George TURNER (1853-1939)

GEORGE TURNER, agriculturist and grazier, "Silverton Farm," Smith's Bay, Kangaroo Island, is the youngest son of the late Mr. Thomas Turner, of Cape Jervis, and was born in 1853, at Sutton, Kent, England. He came to South Australia with his parents when five years of age, the voyage being made in the sailing ship "Clara," and was brought up to farming occupations on his father's property at Cape Jervis. After the death of his parent in 1874 he was associated with his brothers in the working of a property in the same district for about five years. This, however, not affording sufficient scope for their operations, they disposed of it and removed to Kangaroo Island, where a large piece of territory was taken up by the three partners, and farming operations carried on successfully for three years. The holding was then divided, Mr. George Turner retaining as his portion about 700 acres, which he has turned to excellent account, the results from the agricultural department being particularly satisfactory. Sheep have also thriven on the fat acres of "Silverton Farm," and form a not inconsiderable factor of his success.

In addition to his private affairs, Mr. Turner has managed the local post office at Wisanger for about four years, and has displayed a keen interest in the public matters pertaining to the district, occupying the position of Trustee for the Wisanger School since its construction.

In 1875 he married Mary Amelia, eldest daughter of the late Mr. William Henry Roper, of Rapid Bay, and there were sixteen children of the marriage, of whom eleven daughters and four sons survive. Mr. William Thomas Turner, the eldest son, is a successful farmer and grazier on the island.

- Cyclopedia of South Australia 1909, pp. 1007-1008