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Below is a family biography included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published by W. H. Beers & Co. in 1880.  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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JAMES P. TURK, farmer; P. O. Piqua; born in the State of New York, in 1810 is the son of James and Rachel Turk, both of whom were born in New Jersey; the great-grandfather came from Holland; the mother’s ancestry were among the Huguenots who were driven out from Rochelle, France, on account of their religious belief; the parents lived and died in the State of New York; they were the parents of seven children, viz., James P., Mary, William, now deceased, Ann, Elizabeth Ellen and Oscar. Mr. Turk, the subject of our sketch, was united in marriage with Hester Merritt, daughter of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Merritt; by this union they have had eleven children viz., Mary, Joseph, deceased, William, Nathaniel, deceased, James, Margaret, Charles, deceased, and four others dying in infancy; Hester, the mother, died Aug. 2,1879, aged 71 years. Mr. Turk moved from New York State to Ft. Wayne, Ind., November, 1842, where he lived till September, 1849, when he came to this county and located on the farm where he now resides; he has a farm consisting of 166 acres, mostly in cultivation. His son James works the farm, and Mr. Turk gives the most of his attention to dealing in stock. He is, and always has been, a great advocate in the cause of education, and has taken a great interest in the schools by his own support and advocacy of good teachers and good schools.

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This family biography is one of 964 biographies included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published in 1880 by W. H. Beers & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Miami County, Ohio History and Genealogy

View additional Miami County, Ohio family biographies here: Miami County, Ohio Biographies

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