HON. CHARLES M. TURNER. It is often remarked by the friends of this gentleman that his death, which occurred January 4, 1887, left a vacancy in social and business circles which few if any are qualified to fill. He possessed remarkable natural endowments, and though without the advantages of early education, his mind was of that order that was never satisfied with a superficial view of any question, political, moral or educational. Especially was he interested in the welfare of the young and the cause of education found in him a warm adherent and stanch supporter. For many years he was a member of the Board of Education and will be long remembered for his intelligent labor in that direction. In many other ways he was identified with the progress of Sangamon County, and at different times served as a Supervisor on the County Board, Road Commissioner, Justice of the Peace and President of the Town Council. He had neither lodge nor church relations, as he wished to be free to act and form his on conclusions in regard to social and religious matters.

It is, therefore, with pleasure that we present to the readers of this volume a lithographic portrait of the Hon. Mr. Turner and a brief outline of the principal events of his life. He was born in Mifflin, Juniata County, Pa., December 3, 1820, and at the age of about sixteen years came West as far as Cincinnati in 1836 and there sojourned until 1848, engaged in the drug business. At that early day he came to Illinois and cast in his lot with the pioneers of Sangamon County, locating near Springfield and resided for two years with his brother-in-law, the Hon. Samuel Nesbit. He became well known as a practical and successful farmer and in time acquired a valuable estate comprising four hundred and twenty-six acres.

A very important event in the life of our subject was his marriage, November 8, 1853, to Miss Adaline Kent, who survives him. Mrs. Turner is the daughter of Josiah P. Kent and a native of this State. She is a lady of refinement and culture and completed her education in the Springfield High School. Her brother, James T. Kent, now of Chicago, was in the late war in the gunboat service. To Mr. and Mrs. Turner ten children were born, of whom six are now living. The record of the children is as follows: Clarissa E., William M., Anna E., Ella M., James, Charles A., Laura Belle, Fannie A., Rodney Curtin and Perrin Burns, the latter two being twins.

At one time mr. Turner was extensively identified with the farming and stock raising interests of this county and was for many years a well known and honored citizen, who was an influence for goo din the community where he resided. In 1873 he moved from his farm, tow and one-half miles west of Illiopolis, to his farm near the edge of that village, where he continued to reside until his death. Generally he was a supporter of the Republican party, yet he was so broad in his conception of politics and of the duties of a citizen that he never became a partisan. During the war he was a stanch Union man and did much to encourage those who went forth to battle for the old flag. His brother, Captain James R. turner, of Kenny, Ill., was in the Civil War, also in the Mexican War. He was related through his mother to Gov. Curtin of Pennsylvania.

At home surrounded by his family was where the genial disposition and noble nature of Mr. Turner was best displayed. A devoted husband, a tender father, those nearest and dearest to him received the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their great loss. As a kind neighbor and friend, his assistance and counsel will be greatly missed; as an upright citizen, his life was an example especially for the young who are beginning life with no other capital than willing hands. Long will his memory be cherished as a valued and honored citizen of Sangamon County.