I bet you're surprised to get an email from me, especially since it's been forever since we last saw one another. :) Well, HI! John gave me your email. I don't know if he told you, but I'm married now, in fact our anniversary is May 1st...3 years already...it's hard to believe. Anyway, my husband Carson is Native American from Canada and he was adopted as a baby. He and I have been looking into his birth family history and I decided that I wanted to do the same for the Capes/Turner family as well. I came across something very interesting that I'm sure you already know. All my life I thought Grandma's first name was Frances, but quite by acident found that it's really Jennie. Makes sense because of Jennifer. Anyway, I'm at a complete roadblock now, and I was hoping that maybe between you and I that we could fill in some holes in the tree. Could you tell me Grandpa's and Grandma's parents full name? As well as any other information you may have about them, other family members like siblings, etc? Do you know if the stories are real about there being Cherokee in our family? By the way, my husband's birth surname is Turner...isn't that a hoot? I would be more then happy to share any information that I come across in my search if you'd like it, or even a copy of the tree.
Love, Christy
Hi Christy,
So good to hear from you. Yes, I knew you were married; your dad keeps me updated and also Johnny keeps me posted. I always ask about you when Johnny calls. He told me you and yours were doing great the last conversation I had with him (a few weeks ago). Congratulations..and my very best wishes for a long, wonderful, happy life together!
I think it's great that you are interested in the Capes/Turner family history. I would love to see what you already have; and I will share whatever I accumulate - okay? Daddy's family: Father: Walter Capes - Covington, GA Mother: Mattie Head Capes - Covington (Head was maiden name) Brother - Wallace Capes Sister: - Eva Capes McGiboney Sister: - Claire Capes Bates Sister - Berta Mae Capes Speer
Mother's Family: Father: Arthur Emmett Turner Mother: Edna Aaron (adopted name) Turner Sisters: Pauline Turner McMillian (Indian) - 5 children Ruth Turner ________ - Died when mother was pregnant with me (I'm named after her -Barbara Ruth) Bertie Turner Huckaby - 3 children
Christy, I don't know much more than you do about the Cherokee part - however Granny Turner sure looked like an Indian and she lived until she was 91. Papa Turner was one of 7 brothers and one sister and they were from Griffin, GA (Henry County). Your great grandpa - Papa Turner - was Chief of Police in Hampton, GA. He also owned property - like boarding houses that people live in ) at least that is what I have heard. Then he moved to Thomaston, opened up a little place called "Dad's barbecue" - it was a grocery store; restaurant; and had two gas tanks out front. Granny and Papa lived in the back of the restaurant. They had property that they rented out to the Gypsies when they came through. They would put up their tents and have "Fortune Telling" tents (make money) then move on.
Papa was quite an interesting fellow - he also had two monkeys (someone shot one of them); Popeye lived until Papa retired to Flint River - after that move papa gave him to Grant Park zoo - where he lived until he died.
Anyway, all of Daddy's people were from the Porterdale - Covington, GA area. I think Daddy's daddy was alway a carpenter (and character); Mama Capes probably worked in the textile mill or took care of the kids.
Hope this helps...keep in touch!
Love,
Aunt Bobbie
Note: Papa Turner was married before he married Granny (Edna). His first wife (Bertie) died giving birth to their first baby (I guess the baby died also). Granny (Edna) and his wife were best friends; he married Granny and they named their first child after her - Bertie. Interesting, huh! Papa was from a "fine" family - well established in Hampton/Griffin, GA - some of his brother's names were: George, Luke, Wilde, (sister name was Lillie, I believe) - one of his brothers looked just like Walter Brennan. Also, I have photos of Papa (dressed up) and some with his monkey (Popeye) and snakes (he kept), one of these days I'll bring them to work and scan them for you.
========================================================================== ========================== Subject: A wealth of Turner info Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2000 13:27:47 -0500 From: "Anita Watkins" To: "John H. Capes" CC: "John H. Capes"
Grannie Turner's mother died when she was born. Evidently, her Dad gave her over to Grannie's Aunt Icy to rear. As far as I know her Dad has never been mentioned. Grannie's last name was Aaron. Icy, in turn took care of Bertie, Ruth, Pauline and Frances while Grannie worked. Then Icy turned senile and had to institutionalized in her old age. Ruth had cancer and died at the age of 26. She and Homer Brooks had no children. Grannie and Papa's twin boys died at birth. Papa's first wife died during the birth of their child. Her picture hung over the mantel in the front room of the cabin on the river. I believe there were 7 children in Papa's family, 6 boys Arthur, George, John, Andrew, Wile, Mutt, and 1 girl, LIllie. George lived in Barnesville and that Turner who called for information is his great grandson. I recall Wile living with Jewel at Experiment, GA. I don't remember a wife. John had 6 girls. They used to sing, had a radio show. He lived in Griffin when he died. Andrew at one time lived across from the pool at Indian Springs. He was the one who used to make the reservations for our reunions. Mutt lived and died in Hampton. He and Eula had 2 girls and a boy. My Aunt Velma is one of his daughters. Lillie married Jet Britt and they had 4 daughters, Lottie, Kate, Willie, and I think Jewel was their daughter. Or Willie might have been one of John's daughters. I'm not sure of who was whose girl in every case. Arthur George John Andrew Mutt Wile Lillie Bertie Troy Betty Velma Lottie Ruth Alice Grace Kate Pauline AJ Jewel Frances 4 more girls Willie twin boys Papa's mama's name was Sara Thurston Turner. I can't recall his Dad's name, for he had died before I can remember. Great Grannie Turner lived in Jackson on a huge farm. Pepperdine is where they were burried.
Arthur Emmett Turner (b. December 29, 1881, d. November 09, 1959)
Notes for Arthur Emmett Turner: