THE TURPIE BROTHERS (William and James H.) were born in Ireland, William on August 26, 1848, and James H. on August 15, 1850. Their parents, James and Bridget (Finn) Turpie, were also natives of Ireland. The father came first to America and purchased a small farm in this county. In 1857, he sent for his family. The brothers attended the school of Thomas Jones ; they also worked on farms, saved their money, and soon had sufficient to purchase eighty acres of wild land in Honey Creek Township, in this county. On this they be, and life, having built a house and made other improvements. In 1866, while hunting, James was injured by the discharge of a gun, which resulted in the loss of his left arm below the shoulder, but after recovering he could still do good work on the farm. In 1868, James H. taught school five terms at Reynolds and Medaryville; he afterward attended school, and in 1874 studied law two years with Robert Gregory. Finally the brothers settled in this township, and in December, 1876, bought a stock of general merchandise, and also began the real estate business. They have been very successful, having large properties in Ohio, and in this and Pulaski, Stark and Jasper Counties, and in Kentucky, Nebraska and Missouri. All they possess is the issue of hard work and perseverance. They occupy one of the finest residences in the township. In January, 1882, their storehouse was burned, causing a loss of $52,000, insured for $25,000. In 1878, William bad also a severe accident, his scalp being torn from his head, while riding in a railroad omnibus. William was married, March 23, 1868, to Mary F. McCrag, born June 15, 1850, daughter of John and Rebecca (Askey) McCrag; they have had five children-Viola J., James H., John William (deceased), Emma C. and Anna A. James H. was married, January 16, 1873, to Emma J. Baughman, born July 5, 1857, daughter of Henry M. and Sarah (Eddy) Baurhman; they, too, have had five children - Berl A., Mary J., Alice M., William H. and an infant. The brothers are Republicans, and public-spirited and respected gentlemen.

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