Obit: Turner, Gorham (1817 - 1885)

Contact:  Crystal Wendt
Email: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Turner, Morrow, Hosely, Way, Hendren

----Sources: Neillsville Times (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 4 Aug. 1885

Turner, Gorham (28 April 1817 - 31 July 1885)

Turner - At his home in the town of Pine Valley, Clark County, Wis., July 31, 1885, Gorham Turner, aged 68 years, 3 months and 3 days.

Deceased was born in Rome, Kennebec Co., Maine, April 28, 1817. He was married to Miss Ann Morrow, of New Sharon, Somerset County, Me., Feb. 20, 1853. He removed to Clark Co., Wis., in the fall of 1855, and resided here until his death. His wife died several years since. He leaves surviving him one son. Horace Turner, and a daughter, Albra, Married last spring to Frank Turner, of York. He has two sisters, Mrs. Hosely and Mrs. Way, and two brothers, Abel and Richard. The funeral was held Sunday from the Presbyterian Church, Rev. W. T. Hendren, officiating.

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Suicide of Gorham Turner

The citizens of Neillsville were startled last Friday afternoon by the announcement that Ghoram Turner, who resided east of Staffordville, had committed suicide by cutting his throat. About 5 o’clock p.m. his son Horace came galloping into town for a physician. Dr. Templeton went up at once, but found that nothing could be done. The windpipe was cut clear across. Mr. Turner lived about an hour after the doctor’s arrival.

From Horace Turner we learn the following facts: Last Tuesday he and his wife went to Garden Valley visiting. His father was left at home. Horace returning on Friday about 5 o’clock. As he arrived at the place his father saw him and went to the barn. When Horace got to the house, not finding his father, he sent his little boy to look for him, who soon reported he was in the cow stable. Horace immediately went to the stable and found his father lying in the manager, a razor by his side and his throat city, the windpipe completely severed. Horace carried him into the house and came to town at once for a doctor.

Deceased lost his wife two or three years ago, and has lived with his son Horace most of the time since. Despondency was probably the cause of this last desperate act of his life.