My Genealogy Hound

JOHN J. TURNHAM, merchant at Dale, is a native of the township and county in which he now lives, his birth occurring December 3, 1837. Of the eight children born to his parents, David and Nancy (Jones) Turnham, he was the second. David Turnham was born August 2, 1803, near Lebanon, Tenn., and about the year 1818 removed to Spencer County, Ind., settling near Grandview, and becoming one of the foremost men of the county, and also a public official. He was a Whig first in politics, then a Republican, and a strong Union man. He died, honored and respected, August 23, 1884. Mrs. Turnham was a native of Daviess County, Ky., an estimable lady, and an early settler of this county. John J., like the average boy of his day, was raised to hard work on the farm, and received only ordinary advantages in the way of an education in youth. In later years he graduated from a commercial college at Evansville. In 1859 he began his career as a merchant, and until 1880 was in partnership. Since then he has been alone in business, and in both cases made a success financially. February 26, 1868, he wedded Melissa J. Baker, who was born November 21, 1845, daughter of William J. Baker, a prominent farmer of Warrick County. Three children have been born to them, two yet living. The parents belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Turnham has been trustee fifteen years. He has been postmaster at Dale a similar length of time, and has served in other positions of honor and trust. It was through his influence, and for just cause, that the name of the town was changed from Elizabeth to Dale. For twelve years he has been a notary public, and is recognized as one of the leading men of northern Spencer County.