Eldest son of Captain J. A. S. Turner and Rebecca Hubert Turner, born in Putnam County, Ga., April 3, 1839; when less than year old, parents moved to Sumpter County ; attended the common schools of Americus, and the Georgia Military Institute at Marietta, lacking one term of graduating. At 19 years of age he moved to Texas, took charge of his father's farming interests in Liberty and Polk counties and successfully managed same, his father following a year later. In the early part of 1861 he and his uncle, R. W. Hubert, enlisted and organized a company for light artillery , service, the men to be mounted, procured two six pounder cannon and drilled a number of times for that service.
Failing to get service as artillerist, and an opportunity offering to go to Virginia as infantry, the proposition to accept was unanimous and the company assembled in Livingston September 3, 1861, when a handsome flag was presented in an appropriate address by Hon. Jno. L. Henry in behalf of the lady friends of the company, to which Captain Turner made brief response, assuring them that he would bring back heroes for husbands and sweethearts. The company left immediately en route to Liberty; arriving at Wood's Springs, three miles from Liberty, a halt of some days was made. On the morning of September 9th, the company was reorganized, making some changes in officers for second and third lieutenants, when the march was resumed to Liberty and on arriving there the company was formally mustered into service and designated as Company K, Fifth Texas Regiment of Volunteer Infantry.
Captain Turner was the youngest officer of his rank in Hood's Brigade, being only 22 years of age when mustered into service. Was in every march and battle of the brigade until fatally wounded at Fort Nansemond, near Norfolk. Va., April 15, 1863, having been shot by a "sharpshooter," while in command of four companies and planning the defense of said point against the enemy with a fleet of gunboats. Was standing exposed above the breastworks when shot, was carried out that night and died the next afternoon ; was carried to Americus, Ga., and buried in the family cemetery. Was but a little more than 24 years old when killed.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
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