Mike Clinton
Introduction
Charles Henry Turner was an African-American scientist and educator who was born on February 3, 1867, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is best known for his pioneering work in the field of insect behavior and his contributions to the study of animal cognition. However, little is known about his family origins and the identity of his parents. This article explores the efforts that have been made to uncover this information and the challenges that researchers face when trying to trace the genealogy of African Americans.
Early Life of Charles Henry Turner
Charles Henry Turner grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended Woodward High School. He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1891 and a Master of Science degree from the University of Chicago in 1892. He went on to teach in various schools and universities, including the University of Cincinnati and Clark University.
The Importance of Knowing His Parents
Knowing the identity of Charles Henry Turner’s parents is important for several reasons. Firstly, it can provide valuable information about his ancestral heritage and the cultural and historical context in which he grew up. Secondly, it can help to establish links between him and other individuals and families who may have played a role in his personal and professional life. Finally, it can shed light on the challenges that African Americans faced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when trying to establish their identities and trace their genealogy.
Researching Charles Henry Turner’s Genealogy
Researching the genealogy of African Americans is often challenging due to the lack of reliable records and the legacy of slavery and discrimination. In the case of Charles Henry Turner, researchers have had to rely on a variety of sources, including census records, birth and death certificates, and family histories. However, these sources often provide incomplete or contradictory information, making it difficult to establish a definitive family tree.
Clues from Census Records
Census records can be a valuable source of information for genealogical research, but they also have their limitations. In the case of Charles Henry Turner, census records from 1870 and 1880 show that he was living with his grandparents, James and Eliza Turner, in Cincinnati. However, these records do not provide any information about his parents or their whereabouts.
Tracking Down His Birth Certificate
Another potential source of information about Charles Henry Turner’s parents is his birth certificate. However, this has proven to be a difficult document to locate. Some researchers have speculated that his birth may not have been registered at the time, or that the records may have been lost or destroyed over time.
Speculations on His Parentage
Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, researchers have put forward various theories about Charles Henry Turner’s parentage. Some have suggested that his mother may have been a former slave who had been freed after the Civil War, while others have speculated that his father may have been a white man. However, these theories are based on circumstantial evidence and have not been definitively proven.
DNA Testing and Its Limitations
DNA testing has become a popular tool for genealogical research in recent years, but it also has its limitations. In the case of African Americans, DNA testing can be challenging due to the lack of available records and the complexity of their genetic heritage. While DNA testing may be able to confirm or refute certain theories about Charles Henry Turner’s parentage, it is not a guaranteed solution.
Conclusion: The Search Continues
Despite the challenges, researchers continue to search for information about Charles Henry Turner’s parents and family origins. While the quest for the truth may never be fully resolved, the efforts of these researchers serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of this pioneering scientist and educator.
Further Reading and Resources
- "Charles Henry Turner: The Father of Comparative Animal Behavior" by Gary Schwartz. Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences, Vol. 33, No. 4 (Fall 1997), pp. 375-388.
- "Charles Henry Turner: Insect Behaviorist Extraordinaire" by Michael R. Jeffords and Susan L. Post. American Entomologist, Vol. 53, No. 3 (Fall 2007), pp. 178-184.
- "Charles Henry Turner (1867-1923): A Biographical Sketch" by John E. Rawlins. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington, Vol. 107, No. 1 (January 2005), pp. 17-26.