California Biographies, San Joaquin Valley

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


 JOHN R. TURNER. It is especially pleasing to write of a native son who has made a success of his 
life, and in John R. Turner we find one who has certainly made the best of the opportunities 
afforded young men in this state. Mr. Turner's birth occurred in Santa Clara county, December 
8, 1871. His father, James Turner, was a native of Illinois and in 1846 crossed the plains to^ 
California, being among the first to make the long journey. The following three years after his 
arrival here were spent in the mines and he then returned to Illinois, via the Isthmus of 
Panama. Locating near the town of Galena, he engaged in farming, but after three years he 
again crossed the plains to this state. Taking up his residence in Santa Clara county, he engaged 
in general farming for several years, but finally removed to San Benito county. Later he 
returned to Santa Clara county and took up his residence near the town of Gilroy and followed 
farming until 1887, when he came to Fresno county, settling twelve miles west of Laton, where 
he remained until his death. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Milliken. She was born 
in Ohio and by her union with Mr. Turner became the mother of seven children, one son and 
six daughters. A more complete sketch of Mrs. Turner will be found on another page of this 
work. 

John R. Turner was the youngest child. His common school education was supplemented by a 
course in a business college in San Jose. Later he engaged in stock-raising on the home place 
and in" 190 1 purchased a general merchandise store in Laton, which is one of the best paying 
business ventures in this section of the county. 

Since coming to Laton Mr. Turner has married Miss Belle Blanchard, who is a native of Iowa. 
Mrs. Turner is one of the most popular ladies in Laton and is in no small measure responsible for 
the social life of the town. In fraternal relations Mr. Turner is a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. Ever since attaining his majority he has 
voted the Democratic ticket, but during the campaign of 1904 he became convinced that the 
policy of the Republicans was the right one, and having the courage of his convictions, he did 
not hesitate to cast his vote for that party's candidates. Mr. Turner's future appears very bright. 
He has labored industriously and deserves success.