James H. Turner

James H. Turner was born in Salem, Massachusetts, on September 26, 1839, to James H. Turner (1802-1823) and his wife, Joanna Dodge (Upton) Turner (1810-1842). His mother died quite young, and Turner was raised by two of his aunts. Turner attended the Hacker and Epes private schools. 

When the Civil War began, he enlisted as a private in the 14th Massachusetts Infantry under Capt. James Pope. Following the war, he was taught the art of leather measuring by his father. He was also a Fireman of the double-decker hand engine, Adams No. 10.

Turner’s notable political roles included his two tenures as Salem mayor (1894 to 1897 and 1899) and as a town Alderman (1891 to 1893, 1902, 1911 to 1912). He was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic’s Philip H. Sheridan Post #34, and of three lodges in Salem.

In 1862, James H. Turner married Catherine Shean (1846-1931), daughter of Moris and Ann Shean of Nova Scotia, Canada. Catherine’s family emigrated to Massachusetts in 1850.  The Turner’s lived at 67 Boston Street in Salem. Turner died in 1930 and was survived by his six children.  

He is buried at Grove Avenue, Lot #178.