John Turman, a member of the well-known firm of Turman, Helton & Co., of Waynesboro, Tenn., was born in Bedford County, October 18, 1848, son of John C. and Mary A. (Parker) Turman. [See sketch of William Turman] His early life was spent on a farm and in acquiring a common school education. In 1869 he began merchandising at Martin’s Mills, and remained there a year and a half. He then came to Waynesboro and engaged in a similar business here, carrying on the same up to the present time. He has been more than ordinarily successful, financially, and is one of the reliable business men of the county. He is a Republican and has taken quite an active part in the political affairs of the county. December 12, 1877, he married Dorothy A. Sims, of Wayne County. They have four children: John, Lizzie, James and Benjamin.