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Below is a family biography included in The History of Bedford County, Tennessee published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887.  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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FELIX TURRENTINE is a Tennesseean, born May 12, 1811, son of James Turrentine, who was born in Virginia in 1773. The father came to Tennessee in 1807. His wife, Eleanor Neily, was born in North Carolina. Our subject has always been a farmer. May 12, 1842, he married Martha Ann Orr, who was born January 26, 1822. To them were born seven children, all of whom are dead except David A. and Eleanor F. Mrs. Turrentine died February 1, 1882. Mr. Turrentine was an old-line Whig, but since the war has been a Democrat. His son, David A. Turrentine, was born February 14, 1847. Up to June, 1880, he was a farmer. Since that time he has been engaged in the merchandise business at Hall’s Mills. February 24, 1875, he married Mollie F. Shearin, who was born October 21, 1851. To them were born four children: Alice R., Sallie A., Lucy J. and Felix. Mr. Turrentine has been prosperous in his business enterprises. He is a Democrat, and was elected to the office of constable in 1878, and served about ten months. He has also been a delegate to the Democratic Convention from his State several times. William H. Stephens, partner in the merchandise business with David A. Turrentine, was born in Bedford County, Tenn., February 24, 1840. He was reared on a farm, and when twenty-one years of age entered the Confederate Army, enlisting in Company G. Forty-fourth Tennessee Infantry, and participated in the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, and others. He served throughout the war and was not wounded. After his return he engaged in farming and has followed that occupation to the present time. In connection with this he has been in the merchandise business since 1880. In February, 1886, he was married to Martha Ray, born February 8, 1838. They are the parents of Robert H., Etta, Thomas and Pearlie Lee. Mr. Stephens and Mr. Turrentine are doing a good business in the mercantile line. Mr. Stephens is a very firm Democrat in politics.

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This family biography is one of the numerous biographies included in The History of Bedford County, Tennessee published in 1887 by Goodspeed.  The History of Bedford County was included within The History of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford & Marshall Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Beford and Marshall Counties of Tennessee

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