Was born on a farm in the state of Missouri, (July 28, 1845.) At the age of nine years his parents crossed the plains to California and settled in Sonoma County, where they remained about ten years. (They died in 1860 in Sebastopol) Removing south, they settled in Indian Valley, Monterey County, within a few miles of San Miguel. In 1868 they moved into San Luis Obispo County.
Young Turner began the study of law in San Luis Obispo, and was admitted to the bar 1878. He began the practice of his profession in Gambria but removed to this city in 1880. Here he gradually built up a good practice, and in 1886 was nominated by the Democrats for District Attorney and was elected that fall by 500 votes over J. R. Patton, the Republican nominee for re-election. He proved a popular and able officer but in the general Republican success of 1888, Mr. Turner was defeated by Arthur R. Earll by 200 votes.
Early in his career as lawyer he went into partnership with Ernest and William Graves, under the firm name of Graves, Turner & Graves. This was the most prominent law firm in San Luis Obispo County for years, and was only severed by Mr. Turner's removal to the State of Washington in 1890. He located in Seattle where he worked up a lucrative practice.
Last year, Mr. Turner and family returned to this city and continued at his profession until recently taken sick. A wife and two children survive him. Mr. Turner was a member of the Seattle Lodge of Elks, and as such the funeral services today will be conducted by the brothers of the local lodge. Services will be held at the lodge rooms and also at the grave. The funeral cortege leaving the hall at 2 O'clock.