JOHN W. A. TURNER

John W. A. Turner. Honored among the citizens of Ottawa County stands the name of Mr. Turner, who owns and occupies one of Tallmadge Township’s most attractive and highly productive farms. Since locating here he has planted fruit and shade trees, divided the fields by a fine system of fencing, erected substantial buildings adapted to their varied purposes, and introduced modern conveniences of desirable nature. He no longer, as in years past, actively tills the soil, but, notwithstanding advancing years, he still superintends the management of the estate.

The father of our subject, Ezra Turner, a native of Massachusetts, gained the title of Captain from his services as commanding officer of a company during the War of 1812. He married Miss Anna, daughter of Nathan Beman, who during the conflict wit the British piloted the famous Ethan Allen into Ft. Ticonderoga. Our subject, the eleventh in order of age among his father’s family, was born in Schuyler Falls, Clinton County, N.Y., August 27, 1819. During his childhood he attended the schools of his native town, where he gained a practical education, fitting him for the stern reality of life. His time, however was devoted principally to agriculture, and he early in life gained a thorough knowledge of farming pursuits while aiding his father on the home farm.

At the age of seventeen, our subject commenced to earn his own support, and for a short time worked as a farm laborer, but later learned the trade of a wrought-iron maker, at which he found employment for eleven year. He then purchased a farm in his native country, but after tilling the soil there for a few years he bought a tract of land in Lawrence County, N.Y., where he made his home for fourteen years, meanwhile bringing the place to a high state of cultivation and embellishing it with substantial buildings. Upon disposing of his interests in New York, he came to Michigan and for a few months visited with relatives in Grand Rapids.

Later, purchasing the farm where he now lives, Mr. Turner commenced the arduous task of improving and cultivating the place, which is now one among the many handsome estates in Tallmadge Township. In 1840 he cast his ballot for William Henry Harrison, and had the intense gratification of voting for the Grandson of that illustrious warrior and president many years afterward. Since the organization of the Republican party he has upheld its principals and been an earnest advocate of every measure originated under its auspices. He has served as Supervisor of Tallmadge Township for two terms and has also occupied other responsible positions.

The marriage of Mr. Turner occurred on the eleventh of July, 1842, and united him with Miss Percis, daughter of Gardner and Elizabeth (Ricketson) Davis, residents of Peru, Clinton County, N.Y. To this marriage have been born three children, two of whom are living. George D. married Lillian Marvin and resides at Grand haven, this state. John G. chose as his wife Miss Sarah Chapel and lives with his venerable parents on the home farm. July 11, 1892, Mr. Turner and his good wife celebrated their golden wedding, and upon that happy occasion their friends assembled at their home, bestowing upon them congratulations and gifts of value. It is the wish of their hosts of friends that they survive for many years in the enjoyment of health and happiness.