In 1916 and 1917, William Montgomery Clemens edited a series of pamphlets called the Turner Family Magazine. It was meant to be a genealogical, historical and biographical magazine about the Turner family across the United States. That series of magazines was later published in 1920 as a complete bound volume. This is what this book is.
Alfred Pierce, born January 1, 1822, in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, is a retired contractor and builder from Attleboro, where he contributed significantly to the construction of public and private buildings over fifty years. A descendant of a notable lineage tracing back to the Norman Conquest, his ancestors participated in many historical events. Alfred and his wife Martha Richardson Williams, a prominent community member, had one daughter, Marion, who pursued a career in art and was active in civic organizations. Alfred remains a respected figure in his community.
The Bates lineage in Massachusetts began with Clement Bates, a tailor from Hertfordshire, who arrived in 1635 and settled in Hingham. His descendants included significant figures such as Colonel Seth Bates, who served in the Revolutionary War, and his son Joshua Bates, who established a successful furnace in Canada before returning to farm in Bridgewater. Joshua Bates married Bethia Ames, fathering four children, and his family continued to thrive in Bridgewater, with generations contributing to local history and community life.
William P. Corthell, a prominent figure from South Abington (now Whitman), Massachusetts, came from a lineage distinguished by their contributions to society. The Corthell family, established in Hingham in the early 18th century, produced numerous influential individuals. William himself was a dedicated public servant, engaging in various roles, including county commissioner and trustee of the Abington Savings Bank. He was recognized for his integrity and commitment to community service and church, leaving behind a legacy of honorable public life and a devoted family.
The Soule family of New Bedford, Massachusetts, traces its lineage to George Soule, a Mayflower Pilgrim. Currently led by Hon. Rufus Albertson Soule, this family’s history is marked by significant contributions to local governance and business, particularly in shipbuilding and shoe manufacturing. Their legacy includes participation in the Civil War, with four brothers serving. Rufus Soule’s prominent roles in the community and service as a state senator reflect the family’s longstanding commitment to civic duty and public service, enriching New Bedford’s heritage.
George Otis Jenkins, born on November 22, 1846, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, was a prominent manufacturer and influential figure in Whitman. Descended from Edward Jenkins, an early Scituate settler, George overcame early adversity following his father’s death. He co-founded a successful business producing steel shanks and burial caskets. Active in multiple corporate boards and community initiatives, he held significant positions, including president of the Whitman Savings Bank. Married to Abby F. Bates, Jenkins exemplified enterprise and public service throughout his life.
The Holmes family of Kingston, MA boasts a long lineage traceable to John Holmes, who served in the Norman Conquest of 1066. Originally established in England, the family later branched into New England, notably through John and William Holmes, ancestors of many in the Old Colony. Alexander Holmes, a prominent shipbuilder and railroad president, exemplified the family’s legacy of integrity and success. His descendants continued to thrive in various professions, maintaining the family’s esteemed reputation in Massachusetts up to the present day.
William Hartley Cary (1852-1899), a notable businessman in Brockton, Massachusetts, was deeply respected for his contributions to the community and industry. Born in Charleston, Maine, to William Harrison and Abigail Cary, he established the Brockton Last Company, significantly advancing the local shoe industry. Actively involved in social organizations and the Unitarian Church, Cary was recognized for his generosity and public spirit. Married to Matilda Winslow, he left behind two children, leaving a lasting legacy in both family and community.
The Mortons of East Freetown, Massachusetts, descend from Major Nathaniel Morton, linked to the prominent George Morton, a key figure in early Plymouth history. George, who arrived in 1623, published the first history of the Plymouth Colony. Nathaniel served as secretary of Plymouth Colony and held various local offices. His descendants continued to be influential in local governance and public affairs. The family remained active in education, law, and commerce, with notable members like James Madison Morton, a respected attorney and judge.
Everett Clinton Hall, a prominent wholesale grocer from Brockton, MA, is deeply rooted in a lineage that traces back to the earliest families of Massachusetts, including notable Pilgrims John Alden and Priscilla Mullins. The Hall family history highlights significant ancestors like George Hall, one of Taunton’s founders, and his descendants who contributed to local governance and church establishments. Everett ascended to his business success through hard work, evolving from his father’s grocery store into a flourishing wholesale operation with an extensive reach in southeastern Massachusetts.
The Bassett family of Fall River, Massachusetts, descends from William Bassett, who emigrated from England in 1620. Prominent members include Hon. Rufus W. Bassett, a significant figure in local politics and business, serving on various councils and boards. The family’s lineage includes several generations, with connections across Massachusetts towns such as Duxbury, Bridgewater, and Rochester. Notably, Rufus W. Bassett’s contributions to the city’s governance and his family’s rich history reflect the enduring legacy of the Bassett lineage within the region.
The Holmes family has a storied lineage in both New England and England, dating back to 1066 when John Holmes, a captain in William the Conqueror’s army, was granted land in Yorkshire. The family emigrated to New England, with notable descendants including Charles Jarvis Holmes of Marshfield and Rochester, a distinguished lawyer and public servant. His lineage includes several generations of influential figures, contributing to the legal, financial, and public life of the region, fostering a legacy of honor and service.
The Nutter family of East Bridgewater, descended from Elder Hatevil Nutter, who emigrated from England in 1633, played a significant role in early New Hampshire history. Elder Nutter was a prominent figure, serving as a ruling elder and holding various land grants. His lineage includes notable descendants such as Isaac Newton Nutter, who contributed to local development and banking, and his sons, Richard Winslow and Charles Latham Nutter, who continued the family legacy in public service and business.
The Stetson family of Bridgewater, MA, boasts a legacy spanning over two centuries, deeply intertwined with the town’s iron manufacturing roots. Cornet Robert Stetson, an early settler in New England, established the family’s prominence, which continued through his descendants, notably Capt. Abisha Stetson and his son, Nahum, who significantly advanced the Bridgewater Iron Works. The family contributed to various industries while maintaining a strong community presence, with members active in agriculture and local politics, demonstrating enduring civic pride and influence in Bridgewater’s development.
The lineage of the Tobey family in America traces back to Thomas Tobey, who settled in Sandwich, Massachusetts, after originally being in Scituate. He married Martha Knott in 1650. Their son, Samuel, had numerous descendants, including Jonathan Tobey Jr., who married Abigail Lewis. The family’s ties extend to Dartmouth and Rochester, featuring several generations with notable marriages and children. The last recorded Jonathan Tobey, born in 1787, continued the lineage through his marriage to Hannah Sears, producing a large family.
John Dexter Flint, a prominent merchant and philanthropist of Fall River, Massachusetts, was born on April 26, 1826, in North Reading. A son of modest means, Flint’s industrious spirit led him to establish a successful business in tin and hardware, which expanded to include furniture. A devoted churchman, he contributed generously to various charitable endeavors and was a key player in local banking and mill enterprises. Flint’s death on August 28, 1907, marked the loss of a respected leader whose legacy continues to shape Fall River’s community.
Nicholas Snow, an English settler, arrived in Plymouth in 1623 and later became a vital figure in Eastham, where he served as town clerk and held various civic roles. He married Constance, a Mayflower descendant, and fathered ten children. His lineage continued through his son Stephen and grandson Miijah, leading to notable descendants like Edmund Snow, a town founder in Orleans, and George G. Snow, a successful shoe manufacturer in Brockton. This legacy showcases the Snow family’s influence in early American history.
The Barker family of Tiverton, Rhode Island, traces its roots to Robert Barker, born in 1616, who settled in New England early on. He purchased land in 1641 and later became a surveyor in Duxbury. His descendants included Isaac Barker, a businessman and surveyor, and Prince Barker, known for his hospitality. The family flourished over generations, with members involved in various enterprises, including mills and banking. Notable descendants include Benjamin Barker and his son Abraham, who furthered the family legacy through successful careers and numerous offspring.
The Pierce family traces its lineage back to England and early New England settlers, notably Richard Pearse, who arrived in America in 1630. The family has produced numerous notable figures, including Charles S. Pierce, a respected Brockton citizen and cabinetmaker, and his sons, George R. Pierce, a successful merchant, and Charles S. Pierce, a prominent manufacturer. Their legacy continues to thrive in North Bridgewater, showcasing a rich history of industriousness, community involvement, and moral integrity, reflected in their contributions to both business and society.
The Dwelly family of Fall River, MA, traces its origins back to Richard Dwelly, who settled in Scituate in the mid-17th century. Notably, Dr. Jerome Dwelly, a well-respected physician, significantly contributed to the community for over sixty years. His son, Frank H. Dwelly, excelled in mill management, serving as treasurer for Tecumseh and Ancona companies. The family’s story weaves through generations, marked by professional accomplishment and community service, with both Jerome’s medical innovations and Frank’s business acumen shaping Fall River’s landscape.