James Turner Close, born September 28, 1832 in Green County, Kentucky to James Grayson and Maletea Bloyd Close. He married Elizabeth about 1861. Four Children were born to this union, Rush T., Christopher, John G., and Laura L. (1900 Kentucky Census, Green County, 2nd District shows James and Elizabeth as being married 39 years with 4 children living) He died August 17, 1900 in Green County, Kentucky and is buried in the Graham Cemetery.

*History Blast*

J. T. Close Family

Laura Johnson, Green County Public Library

James Turner Close was born September 28, 1832, on the waters of Big Brush Creek, near the Lobb community, in Green County. He was the son of James Grayson and Letha Bloyd Close. Both father and son went by their middle names.

Turner was the eldest of eleven siblings; three sons and eight daughters: James Turner, William, Mary Jane, Nancy, Lucy, Arena, Elizabeth, Rebecca Ellen, Susan, Letha, and John Gabriel Close.

Their father, Grayson Close, had been born in 1809, between Brush Creek and Lynn Camp Creek. As a young man, he made several trips to New Orleans on flatboats. He went on to be a substantial farmer and wagonmaker and was a member of the Baptist Church. Grayson died in May 1886. He was a son of John Close, of English descent, who moved to Green County in its early settlement.

Turner's mother, Letha, was born in Green County about 1810, a daughter of Stephen Bloyd and Nancy McCubbins, both natives of Kentucky.

Turner was raised on the family farm and received a common education near their home.

As a young man, he started life on his own account. He purchased fifty acres of land on Brush Creek from his father in May 1860 for the price of $250.

At the age of 28, Turner united in marriage to Elizabeth Bale, the 27-year-old daughter of John S. Bale and Demmie Lewis Bale. They were married March 28, 1861.

Turner and Elizabeth were members of the Grissom Baptist Church.

They had four children born to them; three sons and one daughter.

Rush T. Close, 1862-1934, married Sarah "Sallie" Bennett. Following her death in 1907, he married Ida Vance McCubbin.

Christopher Lee Close, 1865-1932, married Nancy Elizabeth Risen.

John Grayson Close, 1867-1939, married Cora Lee Fulks.

Laura L. Close, born in 1869, married Less Smith.

By 1890, Turner had accrued 155 acres, 130 of which were cleared and in a good state of cultivation. He was also skilled at doing carpentry and blacksmith work.

With the exception of a short time in Illinois, Turner always lived at the same location.

In politics, he was Independent and cast his first presidential vote for James Buchanan in 1856.

Turner underwent an operation in April 1897 due to kidney trouble. His brother-in-law, Dr. E. J. Graham, performed the surgery.

Elam J. Milby, age 16, was listed in the household of Turner and Elizabeth on the federal census taken in June 1900. He worked as a farm hand for the couple.

James Turner Close died on August 17, 1900, at the age of 67. He was buried in the Graham Cemetery located about 2 miles northeast of Aetna Grove Church.

When Elizabeth died on June 5, 1915, she was laid to rest by her husband's side.

The grave marker of J. T. Close, 1832-1900.