Sunday, May 29, 2016

Will of Michael Turpin of Halifax County

From the Reynold Friends and Families PA to VA and All Point Beyond website:

Michael Turpin was the father of John Turpin, Sr. and the grandfather of Robert Newton Turpin. 

Halifax Co., VA, Will Bk 3, p. 96 

Will of Michael Turpin of H, very sick and weak of body but of perfect mind,

To my wife Edith--all my stock and my household furniture and the land which lies the other side of the creek, during her natural life, and then to descend to my sons John and James. I also give my wife the mill and half the profit (the other half to son Obediah Turpin).

To my son Obediah Turpin--the remainder of the land. If the rent of the land does not pay for the land at the end of 4 years, then each of the boys before mentioned to pay equally what is due.

Executors: sons Obediah, John and James

Signed

Michael (+his mark) Turpin 

Wit--Allen Whitehead, Benjamin Clements, Josiah (+his mark) Shelton

The will of Michael Turpin dec'd was OR at H Court of Jan. 27, 1794.

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Transcript of John and Elizabeth's Marriage Bond

Thanks to our Turpin cousin Dennis Bell for a transcription of the marriage bond of John Turpin and Elizabeth Carter.  Dennis did some analysis on the ink that seemed to have bled through. When he flipped the image vertically, it turned out that ink bled from the same document, which was apparently folded in half vertically, then in half again, before the ink had dried!

Transcribed on 25 May 2016, he notes that this marriage bond appears to follow the standard wording used in many areas of the U.S. in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

<modern stamp circa 2015>
Halifax County Circuit Court, VA
Robert W Conner, Clerk
A copy tested Delma W Marable Dep. Clerk

<modern handwritting>
Turpin, John
to
Carter, Elizabeth
Feb. 27th, 1797

<original handwriting on document>
Know all men by these presents that we John Turpin & Rich. Carter of Halifax County are held and firmly bound unto James Wood Esq. governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia for the terms <unreadable word or two> in the just & full sum of $150 to which payment well & Truly to be made to the said Governor & his successors we bind ourselves & each of our joint & several heirs Executors & administrators jointly & severally firmly by these presents.  Sealed with our seals & dated this 27th day of February 1797.  The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage suddenly intended to be had & Solemnized between the above bound John Turpin & Elizabeth Carter of this County now if there be no lawful cause to obstruct the solemnization of the said intended marriage then the above obligation to be void else to remain in full force & virtue.

<witness>
A. Watlington <Armistead Watlington per the Reynolds genealogy site where the marriage bond was posted>

<signed>
John Turpin  X his mark

Richard Carter