The Delmarva Turpins

by Mary Caroline Turpin Layton (September 13, 1875 – March 4, 1957)

Links to Generations (1) William · (2) Solomon · (3) Beauchamp · (4) Major Francis · (5) Francis B.C.

II. Second Generation — Solomon Turpin

Solomon Turpin (William) was born in Manokin, Somerset County, November 9, 1673. He married Elizabeth, whose maiden name is unknown, and settled in Dorchester County, in the part that is now the western part of Sussex County, Delaware. He died in Dorchester County, leaving a wife Elizabeth, sons Solomon, William, John, and Beauchamp and daughters Sarah Turpin Sr., Margaret Harper, Elizabeth Polloake, Hannah Turpin, and Sarah Turpin Jr. John Pollot, John Wine, and John Pollet Jr. were witnesses to the will.

To his son Solomon Jr. he devised "Cannon Knife", the tract of land on which Solomon Jr. then lived. Son William was to receive the land where Solomon Sr. lived.

To son John, the two tracts of land where John then lived, called "Wooife Pitt" and "Turpin's Privilege". The youngest son, Beauchamp Turpin, was to inherit "Red Oak Level".

All of the above were residents of Dorchester County until the Mason and Dixon line between Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware was established. They then became residents of Sussex County, Delaware.

Issue of Solomon Sr. and Elizabeth Turpin

1. Solomon Turpin, married Lovey and died in Sussex County, Delaware, 1777, leaving son Joseph and several daughters.
2. William Turpin, died 1762. He married Elizabeth Cannon and had one son William, born 1744, who went to Kentucky and left many descendants. He later married Constant Cannon, a cousin of his first wife. They had five children: Charles, Francis, Elizabeth, John, and Sarah Wright. All died without issue except Sarah Wright.
3. John Turpin, died 1745, leaving wife Clara and a minor daughter, Sarah. Widow Clara later married Parker Fowler.
4. Beauchamp Turpin, born 1723. See Third Generation.
5. Sarah Turpin Sr., living in 1741. (No other records.)
6. Margaret Turpin, married William Harper. They had several children including a Revolutionary War soldier, Beauchamp Harper of Dorchester County.
7. Elizabeth Polloake. (No other records.)
8. Hannah Turpin. (No other records.)
9. Sarah Turpin Jr. (No other records.)

Primary Source Records

Maryland State Archives · Somerset County · Liber 7, folio 703

Deed — Miles Gray and Margrett Gray his wife, of Somerset, for natural love and affection borne unto Solomon Turpin, son-in-law unto Miles Gray, but son lawfully begotten of the body of my wife Margrett Gray — grant "Husbands Love" lying on south side of Back Creek, 450 acres, adjoining the land of Phillip Berry, deceased.

Deed 31 May, 1710, between Solomon Turpin and Elizabeth his wife, Miles Gray and Margret his wife all of Somerset County on one part and Ephraim Wilson Gent. of same County on the other. Land granted Thomas Davis called "Davis Choice" 450 acres. Thomas Davis sold land to Lewis Knight. Said Lewis Knight and Ester his wife, cohabiting in Virginia, did appoint George Lane as their attorney of Somerset County, 14 Aug., 1694, to convey the above part of said land called "Husbands Love" to Margaret Gray.

Maryland State Archives · Dorchester County Wills · Liber 22, folio 385

Last Will and Testament of Solomon Turpin Sen., Dorchester County — 26th day of April 1741.

In the name of God, I, Solomon Turpin Sen. of Dorchester County, being sick and weak in body, but of perfect mind and memory, hereby make my last will and testament, disannuling all others made before this Twenty Sixth day of April 1741.

I give and bequeath unto my son Solomon Turpin that tract of land he now lives on called "Cannon Knife" to him, his heirs, and assigns forever. I likewise give unto my said son Solomon Turpin four shillings and one shilling sterling to be raised and paid after my decease.

I give and bequeath unto my son William Turpin all that tract of land which I now dwell on, unto him, his heirs and assigns forever, after my wife's decease.

I give and bequeath unto my son John Turpin all those two tracts of land he now lives on, called the "Wolf Pitt" and "Turpins Privilege", unto him, his heirs and assigns forever. Also, I give unto my said son John Turpin four shillings and one shilling sterling to be raised and paid after my decease.

I give and bequeath unto my son Beauchamp Turpin all that tract of land called "Red Oak Level" containing 80 acres to him and his heirs forever, also four shillings and one shilling sterling to be raised and paid after my decease.

I give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Turpin Sen. seven pounds of my praised estate and one shilling sterling to be raised and paid after my decease.

I give and bequeath unto my daughter Margret Harper four shillings and one shilling sterling to be raised and paid after my decease.

I give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Polloake four shillings and one shilling sterling to be paid after my decease.

I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Turpin seven pounds of my praised estate and one shilling sterling to be raised and paid after my decease.

I give and bequeath unto my daughter Hannah Turpin seven pounds of my praised estate and one shilling sterling to be raised and paid after my decease.

I give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Turpin Jr. seven pounds of my praised estate and one shilling sterling to be raised and paid after my decease.

I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife, Elizabeth Turpin, my land and plantation I now dwell on during her widowhood; but if in case she marries then but one half of the said land and houses and privileges hers thereunto belonging. Likewise I give and bequeath unto my wife all the rest of my household estates during her widowhood; but if in case she marries then only her dower, but after her decease to my children.

Sealed and delivered in the presence of us as his last will and testimony.

Witnesses: John Pollot · John Wine · John Pollet Jr.
Signed: Solomon Turpin (Seal) · Probated July 27, 1741

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