John TURNER (1846-1931)

JOHN TURNER, J.P., agriculturist and grazier, "Sutton Apiary," Smith's Bay, Kangaroo Island, is the second son of the late Mr. Thomas Turner, of Cape Jervis, and was born in 1846, at Sutton at Hone, near Dartford, Kent, England. He embarked for South Australia, by the sailing vessel "Clara" in 1858, and, after arrival, proceeded northwards with his father, the latter there engaging in pastoral pursuits. Ten months later they removed to Cape Jervis and carried on farming operations on leasehold property, Mr. Turner, sen., remaining there until the time of his demise in 1874. The subject of this memoir continued at Cape Jervis for a couple of years, then, reaching the age of seventeen, went to Riverton and launched out on his own account in the farming industry. After fifteen months he returned to the paternal property for a time, eventually resuming work at Riverton, and subsequently was identified with farming occupations in the Mount Gambier district for about eight months.

The next five years were passed in Victoria—first at Portland, where he was employed in contracting on the roads, and latterly on the goldfields at Talbot, where he was fortunate enough to secure fair results. Towards the end of 1873 Mr. Turner turned his steps once more to Cape Jervis, and selected, under the Government, a block of land, which, in conjunction with his brothers, he farmed and grazed successfully. This they ultimately acquired, but sold out in 1882, and coming to Smith's Bay, Kangaroo Island, made a selection of 1,000 acres of Crown lands, and later on became possessors of this territory in their own right.

The gentleman under review afterwards took up between four and five thousand acres on his own behalf, and, purchasing additional property, worked up a very fine estate. The land was heavily timbered, but 500 acres were speedily cleared for purposes of cultivation, and exceptionally heavy crops resulted. About 1,500 acres were cleared for grazing, and the condition of the flock of a thousand sheep speaks volumes for the nutritious qualities of the grass, his fat stock generally commanding the highest prices. Mr. Turner was the first to introduce the binder and drill on the island, and also the use of artificial manures.

His public offices have been of a varied character, including a commission of Justice of the Peace, received in 1892; the first clerkship of the Kingscote Council, which he held for fifteen years; afterwards serving two years as Councillor, during which he acted as Chairman; the Presidency of the local Agricultural Society, recently formed; besides which he is Chairman of the Agricultural Bureau and of the Kingscote Branch of the Alexandra Farmers and Producers Political Union, which latter position he has held since the inception of that body.

He conducted services in connection with the Anglican Church for many years, in the Wisanger Farmers' Assembly-room, and is a staunch teetotaller, having joined the Order of Rechabites, in Victoria, in 1869.

Mr. Turner married, in March, 1887, Esther, second daughter of the late Mr. William Hoskin, of St. Peter Island, and has a family of one son and three daughters.

- Cyclopedia of South Australia 1909 p.1007