By J. Randolph Turpin, Jr.
Thousands of Turpins are historically connected to one lone teenage boy floating down the Clinch River in the year 1798, born of a family with ancient origins. The boy's name was Martin Turpin. He originated out of Virginia, and he entered Tennessee on a raft. Martin Turpin was the first of the East Tennessee Turpins.
That was all that was known about Martin, until nearly two centuries later when the author went searching for him. Part One of this book is the written account of that quest. Part Two is the story of Martin Turpin's life.
Martin Turpin's story begins with a pre-history reaching back to the days when the Turpins were Vikings. From Norway they invaded France, and from France they joined William the Conqueror in the conquest of England. From England they settled in colonial Maryland, and then they pioneered Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee.
Although this book was written to satisfy the genealogical curiosities of Turpin family researchers, it also serves as a valuable resource for students of colonial and post-colonial American history.
