Martin Turpin of Anderson County, Tennessee

A major concern in my research has been to form a more complete picture of the life of Martin Turpin (b: abt. 1783 in VA)--the first of our Turpins to settle in East Tennessee. On the basis of what we know thus far, we can construct the following timeline for Martin Turpin's life:

• Abt. 1783: born in Virginia.

• 1783: end of the Revolutionary War.
  

• (?) Abt. 1783 - unknown date: may have lived in Gap Valley, Virginia--present-day Gap Mills, West Virginia [connection with the Gap Valley Turpins uncertain]

• (?) March 1783: land dispute at Second Creek between William West and a man who was possibly Martin's father--Martin Turpin. [Source: http:// files.usgwarchives.org/ wv/ greenbrier/ court/ record1.txt citing The History of Monroe County West Virginia, by Oren F. Morton, B. Lit., Originally Published: Staunton, Virginia, 1916, Reprinted, Regional Publishing Co., Baltimore, 1988, pages 68-78.]

• (?) 1783-1785: a woman who was possibly his mother, Agnes, either died or was divorced from a man who was possibly Martin's father--Martin Turpin.

• (?) March 8, 1785: when our Martin was about 2 years old, a man who was possibly his father, a Martin Turpin, married Nancy Jane Fleming at Linville Creek in Rockingham County, Virginia (or Richmond, Virginia). (Source: familysearch.org)

• (?) June 16, 1785: when our Martin was about 2 years old, a man who was possibly his father, a Martin Turpin, was "placed under bond for good behavior for a year and a day." [Source: http:// files.usgwarchives.org/ va/ botetourt/ court/ minutes129gwl.txt citing Annals Of S W Virginia, June 1785. Botetourt County Virginia USGenWeb Archives Court, Minutes, County Court June 1785.]

• (?) 1785: when our Martin was about 2 years old, the elder Martin (possibly our Martin's father) and his wife, Nancy, had a son named James.
  

• (?) 1786: when our Martin was about 3 years old, it is noted that the elder Martin (possibly our Martin's father) had 1 slave, 2 horses and 3 head of cattle.

• (?) 1788: when our Martin was about 5 years old, the elder Martin (possibly our Martin's father) and Nancy had a daughter named Tabitha. (Some records show the name as Talitha.)
  

• (?) Bef June 29, 1789: recorded on this date, some of Solomon Turpin's (possibly our Martin's deceased grandfather) land was conveyed to his son, Martin, who may have been our Martin's father.
  

• (?) Aft. June 29, 1789: when our Martin was about 6 years old, Solomon's son, Martin (possibly our Martin's father), sold out along with several other Gap Valley Turpins (i.e., Moses, James, Solomon, Jr., Aaron).

• (?) 1790: when our Martin was about 7 years old, the elder Martin (possibly our Martin's father) and Nancy had a son named Martin, giving the senior Martin two sons bearing his name.

• (?) Bef. July 31, 1792: when our Martin was about 9 years old, recorded on this date, a land transaction showing a Martin (possibly our Martin's father) and wife Agness (or Agnes--possibly our Martin's mother) Turpin selling 147 acres for 5 shillings to William Haynes. This transaction probably took place prior to 1785. (The land was part of the Solomon Turpin survey on the head of Second Creek adjacent to David Johnston.)

• Time Gap: 1792-1805: transition from Virginia to Tennessee.

• (?) 1792: when our Martin was about 9 years old, the man who may have been his father, Martin Turpin, moved to Madison County, Kentucky in 1792--the same year in which Kentucky became a state. (This elder Martin later moved to Garrard County, Kentucky and then to Pulaski county, Kentucky.) [Source: http:// jwebber.tripod.com /pafdata/ pafn197.htm]

• May 2, 1797: A person named Martin Turpin was "bound to David Love" for purposes yet unknown in Montgomery County, Virginia. [Source: Lewis Preston Summers' Annals of Southwest Virginia, 1769-1800, vol. 1. Johnson City, Tennessee: The Overmountain Press, p. 868.] Our Martin Turpin would have been about 14 years old at this time. (See "More Martin Turpin Speculation")

• 1792-1800?: the elder Martin Turpin (possibly our Martin's father) moved from Madison County, Kentucky to Pulaski County, Kentucky. [1800 Census as cited at http:// jwebber.tripod.com/ pafdata/ pafn197.htm.]

• May 2 1797 - 1798?: at 14 or 15 years of age [based on the possibility of the aforementioned Love family connection], entered Tennessee by raft on the Clinch River [according to oral tradition].

• 1798: Martin may have settled at Campbell's Station with the Love family. David Love's father was Joseph Love who settled at Campbell's Station (west of present-day Knoxville) in 1798. [Source: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=1940love&id=I0373 ]  Worth Ray's Tennessee Cousins notes that Joseph Love was Sheriff of Knox County and that David Love was Deputy Sheriff of Joseph Love of Knox County [Page 230].

• 1800: when Martin was about 19 years old, the elder Martin Turpin (who may have been our Martin's father) lived in Pulaski County, Kentucky. [1800 Census as cited at http:// jwebber.tripod.com/ pafdata/ pafn197.htm.]
  

• 1803?: when Martin was about 22 years old, Andrew Russell (possibly the father of Martin's soon-to-be wife) had come from Virginia to visit his son, Matthew, in Knox County and died there. [Source: http:// joepayne.org/ houston.htm citing Dorthy Day Gillespie, "Biref History of the Family of William Gillespei, Sr. (1734-1826)", in Ther Heritage, 20th Anniversary (Hot Spring County, AR: Hot Spring Historical Society), vol. XV, 1988, p. 35-47.] [This Matthew Russell, Martin Turpin's brother-in-law, may have been the same Matthew Russell noted as the first known settler in the Concord, TN area (1787). He settled on land granted by the government for serving in the Revolutionary War. Source: http:// www.knoxcotn.org/ knoxcotn/ 2001/ knoxcodigestv1_182.htm and Centennial history of First Baptist Church, Concord (published in 1991).]
  

• 1803: "The Last Will and Testament of Andrew Russell" of Augusta County, Virginia was probated in Knox County, Tennessee. Elizabeth Russell (possibly the same Elizabeth as the soon-to-be the wife of Martin Turpin) is listed as his daughter, possibly implying the Russell family's presence in Knox County in 1803. [Worth Ray, Tennessee Cousins, a History of Tennessee People, 212]

• October 28, 1805: At about 22 years of age, Martin Turpin married Elizabeth Russell in Knox County, Tennessee. The marriage certificate was signed by both Martin Turpin and James Scarborough. (Eleven years later in a court record dated October 14, 1816, both James Scarborough/Scarbro and Martin are listed as workers on a road. Source: Anderson County Tennessee Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions Minutes, 1814-1819, page 111.)

• Time Gap: 1805-1812?: transition from Knox County to Anderson County.

• 1805-1812?: moved from Knox County to Anderson County, Tennessee.

• Abt. 1807: At about 24 years of age, Martin's son, James Turpin, was born.

• Abt. 1809: At about 26 years of age, Martin's son, William Turpin, was born.

• Abt. 1811: At about 28 years of age, Martin's son, David Turpin, was born.

• 1812: At about 29 years of age, Martin Turpin was drafted to serve as a Private in the East Tennessee Militia, 5th Regiment (Col. E. Booth's Regiment; Capt. Richard Marshall is also noted in the record). However, the record shows that he was "discharged for inability." (Source: Noted by Barbara Oliver. Also Sarah Turpin citing listing from Tennesseans in War of 1812, page 503.)

• Abt. 1812: At about 29 years of age, Martin Turpin's son, Thomas Turpin, was born.

• Oct. 12, 1812: At about 29 years of age, Martin Turpin was appointed as a juror in Anderson County, Tennessee.

• Oct. 13, 1813: At about 30 years of age, Martin Turpin was appointed as a grand juror in Anderson County, Tennessee.

• Abt. 1816: At about 33 years of age, Martin Turpin's son, Martin Turpin, was born.

• October 14, 1816: At about 33 years of age, Martin Turpin, James Scarbro/Scarborough and others were associated with work on a road in Anderson County, Tennessee. (Eleven years earlier on October 28, 1805, James Scarborough signed Martin and Elizabeth's marriage certificate. Source: Anderson County Tennessee Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions Minutes, 1814-1819, page 111.)

• Abt. 1819: At about 36 years of age, Martin Turpin's son, Isaac Turpin, was born.

• Abt. 1822: At about 39 years of age, Martin Turpin's son, Henry Turpin, was born.

• 1830: according to census, lived in Anderson County (Source: http:// www.geocities.com/ Heartland/ Meadows/ 9081/ 1830AN.html)

• Apr. 26, 1832: When the senior Martin Turpin was about 49 years old, his first grandson, Martin Turpin (son of James Turpin), was born.

• November 12, 1836: When Martin Turpin was about 53 years old, he sold a parcel of land (50 acres located on the north bank of the Clinch River in Anderson County) to Joseph Harden for the sum of $300. (Source: Sarah Turpin citing from Anderson County, Tennessee Deed Book I-1, Pg. 253)

• February 6, 1837: When Martin Turpin was about 54 years old, he acquired 300 acres (Anderson County) from the State of Tennessee. (Source: Sarah Turpin citing Land Grant No. 712)
  

• 1840: according to the census, lived in Anderson County

• January 4, 1843: A severe earthquake in the Memphis, Tennessee area was strongly felt in Knoxville, caused considerable alarm, but did no damage. (Source:
  http://earthquake.usgs.gov/ regional/ states/ tennessee/ history.php)
  

• 1850: according to census, lived in Anderson County

• August 23, 1853: When Martin Turpin was about 70 years old, Abraham J. Hagler and Jacob C. Hagler sold him 100 acres of land for $100 in Anderson County on the side of Chestnut Ridge (on the north side of the Clinch River). (Source: Sarah Turpin citing Anderson County, Tennessee Deed Book Q-1, Pg. 564)

• May 28, 1857: At abt. 74 years of age, Martin Turpin gave his son, Henry Turpin, a parcel of land in Anderson County, Tennessee as a gift for Henry living with him and taking care of him in his old age. No acreage amount is mentioned in the record. (Source: Sarah Turpin citing Anderson County, Tennessee Deed Book S-1, Pg. 397)

• April 17, 1858: At abt. 75 years of age, Martin Turpin sold William Turpin (son?) 100 acres in Anderson County, Tennessee on the north side of the Clinch River for $165. (Source: Sarah Turpin citing Anderson County, Tennessee Deed Book P-1, Pg. 570-572)

• 1858: Martin Turpin appears in the 1858 Tax List for Anderson County owning 200 acres valued at $500. (Source: Sarah Turpin)

• 1858-1859: presumed death at abt. 75-76 years of age. (Source: Sarah Turpin: Martin's widow (Elizabeth) appears in the 1859 Tax List for Anderson County, owning 210 acres valued at $420. Elizabeth also appears in the 1860 census alone.)

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James Turpin of Anderson and Roane Counties

The following is a chronology of the life of James Turpin of Anderson and Roane Counties, Tennessee:

• Abt. 1807: born the son of Martin Turpin and Elizabeth Russell Turpin.

• Abt. 1809: When James was about 2 years old, his brother, William Turpin, was born.

• Abt. 1811: When James was about 4 years old, his brother, David Turpin, was born.

• 1812: When James was about 5 years old, his father, Martin Turpin, served in the East Tennessee Militia, 5th Regiment (Booth's Regiment). (Source: Barbara Oliver)

• Abt. 1812: When James was about 5 years old, his brother, Thomas Turpin, was born.

• Abt. 1816: When James was about 9 years old, his brother, Martin Turpin, was born.

• 1816: When James was about 9 years old, his father, Martin Turpin, worked on the construction of a road in Anderson County, Tennessee.

• Abt. 1819: When James was about 12 years old, his brother, Isaac Turpin, was born.

• Abt. 1822: When James was about 15 years old, his brother, Henry Turpin, was born.

• 1830: The Indian Removal Act was passed.

• Bef. 1832: James' marriage to Jerusha/Jerusa--reportedly a Cherokee woman. Someone has noted that in light of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, James married Jerusha to prevent her removal.
  

• Apr. 26, 1832: When James was about 25 years old, his first son, Martin Turpin, was born.

• 1838: The removal of the Cherokee from the southern Appalachian Mountains began. Someone has noted that when Jerusha's sisters (and possibly other Cherokee family members) were forced to move as a result of the Indian Removal Act, she became imbittered.

• Abt. 1839: When James was about 32 years old, his son, William G. Turpin, was born.

• Abt. 1843: When James was about 36 years old, his son, John Turpin, was born.

• January 4, 1843: A severe earthquake in the Memphis, Tennessee area was strongly felt in Knoxville, caused considerable alarm, but did no damage. (Source:
  http://earthquake.usgs.gov/ regional/ states/ tennessee/ history.php)
  

• July 7, 1845: At the courthouse door in Clinton, Tennessee (Anderson County), as the highest bidder James Turpin purchased 170 acres (the property of Mary Millers' heirs) for the amount of four dollars thirty-three and 3/4 cents (the amount owed in taxes for 1842-1843). (Source: Sarah Turpin citing Anderson County, Tennessee Deed Book Q-1, Pg. 593-594)

• August 31, 1847: James sold 75 acres to Harbard H. Crawford for the sum of $100.00. (Source: Sarah Turpin citing Deed Book N-1, pgs. 15-16)

• January 1848: When James was about 41 years old, his daughter, Amanda, was born. (Source: Amanda Turpin's tombstone)
  

• March 4, 1851-1853: When James was abt. 44-46 years of age, his daughter, Serelda, was born in Tennessee. (Her tombstone shows a birthyear of 1851, but the 1860 Roane County census shows Serelda as 7 years old.)

• February 1, 1854: James Turpin transfered to his wife, Jerusha, the title of the land previously purchased on July 7, 1845. (Source: Sarah Turpin citing Anderson County, Tennessee Deed Book Q-1, Pg. 593-594)

• Bef. August 5, 1854: James Turpin acquired/built a new house in Anderson County. (Implied bySarah Turpin citing Anderson County, Tennessee Deed Book Q-1, Pg. 588-589)

• August 5, 1854: Samuel C. Young sold James Turpin 33 acres in Anderson County for $20. The parcel was adjacent to James Turpin's newly built house. (Source: Sarah Turpin citing Anderson County, Tennessee Deed Book Q-1, Pg. 588-589)

• November 6, 1858: James Turpin and wife, Jerusha Turpin, sold William Gallaher 250 ¾ acres in Anderson County, Tennessee on the north side of the Clinch River for $300. The land description seems to indicate that the property had frontage on the river. "This may have been when they moved to Roane County." (Source: Sarah Turpin citing Anderson County, Tennessee Deed Book S-1, Pg. 65 )

• 1858-1860: Presumed death of James' father, Martin Turpin. (James' mother, Elizabeth, appears in the 1860 census alone.) James would have been abt. 51-53 years of age at the time.
  

• August 26, 1860: according to the census, living in Roane County at or near Welcker Mill. (Welcker Mill was located at the confluence of East Fork and Main Poplar Creek adjacent to the present-day site of the K-25 Oak Ridge plant on the northeast side.)
  

• 1861: Tax List shows James Turpin living in Roane County, Tennessee. (Source: Sarah Turpin)

• 1861: At the age of 54, the American Civil War began.

• 1861: His sons, William and John, swam across the Clinch river to escape the Confederates. They walked to Kentucky to join the Union Army.

• August 9, 1861: James' sons, William G. Turpin and John T. Turpin, enlisted in the Union Army, First Regiment, Company K. [Report of the Adjutant General of the state of Tennessee : of the military forces of the state, from 1861 to 1866. Ancestry.com]

• August 21, 1861: James' sons, William G. Turpin and John T. Turpin, mustered for service in the Union Army, First Regiment, Company K. [Report of the Adjutant General of the state of Tennessee : of the military forces of the state, from 1861 to 1866. Ancestry.com]

• June 7, 1862: James Turpin's land in Roane County, Tennessee (75 acres) was valued at $250. (Source: Sarah Turpin citing Tax Assessment Lists, 1862-1918, Ancestry.com)

• July 9, 1862: James' brother, Martin, Jr., "died of disease" as Private in Co. K, 1st Regiment, Tennessee during the Civil War. (Source: Sarah Turpin citing Ancestry.com, "Report of the Adjutant General of the state of Tennessee; of the military forces of the state from 1861 to 1866")

• 1862-1864: James' death at abt. 55-57 years of age. 1864 Tax List shows James Turpin heirs in Roane County, Tennessee. (Source: Sarah Turpin)
  
  
  
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The Life of Serelda/Rildia Turpin: A Chronology

The beginning of a chronology of the life of Serelda/Rildia Turpin follows:

• March 4, 1851-1853: born in Tennessee, the daughter of James (Jim) Turpin and Jerusa/Jerusha (J'rusy)--a Cherokee. (Her gravestone shows the birth year of 1851, but the 1860 Roane County census shows Serelda as 7 years old.)

• February 1, 1854: When Serelda was 3 years of age or younger, her father, James Turpin, transferred to her mother, Jerusha, the title of the land previously purchased on July 7, 1845. (Source: Sarah Turpin citing Anderson County, Tennessee Deed Book Q-1, Pg. 593-594)
  

• Bef. August 5, 1854: When Serelda was 3 years of age or younger, her father, James Turpin, acquired/built a new house in Anderson County. (Implied by Sarah Turpin citing Anderson County, Tennessee Deed Book Q-1, Pg. 588-589)

• August 5, 1854: When Serelda was 3 years of age or younger, Samuel C. Young sold her father, James Turpin, 33 acres in Anderson County for $20. The parcel was adjacent to James Turpin's newly built house. (Source: Sarah Turpin citing Anderson County, Tennessee Deed Book Q-1, Pg. 588-589)

• January 25, 1855: When Serelda was almost 4 years old or younger, her brother, Martin Turpin, married Juliann Qualls in Roane County, Tennessee. (Source: familysearch.org)

• November 6 1858: When Serelda was about 5-7 years of age, her parents, James Turpin and Jerusha Turpin, sold William Gallaher 250 ¾ acres in Anderson County, Tennessee on the north side of the Clinch River for $300. The land description seems to indicate that the property had frontage on the river. "This may have been when the family moved to Roane County." (Source: Sarah Turpin citing Anderson County, Tennessee Deed Book S-1, Pg. 65)

• 1858-1860: When Serelda was about 5-9 years old, her grandfather, Martin Turpin, died. (Her grandmother, Elizabeth, appears alone in Anderson County in the 1860 census.)
  

• August 26, 1860: according to the census, living in Roane County at or near Welcker Mill with her parents, James and Jerusa/Jerusha, and her siblings--William (age 21), John (age 17) and Amanda (age 12). (Welcker Mill was located at the confluence of East Fork and Main Poplar Creek adjacent to the present-day site of the K-25 Oak Ridge plant on the northeast side.)

• 1861: Tax List shows her father, James Turpin, living in Roane County, Tennessee. (Source: Sarah Turpin)

• 1861-1864: Death of Serelda's father, James Turpin, when she was abt. 8-13 years of age. 1864 Tax List shows James Turpin heirs in Roane County, Tennessee. (Source: Sarah Turpin)

• 1861: At the age of 8-10, the American Civil War began.

• 1861: Serelda's brother, William, began to incur debts owed to their mother, Jerusa. [Inferred by a court case settled in August 1879. Information provided by Sarah Turpin.]

• 1861: When Serelda was 8-10 years of age, her brothers, William G. Turpin and John Turpin, swam across the Clinch River to escape the Confederates. They walked to Kentucky to join the Union Army.

• August 9, 1861: Serelda's brothers, William G. Turpin and John T. Turpin, enlisted in the Union Army, First Regiment, Company K. [Report of the Adjutant General of the state of Tennessee : of the military forces of the state, from 1861 to 1866. Ancestry.com]

• August 21, 1861: Serelda's brothers, William G. Turpin and John T. Turpin, mustered for service in the Union Army, First Regiment, Company K. [Report of the Adjutant General of the state of Tennessee : of the military forces of the state, from 1861 to 1866. Ancestry.com]

• March 2, 1864: When Serelda was 11-13 years of age, her brother, William, had returned home from the war and married Louisa Isabella Christenberry.

• May 12, 1864: Her brother, William, writes a letter to his wife, Leona Isabella (Chrisenberry) Turpin, from the battlefield in Kingston, Georgia. This was two months after their marriage. In the letter he says, "Isabele, when you rite, tell me how my mother an sisters is gitting along.... John [his brother] sends his best respect to you an all his friends."

• September 1864: Her brother, William, mustered out of the army, having served his term of enlistment. [Source: Mary Morris McCafferty]

• November 8, 1864: When Serelda was 11-13 years of age, her brother, Martin, at age 31/32 enlisted in Anderson County, Tennessee to serve the Union, Seventh Regiment Mounted Infantry, Company I. (Source: http:// www.tngennet.org/ civilwar/ rosters/ minf/ minf7/ coi5.html)

• May 4, 1865: When Serelda was 12-14 years of age, her brother, Martin, at age 32/33 was mustered to serve the Union, Seventh Regiment Mounted Infantry, Company I. (Source: http:// www.tngennet.org/ civilwar/ rosters/ minf/ minf7/ coi5.html) The Seventh Tennessee Mounted Infantry was... organized at Athens, Tennessee and stationed at that point the greater portion of its term of service. It was actively employed in hunting guerrillas, with whom it had frequent engagements. [Report of the Adjutant General of the state of Tennessee : of the military forces of the state, from 1861 to 1866. Ancestry.com]

• 1865: at the age of 12-14, the American Civil War ended.

• June 15, 1865: When Serelda was 12-14 years of age, her brother, Martin, at age 32/33 was discharged from his service to the Union in the Civil War. (Source: http:// www.tngennet.org/ civilwar/ rosters/ minf/ minf7/ coi5.html)

• Time Gap: 1865-1871?: journey west and back.

• 1865-1871?: At some point between the age of 12 and 20, Serelda was taken to Kentucky by Absalom and Elizabeth (her sister) Potter. (According to John Strunk, the Potters' made this move after the Civil War. In 1869 Absalom Potter is shown on the Tax List in Roane County, which may place their departure after 1869. Serelda and Amanda Turpin are absent from the 1870 Anderson County census.)

• 1865-1871?: taken to Kansas or Red Cloud, Nebraska by Absalom and Elizabeth Potter.(Red Cloud, Nebraska was founded in 1871.)

• (?) 1865-1871?: taken to a reservation area in Oklahoma later known as Custer County. (We are not sure that Serelda joined the Potters in this part of the journey.)

• 1865-1871?: At some point between the age of 12 and 20, Serelda returned from the West to Tennessee.

• 1861-1869?: her mother, Jerusa/Jerusha Turpin, gave William Turpin the family land on the condition that he would take care of her until her death. (?) (It may be that Jerusha actually sold him the land and allowed him to make payment arrangements.)

• 1867: Serelda's grandmother, Elizabeth, is still living. Martin Turpin, Sr.'s widow (Elizabeth) is list in the Tax List for Anderson County as owning 105 acres of land valued at $200. (Source: Sarah Turpin)

• August 1869: her brother, William G. Turpin, was murdered by George Hembree over a land boundary dispute. (Source: John Strunk and newspaper article submitted by Sarah Turpin)

• May 26, 1870: The start of a series of court cases in which Serelda's mother, Jerusa, sues the heirs of William G. Turpin (deceased) for the payment of a debt. [Chancery Court Minute Book, Vol. 6 (1867-1870)]
  

• 1871 or earlier: had returned from Oklahoma.

• 1871 or earlier: she and her sister, Amanda, were seduced by a married man. Their promiscuous lifestyle brought a reproach on the family.

• 1871 or earlier: her brother, John, separated himself from the family because of the disgrace she and her sister had brought upon them. John left home walking down the road playing his fiddle.

• 1871?: her brother, John, was caught in a blizzard and died several days later from exposure.

• 1872: When Serelda was between the age of 19 and 21, she had an affair with Joshua King Christenberry, who was about 22 years old at the time.

• November 11, 1872: A compromise was reached on an unnamed matter related to the heirs of William Turpin (deceased) and Serelda's mother, Jerusa. [Chancery Court Minute Book, Vol. 6 (1870-1876). Information provided by Sarah Turpin.]
  

• March 16, 1873/75: at the age of 22/24, gave birth to Joshua King Turpin.

• July-August, 1873: sued Joshua King Christenberry for the support of his child, Joshua King Turpin.

• April 4, 1874: death of Serelda's sister-in-law, Leona Isabel Christenberry--William G. Turpin's widow.
  

• March 16, 1876: Joshua King Christenberry married Annie McKamey.

• 1876: sued Frank Hardin for the support of his child (name of child unknown; possibly Frank Turpin, if Frank).

• October 12, 1876/1877: at the age of 25/26, gave birth to Frank Turpin. (The tombstone shows 1877 as the date of death; however, birthdates on tombstones are not always accurate. The aforementioned 1876 court case may imply 1876 as the birthyear.)

• August 1879: Serelda's mother, Jerusa, sued J. H. Adams--guardian for the heirs of William Turpin--for debts incurred between 1861 and 1879 totaling $500. The court decided in favor of Adams, the defendant. Jerusa appealed the decision but lost. [Information provided by Sarah Turpin]

• December 1879: The State of Tennessee ordered the Sheriff of Roane County to acquire from Serelda's mother, Jerusa, an amount of $21.35 to cover the court costs incurred by J. H. Adams in the previous law suit. [Information provided by Sarah Turpin.]

• March 18, 1880: A search was made of Serelda's mother's home, but insufficient property could be found to cover the debt of $21.35. [Information provided by Sarah Turpin.]
  

• 1880: living in Roane County with her mother--Jerusa/Jerusha, her sister--Amanda, and her children--King, Frank and Caldonia (Laura). (Census)

• Aft. 1880: her mother, Jerusa, died after 1880.

• March 1, 1881: at the age of 30, gave birth to Laura Caldonia Turpin.

• Time Gap: 1881-1895?: she and her children were driven out of their home and became homeless. They spent the first night in the woods. (Source: Laura Turpin)
  

• August 3, 1895: when she was 44 years old, her son, Joshua King Turpin, married Sarah Morrow in Anderson County, Tennessee.

• January 11, 1896: death of Joshua King Christenberry.

• 1902: when she was 49-51 years old, a group photograph was taken in the Wheat community of her brother Martin's family. Her brother Martin and her sister Amanda are in the photograph, but Serelda is not. (Source on date: John Strunk)

• 1905: her brother-in-law (husband of Mary Elizabeth Turpin Potter), Absalom Potter, died in Custer County, Oklahoma.

• 1907: when she was 56 years old, her son, Frank Turpin, purchased 8 1/2 acres in Hardin Valley.

• 1913/1914: the founding of Providence Church of God (Solway Church of God).

• March 28, 1913: A strong earthquake shock centered at Knoxville was felt over an area of 7,000 square kilometers in eastern Tennessee. "Two shocks were felt in many places. Movable objects were overthrown, and bricks fell from chimneys. A number of false alarms were set off at fire stations. Buildings throughout the city shook violently. The Knox County Courthouse, a massive brick structure, trembled noticeably. People outdoors experienced a distinct rise and fall in the ground; there were some cases of nausea." (Source: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/ regional/ states/ tennessee/ history.php)
  

• 1924: her sister, Mary Elizabeth Turpin Potter, died in Custer County, Oklahoma.

• September 27, 1926: died of cancer at the age of 75 in Frank and Laura (siblings) Turpin's home in Hardin Valley.

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The Life of King Turpin: A Chronology

The beginnings of a chronology of the life of King Turpin follows:

• March 16, 1873/1875: born in Tennessee, the son of Serelda Turpin. His biological father was Joshua King Christenberry.

• March 16, 1876: his biological father, Joshua King Christenberry, married Annie McKamey.

• 1876: his mother, Serelda Turpin, sued Frank Hardin for support.
  

• October 12, 1877: birth of his brother, Frank Turpin.
  

• 1880: lived in the home of his grandmother, Jerusa (a.k.a. Jerusha) Turpin in Roane County, Tennessee.

• March 1, 1881: birth of his sister, Laura Turpin.
  

• August 3, 1895: married Sarah Morrow in Anderson County, Tennessee.

• January 11, 1896: death of his father, Joshua King Christenberry, in Roane County.

• March 1898: a daughter, Rose/Rosie/Rosa B., was born to King and Sarah.

• Between 1898 and 1900: Sarah Turpin and her daughter, Rose, were taken to the Anderson County asylum for the poor--the poor farm. (In the 1900 census Sarah and Rose are enumerated with James Garrett at the county asylum.)
  

One Turpin researcher notes that Sarah and King's daughter, Rose/"Rosa Bell," died in 1977. She also notes that Rose married Charles Raby and by that union had a daughter named Amanda Jane Raby (Pearson).

• May 1899: a son, William McKinley Magsley/Magsby, was born to King and Elizabeth Belle Magsley/Magsby.

• 1900: lived in the home of his aunt, Amanda Turpin, in Anderson County, Tennessee. Elizabeth Belle Magsley/Magsby and her son, William, lived there as well.
  

• February 2 or 3, 1902/03: a son, "Little King" Turpin, was born to King and Elizabeth Belle Magsby in a houseboat on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

• March 1, 1906: a daughter, Minnie Belle Turpin, was born to King and Elizabeth Belle Magsby in a houseboat on the Tennessee River someplace in Alabama.

• 1906-1910: divorced or separated from Elizabeth Belle Magsby.

• 1906-1910: death of Elizabeth Belle Magsby at 525 Market Square/Street in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

• (1906-1916?: lived at "Tile Town;" lived at Mullins Cove.)

• 1907: his brother, Frank, bought 8 1/2 acres in Hardin Valley.

• 1910: lived in Roane County, Tennessee and is listed in the census as a farmer.

• March 28, 1913: A strong earthquake shock centered at Knoxville was felt over an area of 7,000 square kilometers in eastern Tennessee. "Two shocks were felt in many places. Movable objects were overthrown, and bricks fell from chimneys. A number of false alarms were set off at fire stations. Buildings throughout the city shook violently. The Knox County Courthouse, a massive brick structure, trembled noticeably. People outdoors experienced a distinct rise and fall in the ground; there were some cases of nausea." (Source: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/ regional/ states/ tennessee/ history.php)

• 1916: lived in North Chattanooga.

• January 11, 1916: his son, "Little King," arrived at the Bonny Oaks boys home in Chattanooga, Tennessee after being taken from King.
  

• May 6, 1916: removed his son, "Little King," from the Bonny Oaks boys home in Chattanooga, Tennessee. "Little King" was sent to Concord / Hardin Valley to live with his uncle, Frank Turpin. The record at Bonny Oaks shows that King lived in North Chattanooga at this time.
  

• May 14, 1916: married Ida Belle Conatser in Walker County, Georgia. Justice of the Peace, D. H. Hixon, officiated. (Source: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/walker/vitals/marriages/grtys.txt)

• 1917/18: birth of son, John W. Turpin. (Source: 1920 census)

• 1920: lived in Knox County, Tennessee.

• About 1920: birth of daughter, Grace Turpin, in Tennessee. (Source: 1930 census)

• About 1921: birth of daughter, Georgia L. Turpin, in Tennessee. (Source: 1930 census)

• 1923: purchased 12 1/2 acres in Hardin Valley area from Amanda Stubbs for the price of "one dollar and love and affection." (Source: registry of deeds)

• About 1926: birth of son, Albert D. Turpin, in Tennessee. (Source: 1930 census)

• September 27, 1926: death of his mother, Serelda Turpin, in Concord, Tennessee

• October 27, 1926: death of his aunt, Amanda Turpin.

• About 1927: birth of son, Daniel N. Turpin, in Tennessee. (Source: 1930 census)

• 1929: moved to Knoxville.

• 1930: lived in Knoxville, Tennessee and is listed in the census as a moving picture operator.

• March 29, 1933: died in Knoxville, Tennessee. 

More information about the life of King Turpin is contained in the book about his son, A Man Called King: The Life and Legacy of King Turpin, Jr.

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