I. First Generation — William Turpin
In 1661 William Turpin was transported into the Province of Maryland by Captain Luke
Gardiner of St. Mary's County. By provincial law, new settlers of Maryland were entitled
to receive fifty acres of land from the Lord Proprietorship upon their settlement in
Maryland. William Turpin's land allotment was assigned to Captain Luke Gardiner to pay for
William's transportation to the Province. In the same year, Captain Gardiner transferred
this land to James Linsey.
William Turpin remained on the Western Shore of Maryland for several years. In 1664,
Luke Gardiner and William Turpin were witnesses to a deed in St. Mary's County. This is
the only record of William's signature and shows that he wrote his own name, spelling it
"William Turpine". Other records spell his name "Turpin".
William later settled in Somerset County, Maryland, where he married Margaret Ivory on
January 16, 1668. Margaret Ivory was the daughter of Nicholas Ivory of Northampton County,
Virginia. She was born on July 7, 1654 in Hungers Parish, Virginia. Sometime before 1662,
Nicholas, Margaret, and Margaret's sister, Mary were transported to Maryland. They lived
in Manokin of present day Somerset County.
No records have been found showing the year of death of William Turpin or the settlement
of his estate. However, "cattle marks" of his children were recorded in 1685 signifying
that his death probably occurred around this year. In the 17th century in most areas,
cattle and swine were raised in groups. "Cattle marks" were used to identify the owners.
These marks were recorded at the local court house.
Soon after William Turpin's death, his widow married Miles Gray, a prominent early
settler of Virginia and later Maryland. Miles Gray made gifts of both land and negroes to
his step-children.
Maryland State Archives · Early Settler · Liber 5, folio 210
1662 Aug. 13 — Phillip Berrie had a warrant for four hundred acres of land for which he
enter rights, himself and his wife Olive, George, Sam, Margaret Ivory, Mary Ivory, Elizabeth
Barrie, being to make good the remainder.
Liber A.B.H. 16, folio 303
James Linsey, Inters Rights for Thomas Strawbridge, Mary Redding and Margret Bouses,
transported in Anno Domini 1661, and John Hicks and William Turpin assigned unto him by Luke
Gardner, transported the same year. James Linsey demands a warrant for said Rights. Warrants
unto the Surveyor General to lay out Two hundred and fifty acres of land for James Linsey,
June 5, 1662.
Somerset County Court Records · Deed Book I.K.L.
William Turpin and Margrett Ivery were married by John Winder, one of the Lordships
Justices of ye peace for Somerset Co. ye sixteenth day of January, one thousand six hundred
and sixty eight.
John Turpin, son of William Turpin was born of Margrett his wife, at Manokin, ye
seventeenth day of August, Anno Domini, one thousand six hundred and seventy one.
Solomon Turpin, ye son of William Turpin was born of Margrett his wife, at Manokin ye
ninth day of November, Anno Domini, one thousand six hundred seventy three.
Mary Turpin, ye daughter of William Turpin was born of Margrett his wife, ye twenty-fifth
of November 1675.
Elizabeth Turpin ye daughter of William Turpin was borne of Margrett his wife, ye
sixteenth day of March Anno Domini one thousand six hundred eighty.
Peter Turpin, son of William Turpin born of Margrett his wife, ye last day of March, one
thousand, six hundred eighty two, and the said Peter died and was buried at Manokin the ninth
day of April following.
Sarah Turpin, the daughter of William Turpin, borne of Margrett his wife, 1683.
Thomas Beauchamp and Mary Turpin were marryed (no date given).
Richard Tull and Elizabeth Turpin were marryed by Mr John Hewett, Minister of the Gospel,
and 26th day of Jan. Anno Domini 1695/6.
John Turpin and Rebecca Bainton were married by Mr. John Hewett, Minister of the Gospel
the twenty third day of Jan. Anno Domini 1695.
Somerset County, Md. · Princess Anne · Deed Book I.K.L.
Evidently the elder William died about 1685, as in that year the cattle marks of the
following children were recorded:
Mary Turpin — May 4, 1685
Elizabeth Turpin — May 4, 1685
Sarah Turpin — May 4, 1685
William Turpin — May 4, 1685
Somerset County · Judicials 1740–1742 · Page 212
William Turpin, age 63 in 1741, mentions his brother John Turpin, late of Somerset County,
and his brother Solomon, late of Dorchester County.
Maryland State Archives · Index to Deeds of Somerset County · Liber W.W. 1676–1679, page 168
William Turpin from Thomas Davis: Land called "Trottness". (Note: The Deed Book for
this was destroyed in an early fire.)
Maryland State Archives · Wills 14, page 570 · Somerset County
Gray, Miles — 20th Sept., 1717 | Proved 21st Nov., 1717
To son John Gray: 1 shilling. To son-in-law William Turpin: "Turn's Choice" and 60 acres
of "Peach" during life — at his decease to pass to his son John and male heirs. Said land not
to be mortgaged, sold or leased during his life. Also 50 acres of "Flent" to William Turpin.
To godson John Teack: Two tracts, higher and lower "Harnack". Wife of testator and son
William Turpin to have certain privileges during their lives.
To granddaughter Sarah Beauchamp and Richard ___: Personalty.
To wife ___, extx.: Personal estate during life. At her decease to pass to Mary Turpin
and Sarah Covelan and their heirs.
Test: Lazarus Maddux, John Fountaine, George Bozman, Alex Maddux.