GRAHAM – The Turner Family Farm, home of revolutionary war patriot James Turner Jr., located at 2458 Brucewood Rd. in Graham, has been nominated to be recognized as an historic landmark. This is the site of Revolutionary War Patriot James Turner Jr’s Family Farm. James was born in Pennsylvania circa 1758. The Turner family originally came to and settled in the Haw River area in 1760 when James was a very young child.
The Turner family farmed in the local area prior to the start of the war. In October of 1778, at the age of 20, James first volunteered and enlisted as a private in the Continental Army serving under Captain Joseph Young. Fighting in many battles, including the Battle of Lindley Mill, he was later discharged in March of 1779. In the month of February 1781, he again entered into service of the Continental Army – volunteering as a private in a company commanded by Captain George Hodges. He fought in a number of battles including the Battle of Guilford Old Courthouse on March 15th of that year and finished his second tour of duty shortly thereafter. As a patriot, he again volunteered, serving a third time in August of 1781 as private in a company under the command of Captain John Clendennin. In September of 1781 his company was surprised and captured by Tory forces two miles north of Hillsboro. He was held captive for eight months by the British in Charlotte and was later released in May of 1782. After the war James and his wife, Rebecca settled on this land, farming and raising their family. James died on Feb 12, 1856 at the age of 98. He along with his wife and one son are buried in the Phillips Chapel Methodist Church cemetery adjacent to this property.
The Alamance County Historic Properties Commission will hold a public hearing on this nomination on November 12th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the Alamance County Commissioners’ meeting room at 124 W. Elm St, Graham. At this meeting, the Historic Properties Commission will consider public comments and make a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners.
The agenda and nomination packet is available for viewing on the Historic Properties Commission’s website: http://www.alamance-nc.com/planning/boards/historic-properties-commission/. If you are unable to attend or have further questions about the nomination please contact the Alamance County Planning Department at 336- 570-4053.