Thomas Turk (about 1825-1913)

TURK, BAKER

Posted By: Barry Mateer (email)
Date: 4/2/2019 at 09:13:10

1913, April 10th Page 9
Osceola Sentinel

Thomas Turk (colored,) the subject of this sketch, was born in Berksville, Adair county, Kentucky; his master’s name was Casey; as he neared early manhood he was purchased by a Mr. Turk and then took that name. He had the experiences of a slave, but less hardships than was the lot of some.

The date of his marriage is not known. To him and wife Leanna Baker, were born five children, one girl and four boys; they also raised one girl not their own. The children are all dead except one son, William Turk of Knoxville, Iowa, who is here today. With the son there are five grandchildren of the departed. The wife died about thirty years ago, and the body buried in Lucas, Iowa.

Thomas Turk went out of this life at 12:25 p.m. April 1, 1913, drifting painlessly away. His age as near as can be determined from imperfect information, was almost ninety years. In his young manhood he joined the Baptist church and kept the faith in his risen Savior to the end of his journey.

He served his country faithfully as a soldier in the Civil War, fighting for one flag and one nation.

He was with the family of Joseph Webster about three years, and after the death of Mr. Webster, he … ... to live with the family of Mr. and Mrs. T.B. Webster about twenty-three years ago. He had the marked faithfulness often found in the colored race, and was strikingly devoted to the children of his chosen home.

“Tom,” as he was known to very many, was of a genial disposition, fond of harmless joking, and unwavering to his friends. Numerous are the friends to note his absence.

1913, April 3rd page 1
Osceola Democrat

Mr. Tom Turk (colored) passed away about noon Tuesday, April 1, 1913, after an illness of a week or more.
Mr. Turk was more than ninety years old and was a slave from the time he was three years old until freed. He served his country as a soldier in the civil war for three years. For many years past, he has been employed at the T.B. Webster home where he also had a home on their property and received the best of care and attention from the family in his reclining years.

Funeral services, conducted by Rev. F. Edwards, were held at the Baptist church at three o’clock Wednesday afternoon. Burial made in Maple Leaf cemetery.

Obituary in Osceola Sentinel 1913
 

Clarke Obituaries maintained by Brenda White.
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