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L. H. Turner

L. H. Turner is engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 23, Center Township. In presenting to the readers of the Album a sketch of Mr. Turner we record the life work of one of the worthy and valued citizens of the community who ranks high among his fellow-townsmen. The family from which he is descended is of Holland extraction. His father, J. L. Turner, was a native of New York, and in Herkimer County wedded Biancy Shautt, a lady of German descent whose family was established in this country by her father. They began their domestic life upon a farm in the Empire State, and for many years there continued to reside. It was in 1865 that they emigrated westward, locating in Fayette County, where Mr. Turner purchased two hundred and nine acres of land and improved a ram. He was a respected citizen of the community and died in this county in 1884. His wife has since married G. W. Chapin and still makes her home in this community. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Turner were born seven children, and with one exception all are yet living: Jerome is married and resides in Center Township, on section 24; Johnson is married and resides on section 23, of the same township; L. H. is the next younger; Amelia is now Mrs. Marvin, of Fayette; Elida Sykes, of Center Township; Madison died in Jefferson County, N. Y. in 1862; and Hattie is now Mrs. Francisco, of Fayette.

Our subject spent the first sixteen years of his life in the Empire State and then came to Fayette County, which has now been his home since 1864. With the family he shared in the usual hardships of frontier life and has been a witness of the growth and development of the county. The nearest railroad at that time was thirty miles distant. Fayette was but a mere hamlet, and the work of progress and development seemed scarcely begun. He has ever borne his share in the work of transformation, doing what he could for the upbuilding of the county's interests. His business career has been that of an agriculturist. He remained under the parental roof until the age of twenty-seven, assisting in the cultivation of the home farm, and then began labors in his own interest. In 1877, in this county, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Amy Hall, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Daniel and Lucinda (Cline) Hall. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and in 1864, followed the course of human emigration which was steadily flowing westward, located in Fayette County, Iowa, settling in West Union Township where they now reside.

The young couple began their domestic life upon the old homestead farm where, working hand in hand, they have acquired a handsome competence. Their union has been blessed with four children - Lottie, Walter, Benjamin and Curtis. To farming Mr. Turner still devotes his energies and attention, and has two hundred and nine acres well improved which yield to him a golden tribute for his care and labor. Among the improvements are a good barn and comfortable residence, all necessary outbuildings, and there may be found the latest machinery and high grades of stock. In politics Mr. Turner for some time affiliated with the Greenback party but now votes independently. About half of the time since he has attained his majority he has served on the School Board and is now its President. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and like her husband has many warm friends throughout the community who esteem her highly for her many excellencies of character.