The Anniversary exercises of the Richmond Theological Seminary of 1890 took place on May 27th at the First Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. The Richmond PLANET newspaper covered the event with wonderful detail. Thankfully, we have access to this article and to a number of historical newspapers through various outlets.

This 1890 article is replete with information and names that really serve as a genealogical gem and as a time capsule, providing a myriad of details that may not exist anywhere else in one article.

Specifically, there are a number of oration titles, written by the graduates, that are named here. Do these titles still exist in the archives somewhere?

As soon as I saw the title, “Man A Progressive Being,” written by my ancestor, Rev. John H. Turner, B.D., I knew that I would have to locate the manuscript–somehow and someway.

Fast forward a number of years and as I was searching through the Library of Virginia’s catalog, I saw the entry for Rev. Turner’s work. I was floored, but not for long. I soon made sure to inquire about and request a scan (if at all possible) of this 1890 writing. To my eternal gratitude, I was perusing through the writings of “Man A Progressive Being” in no time, courtesy of the Library.

First Baptist Church

On the rostrum: Rev. R. Wells, Jas. H. Holmes, J. E. Jones, D.D., D. N. Vassar, Dr. Cooper, Dr. W. W. Landrum, Dr. Hatcher, Prof. Hovey

William R. Brown

James H. Eason

Mrs. R. K. Jones soloist

Emanuel V. Gassaway

William W. Harris

John H. Turner

Rev. W.W. Landrum, D.D.

Ms. Nannie Osborne

Class of 1890 diplomas conferred by Prof. D.N. Vassar, degree of Bachelor of Divinity

William R. Brown: Reba, Virginia

James H. Eason: Sumterville, Alabama

Emanuel Gassaway: Belton, South Carolina

William W. Harris: Cuckoo, Virginia

John H. Turner: Richmond, Virginia

Addresses: Rev. Dr. W. E. Hatcher, Mr. Ellyson of the Dispatch, Rev. R. Wells, Dr. Cooper, J. H. Holmes

Dr. Moorehouse offered books as prizes: J. W. Patterson, S. S. Crockett, J. H. Eason, W. T. Johnson, C. G. Robinson

One of the first shocks to see in Rev. Turner’s writings was the fact that he named Chesterfield County, Virginia -rather than Southampton County- as his place of birth. His stated birth year of 1860 was about four or five years later than I gathered for him. Still, there was mention of his losing his mother and his father not being one for education. The records showed that Rev. Turner’s mother, Eliza, passed away in 1883. This is around the time that Rev. Turner started his studies. It is very believable that Rev. Turner’s father, Henry, may have held strong feelings against his son leaving his farming responsibilities in order to get an education. The records do show that Henry faced legal actions because of his crop failings and subsequent failure to pay for lended monies.

Even with questions about certain veracities, it is amazing to see that the writings of Rev. Turner, and no doubt other orations from 1890, are still in existence.

Excerpts from Man A Progressive Being (1890) by Rev. John H. Turner, B.D.

As we search for the historical tangibles that our ancestors left behind, what writings, notes, or other ephemera have you been able to locate? Were there answers or more questions with your discovery? How important is it that we actively search for all things connected with our ancestor?

Things to consider on our journey and continuous discussion in The Genealogy Situation Room.

Thank you for stopping by!