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Below is a family biography included in The History of Polk County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  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.

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Henry C. Turk. In sketching the life of this gentleman, it is but just to say that his career through life has been irreproachable. His birth occurred in Hickory County, Mo., April 27, 1850, his parents, Andrew and Mary (Williamson) Turk, having been born in Roanoke and Floyd Counties, Va., respectively. When a young man the father came to Missouri, and, after residing for about five years in Hickory County, came to Polk County, where he made his home until his death, March 13, 1870, at the age of fifty-nine years, his birth having occurred on the 1st of March, 1811. The mother was born in 1821 and died June 1, 1863. She came with her parents, James Williamson and wife, from Virginia to Hickory County, Mo., in 1844. After her death Mr. Turk espoused Mrs. Jane Williamson, who is now a resident of Hickory County. He was a machinist and millwright by trade, which occupations he learned in Ohio, but, after coming to Missouri, gave the most of his attention to farming, at which he was quite successful. He was a member of the Baptist Church, a Royal Arch Mason, and, by his first wife, became the father of five children, four of whom are living: Sarah, wife of J. H. Payne; Ellen, wife of J. H. Payne, Jr.; Virginia, wife of J. W. Viles; Frances, the deceased wife of Reuben Long, and Henry C. To his last union one son was born, Solon, who is living with our subject. The latter was educated in Bolivar Academy and at home, and, when starting out in life for himself, it was as a farmer and school teacher, but for a number of years past has given his entire attention to farming and stock dealing. His land is very fertile, and is well adapted to stock purposes, being plentifully supplied with water. In 1876 Mr. Turk acted as assessor and census enumerator, and in 1880 was United States census enumerator in Green Township. In 1882 he was elected assessor, and two years later was nominated county representative by the Democratic party, but, on account of sickness, resigned. January 26, 1873, he was married to Maria F. Robinson, a daughter of Rev. Jehu Robinson. She was born in Webster County, Mo., in 1855, and is the mother of four children, only two living: Pearl and Earl. Andrew J. and Charles A. are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Turk are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

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This family biography is one of 132 biographies included in The History of Polk County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Polk County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Polk County, Missouri family biographies, click here

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