estate – 1856.
The third inventory was taken when the second child, James Mosely Turner, reached the age of 21 and wanted his share of the estate. #63. Yellow Joe, was my great great grandfather. Click on any image to enlarge.
The State of Alabama}
Lowndes County}
To the Honorable E.H. Cook, Judge of Probate for said county The undersigned commissioners under and by virtue of the accompanying and foregoing commission by your Honor made and directed to them to divide the personal Estate of Wiley Turner deceased so as to set off one fifth thereof to James Turner one of the Heirs and distributees of said deceased shows that in conformity with said order after first having taken an oath before a Justice of the Peace to make such distribution fairly and impartially if the same can be made the proceeded on the 21st of December 1857 and continued and continuous until the 8th of January 1858 to divide and value the personal property of deceased as follows ______
Valuation of entire slave property of deceased – names of
An article about valuation of the enslaved. It includes several charts about valuation at various ages and in various years, showing that (as I saw in these lists) values soared from 1852 to 1861 – Measuring Worth
Wiley Turner died in 1851 in Lowndes County Alabama. The first inventory of his personal property, including those enslaved on his plantation, took place in 1852. You can see a list of names, ages and “value” in this post – Joe Turner in the 1852 Estate File of Wiley Turner.
The second inventory was taken in 1856 when Wiley Turner’s oldest daughter Mary J Hunter had reached the age of 21. She picked lot #6, which is highlighted in red below. Click the images of the inventory on the right to enlarge for reading.
“Land of Cotton” By Edward Warren Day, 1900 Library of Congress [LC-USZC4-11947]
The State of Alabama Lowndes County To the Hone. E.H. Cook Judge of Probate for said County.
“The undersigned commissioners appointed by your honor to divide the real and personal Estate of the late Wiley Turner deceased under an order of the 20 January 1856 so that Mary J. a daughter and heir at law of said deceased now the wife of Clinton Hunter could get her part set off to her under said order. Beg leave to report that they met at the plantation of said deceased. and after first being duly sworn accepted to said ? and valued said slaves separately and then placed them with same other property in six lots of as nearly equal value as possible as follows,”
Lot #1
Austin – a man
Bill Tyus – a man
Henry Turner – a man
Ben a man
Adam – a man
Henry – a man
Martha – a woman
Mary – a woman
Peter – a child
Mary Ellen – a woman
Edmond – a boy
Washington – a child
Betsy woman – a woman
Peggy – a girl
Caroline – a girl
Adaline – a child
Phillis – a woman
Lot #2
Henry May – a man
Jim Swipes – a man
Robin – a man
Joe – a man
Big Jess – a man
Robin – a man
Rachel Clary – a woman
Cherry – a woman
Prince – a boy
Louisa – a girl
Eliza – a girl
Minerva – a woman
Emeline – a woman
Ellen Bullock – a woman
Jack – a man
Old Rachel – a woman
Lot #3
Jess – a man
Wilson – a man
Washington – a man
Cary – a man
Fed – a man
Carter – a boy
Clary – a girl
Freeman – a boy
Harrison – a boy
Julia – a girl
Albert – a boy
Fanny – a girl
Lucy – a woman
George – a boy
Alice – a girl
Lot #4
Mat – a man
John – a man
Tony – a man
George Mims – a man
Sam – a man
Isaac – a man
Mariah – a woman
Ellen – a woman
Mose – a boy
Siller – a girl
Old Hannah – a woman
Eliza – a girl
Abigail – a girl
Emma – a girl
Hagar – a girl
Frank – a boy
Lot #5
Andrew – a man
Nelson – a man
Lloyd – a man
Lewis – a man
Bill Camel – man
Charles – a boy
Fanny – a woman
Thomas – a child
Margaret – a woman
Amy – a woman
Rachel – a woman
Sylvia – a woman
Milly – a girl
Hardy – an old man
A B Turner
Lot #6
Abram – a man
Lewis Tyus – a man
Charles – a man
Jim Pot – a man
Alfred – a man
William – a boy
Mariah Hopkins – a woman
Louisa – a girl
Deller – a girl
Ransome – a boy
Henrietta – a child
Lucy Patten – a woman
Liddy – old woman
Leah – a woman
Sarah Ann – a child
Nelly – a woman
Jane – a girl
_________________________
The pages from Wiley Turner’s file included here came from Ancestry.com.
Daniel Freeman, the father of Joseph Turner’s second wife, Luella Freeman, was a man of mystery. I can find him in only one census, luckily he appears in other records. I found myself disappearing down his family lines (which are not even my blood lines) as I tried to get a feel for his life.
According to his death record, Daniel Freeman was born to Ella Freeman in Florida in 1861. I do not have the death certificate. He first appears in 1880 in Mildred Brewer Russell’s book Lowndes Court House, a nostalgic look back at Hayneville from it’s founding in 1820 to 1900.“On the corner of this block, Tuskeena and Washington streets, was the new store of Dan Freeman, colored.” He is mentioned as one of the two Negro merchants in Hayneville during those days.
I found him in the 1910 Census where he was listed as 65 years old, owned his own house and was a painter. Throughout the years a Daniel Freeman appears in the Montgomery City Directory as a laborer and drayman in the early years and then a painter and a carpenter. At the same time he was buying property. I had the feeling that he was always taking care of business.
Here are several of Dan Freeman’s land transactions from the Montgomery Advertiser.
In his Will, written in 1922, Daniel Freeman left property to several of Luella’s young children, his grandchildren. Their father Joe Turner had died and Luella and her family had left the farm in Lowndes County and moved to Montgomery.
Below is a copy of the will. Click on it to enlarge for ease in reading.
The information concerning the Turner’s is in part four: “To Mary Jones I give the house and lot known as No. 230 Sutter Street in the City of Montgomery; to Annie Freeman McQueen I give the house and lot known as No. 165-B Day Street, To Salena Turner I give the house and lot No. 165 Day Street and to Annie May Turner house and lot No. 228 Sutter Street.“
Geneva Freeman and Annie Freeman McQueen were Luella Freeman Turner’s sisters. Ella McGhee was the daughter of Geneva Freeman. Salena (Selena) and Annie May Turner were Luella’s daughters.
According to Kyle Chapman, a descendant of Geneva Freeman and Ella McGhee, most of the land was eventually taken by the the state for a highway and the rest was sold or donated to a nearby church. Also a thank you to him for sharing the photo of Daniel Freeman with me.
Witherspoon Presbyterian Church – 1909 Indianapolis, Indiana. Click to enlarge.
This is a photograph of the congregation of Witherspoon United Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, IN in 1909, two years after they organized. This photograph is from the personal collection of my cousin Vivian Vaughn McDonald. My grandmother Pearl Reed Cleage is the third person on the top right. My grandfather, Albert Cleage is next to her. They wouldn’t be married for two more years. Next to Albert is his brother Jacob and next to him is their brother Henry. Directly in front of my grandfather Albert is Jacob’s wife, Gertrude.
I was told that my grandfather’s sister Josephine, also a church member, was not there for the photograph, but was home pregnant with Hattie Ruth, the youngest of her five children. Her husband, James Cleage stands four people to the left of Henry. James Cleage was from a different branch of Cleages. In the second row, second from the right, is Henrietta Cleage, oldest daughter of James and Josephine.
In the 1909 Indianapolis City Directory Witherspoon United Presbyterian Church is listed as located in Realty Hall with Rev. David White as Pastor. I wonder if he is in this photograph and if so, which one he is?
The history below was from the Witherspoon web page, however they have taken the history section down. My grandparents, Albert Cleage and Pearl Reed, are both listed as founders.
On April 30, 1907 the Presbytery of Indiana of the United Presbyterian Church held a called meeting at Realty Hall in response to a petition signed by 31 persons asking to be organized into a United Presbyterian congregation.
Begins With 31 Members
Prof. David Graham of Rushville was moderator and Rev. W. W. McCall of Greensburg was secretary. Other members present were Rev. Fred W. Schmuch of Milroy, Rev. N. B. McClung of Vevay, Rev. Mr. McDill of Madison, and Dr. Cowan of Indianapolis.
The petition was discussed at some length. By unanimous vote an organization was decided upon. The 31 members who signed the petition were as follows: Henry W. Cleage, Mrs. Carrie Perkins, Mrs. Emma Moore, A. T. Roney, Mrs. Cora Donann, Mrs. Cathern Crenshaw, Mrs. Daisy L. Brabham, Albert Cleage, Mrs. Gertrude Cleage, James Myers, Mrs. A. L. McElrath, O. F. Dennis, Mrs. Hattie Mitchell, H. M. Mitchell, Mrs. Theresa Finley, Othello Finley, Miss Edith Finley, Miss Luell E. Hibbett, Mrs. Mary Peterson, Mrs. Anna Bowman, John T. Fox, Miss Pearl Reed, Thomas H. Bransford, Mrs. O. F. Dennis, Miss Alice Mathews, Miss Hilda Reeder, W. J. Perkins, Henry Moore and H. L. Hummons.
