- WATSON TURNER, owner of the Meadow Field Stock Farm, situated
on section 32, Porter
- Township, and one of the prominent stock-raisers of Rock
County, was born on the 14th day of March, 1844, and is a son
of John and Adeline (BALLARD) TURNER, who were natives of New
York. The father was a carpenter by trade, and while residing
in Jefferson County, N.Y., served as principal of the schools
in Dexter for a number of years. In 1850 he came to the West,
locating in Rock County, where he followed his trade for about
three years, when he became principal of the Fourth Ward School
in Janesville, serving in that capacity for two years, when he
purchased 160 acres of land in Center Township, and turned his
attention to agricultural pursuits. After engaging in farming
for ten years, he sold his land and removed to Grand Rapids,
Mich., where he embarked in the real estate business, continuing
in that line until 1873. Retiring from active life, he removed
to St. Louis, Mo., in that year continuing to make his home in
that city until his death, which occurred on the 11th day of
March, 1883. His remains were brought back to Janesville, and
interred in the Oak Hill cemetery. He was a member of the Masonic
Fraternity, and in politics was a Republican, and a prominent
and influential member of that party in the community where he
resided, being an earnest worker for its success. He was ever
ready to aid in any way possible in the advancement of public
enterprises for the common welfare, and was a worthy citizen.
- John TURNER was twice married. By his first union, that with
Adeline BALLARD, three children
- were born - John Wesley, who died at the age of eight years;
Watson of this sketch, and Mary, who died in infancy. His first
wife dying March 27, 1849, Mr. TURNER in 1850, was again married,
his second union being with Harriet E. SMITH, a native of New
York. They also had a family of three children, two of whom,
Frank and Hattie, are now deceased, while Herbert, the only surviving
one, is living in Evansville with his mother.
- When only six years of age, our subject removed with his
parents to this county, where he has
- passed the greater part of his life. His early education
was supplemented by a six months' course in the Commercial School
of Janesville, after which he engaged in operating his father's
farm until 1864, when he went to Conover, Iowa. He was there
engaged in buying grain for the firm of Dow and Cargle for six
months, when in company with Floyd SMITH, he engaged in the stock
business, continuing in that line until the fall of 1867, when
he returned to Rock County. Locating in Center Township, he operated
a farm on section 5, for two years, when he again left Wisconsin
for Livingston County, Mo., where he purchased 90 acres of land.
That tract was then in its primitive condition, not a furrow
had been turned or an improvement made, but with characteristic
energy he erected a house, and commenced the development of the
land, which after cultivating for four years he sold,. Again
he became a resident of Rock County, and purchased 180 acres
of land, which he farmed for ten years, when he sold 100 acres
of the amount and bought 200 acres on section 32, Porter Township,
where he has since continued to make the home. Mr. Turner started
out in life with no capital yet determined to succeed. His fair
and honest dealings in all his transitions, his industrious life
and good management all combined, having brought about the desired
result and he is now one of the well-to-do farmers of Rock County.
His landed possessions now aggregate 280 acres, which are under
a high state of cultivation, and his farm is known as the "Meadow
Field Stock Farm." He is one of the most extensive stock
dealers in the community, feeding and shipping from four to five
car loads of stock, all the best grades, every season. The latest
improved machinery, good barns, and outbuildings and a comfortable
home make his farm all that can be desired.
- On the 30th day of September, 1867, Mr. TURNER was joined
in wedlock with Miss Hattie
- DIBBLE, a most estimable lady, born in Chautauqua County,
N.Y., Aug. 20, 1845. Their union has been blessed with seven
children, five of whom are yet living - Harry, born July 25,
1868; Florence, deceased; Lamont, born May 24, 1871; June, Jan.
20, 1873; Minnie, June 24, 1874; Lynn, Nov. 30, 1880; and Mary,
the youngest, who died in infancy. The children yet living are
all with their parents.
- Mrs. TURNER is a daughter of George A. and Hannah C. (DRAKE)
DIBBLE, who were early
- settlers of Rock County of 1845. Mr. DIBBLE is a native of
Green County, N.Y., and at this writing is residing with his
son-in-law, and though in his eighty-third year is still hale
and hearty. Hannah C. DRAKE who was a native of the Green Mountain
State, and was of English ancestry, lived in Ohio several years
and died in Rock County in April, 1864.
- Mr. TURNER has held various township offices of honor and
trust, and in political sentiment is a
- Prohibitionist. He supported the Republican party until 1884,
when he joined the ranks of the Prohibition party, and since
that time has devoted his influence and efforts to the advancement
of that organization. He and his wife are members of the Congregational
Church at Evansville, and are numbered among its active workers.
Mr. TURNER also holds membership in the Masonic Lodge No. 137,
of Footville, and is acknowledged to be one of the leading citizens
of the community. Public spirited and progressive, he has borne
no inconsiderable part in the advancement of those enterprises
which tend toward the upbuilding of Rock County.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 209-210.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|