Lydia Turbeville, my 4th great grandmother who tried unsuccessfully to defraud the Army pension office in 1877, may have come by her penchant for dishonesty honestly.

Fortescue Turbeville, who died mysteriously in 1710, was most likely Lydia’s direct ancestor – at least this is what I am now trying to prove or disprove. Fortescue fortified his place in history when, as a member of the Proprietor’s Council, he cast his vote for fellow council member Richard Gibbes, giving him the governorship of South Carolina. Richard Gibbes’ opponent was Colonel Thomas Broughton. Shortly after Gibbes declared his victory, Fortescue died suddenly. After his death, it was discovered that Fortescue had originally voted for Broughton but had been bribed into changing his vote for Gibbes. Naturally, this revelation caused Gibbes and Broughton supporters to come to blows. Of course, one must wonder if Fortescue died suddenly of natural causes or whether he was murdered either to keep him quiet or for revenge.

Fraud, bribery, murder. For shame!

Genealogically speaking, I know that Lydia’s father was Captain James Turbeville who was born in South Caroline around 1790. His father was Willis Turbeville, who, like his son James, fought in the War of 1812. In 1790, Willis owned land in South Carolina as did his father James Richard Turbeville. From here the Turbeville line is a bit murky. Some researcher’s believe that our Turbeville line started in Virginia and then moved to South Carolina but they offer no documentation. Fortescue was a family man. Three of his children were born in England, the last being John in 1697. It’s possible that Fortescue brought his family with him when he came to America. He may have even had additional children after he arrived and these children may have stayed in South Carolina and begat more Turbevilles including Lydia’s ancestors.

Additional research is definitely required – who knows what fresh wickedness awaits me.

Kenfolk: Tranthams
Relation: Murky at best
Common ancestors: Fortescue Turbeville might very well be my 7th or 8th great grandfather

References:
McCrady, E. (1897). The History of South Carolina Under the Proprietary Government 1670-1719. New York: The Macmillan Company.