Turner
Howell and John Horry Dent
Submitted by Richardbprice@aol.com
Turner Howell was born 1831 in Monroe Co., GA, the son of Sarah Williams and
(unknown) Howell. He migrated to Barbour Co., AL between 1845 and 1850 as
did his mother, brothers Joseph, (married Martha Commander in Crawford Co.,
GA), Washington, and sisters Elizabeth and Mary.
Turner Howell was hired in 1857 as overseer for John Horry Dent, the South
Carolina aristocrat who had migrated to Barbour County. Dent owned
plantations in Comer, Good Hope and other areas of Barbour County. Turner
was placed in charge of over 1300 acres and 130 slaves. Dent kept a
detailed
journal of his plantation business and Turner's name was mentioned in it
numerous times. Dent considered Turner Howell to be intelligent, obedient,
and completely trustworthy. Turner was paid only three hundred dollars a
year by Dent, a paltry sum for an experienced overseer. Turner, his wife
Mary Jane Wise and their children lived in a house on Dent's plantation from
1857 until 1860. The plantation was known as "Bleak Hill".
Turner got along
well with the Dent family and whenever he had a sick child, the master or
young Horry Dent would see to the plantation. On the eve of Alabama's
succession from the union, Dent wrote in his journal: "Mr. Howell
leaves my
business, his time having expired. After four years being in my employment
as overseer, he has discharged his duties as well as any overseer would have
done."
The following is a transcription of the contract between John Horry Dent and
Turner Howell for his services as overseer.
Contract with Howell as Overseer
Howell came on the plantation 30 November 1856 to set in as overseer for
twelve months. Terms of Contract. Howell is to receive $300.00 and
his
bread ? him the said Howell finding himself in every other kind of provisions
and necessaries. signed Turner Howell
Dent and Turner Howell maintained a good relationship even after they parted
ways. On Monday, 6 May 1861, Dent recorded in his journal:
"Bullocks Plantation. Went up to see how Howell was getting on at
Bullocks,
done so by Bullocks request. Found all well and doing well."
The following abstracts were taken from the official Farm Journals of John
Horry Dent:
25 March 1857 - We have about 150 acres bottom land to bed up. Directed
Howell to commence planting cotton tomorrow 25th with 6 plows and let the
balance portions to bed out the bottom lands.
Friday, 23 April 1858 / 3 o'clock p.m. 80°, fair & cool
Mr. Howell went to Eufaula to get 15 hoes.
Wednesday, 9 June 1858 / 3 p.m. 86°, fair
Howell reports a (cotton) bloom in the Ridge field
Wednesday, 29 September 1858 / 2 p.m. 73° fair
Howell reports as having 140 lbs cotton picked in.
Thursday, 23 December 1858 / 2 p.m. 55° unsettled
Howell and wagon - gone to Eufaula to bring up supplies his mine
Friday, 14 Jan 1859
Have so much of my time is devoted to financial matters, know but little what
is going on in the plantation, left altogether (with) Howell
Friday, 18th march 1859 / (recorded by young Horry Dent)
(Slave) Sick Report /
Minda confine last evening but doing very well. Mr. Howell cent after a
physician but countermanded the order before the boy reached town. Dr. did
not visit.
Friday, 6 May 1859
Mr. Howell went up last evening to see his sick child, that is reported to be
very ill. Horry attending to his (duties) in his absence.
Saturday, 9 July 1859
Howell, Horry, & Herbert gone to a barbecue.
Saturday, 23 July 1859
Mrs. Dent- gone with Mrs. Howell to her relatives for fruit at 11 a.m.
Thursday, 15 December 1859 / 9 a.m. 43° heavy frost, dry, cloudy
Killed 7 hogs, Howell kept one
Tuesday, 21 February 1860
Bought two mules from - Hughs for $350.00 gave him a check on Eastern Bank of
Ala. for $350.00 through Turner Howell.
From Deed Book B, page 154
The State of Alabama)
Barbour County )
Know all men by these presents that I, Joseph Howell for and in consideration
of the natural love and affection which I have and bear to my beloved wife
and children towit, wife Martha Howell and my children by her begotten Saml.
J., Caroline A.E., Shack W.- Sarah S.- Cynthia E., James B.- and an infant
girl child yet unnamed. Now, I, said Joseph Howell hereby give, grant,
confirm unto my said wife and children such other children as my said wife
may hereafter have by me, the following,- W ¼ of SE ¼ & NE ¼ of SW ¼ Sec
15
Tp 9 - R25 lying in said County, two horses, two yoke of oxen, one ox cart,
one buggy & harness, three cows and calves, all household and kitchen
furniture on hand, To have and to hold unto my said wife and children as
above stated, witness my hand and seal this 12th day of June A.D. 1866
Joseph Howell (seal)
(X) his mark
Signed sealed & delivered in presence of: F.M. Wood
Sworn and subscribed before me this Sept 1st 1866
Saul F. Beasley, J.P.
Recorded Book C page 373, Oct 8th 1878
J.L. Campbell, C.C.C.
State of Alabama)
Pike County )
I Dunham W. Siler, Judge of Probate for said County, hereby certify that
Joseph Howell whose name is signed to the foregoing conveyance, and who is
known to me, acknowledged before me on this day, that being informed of the
contents on the same bears date.
Given under my hand this 23 day of January A.D. 1867
D.W. Siler
Judge of Probate
Filed Sept 16th 1887, Recorded Oct 1st 1887
A.H. Alston, P.J.
