My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography from the book, History of Kentucky, Edition 1 by J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin and G. C. Kniffin and published by F. A. Battey Publishing Company in 1885.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

JOHN W. TURK was born in Henry County, Ky., October 20, 1852, and is the fifth of the seven children born to Thomas R. and Elizabeth (Crisler) Turk. He was employed on his father’s farm until the latter’s death, after which event he was employed as a salesman in a general store at Ft. Jefferson, Ballard Co., Ky., for some two years. He then engaged in general merchandising at Bardwell, in company with his brother, W. R. Turk, under the firm name of Turk Bros. In February, 1879, the partnership was dissolved, since which time our subject has conducted business alone. He carries a large and well-selected stock of general merchandise and agricultural implements, amounting to about $10,000, his annual sales amounting to some $27,000. He is also extensively engaged in the grain, livestock and provision trade. He also owns a farm of 160 acres two miles west of Bardwell, upon which he resides. Mr. Turk was postmaster at Bardwell for some six years. He was married November 9, 1876, to Miss Alice Bodkin, a native of Ballard County, and a daughter of Daniel Bodkin, one of the early pioneers of the county. Three daughters have blessed their union, all of whom are living. In politics Mr. Turk is a Democrat.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 186 biographies included in the Ballard County, Kentucky section of the book, The History of Kentucky, Edition 1 published in 1885 by F. A. Battey Publishing Company.  For the complete description, click here: History of Kentucky, Edition 1

View additional Ballard County, Kentucky family biographies here: Ballard County, Kentucky Biographies

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.