Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-10-01

EATONToN. Ga. Sept. SO.-Judge Jo-
seph Sidney Turner chairman Of the Geor-
Rfa prison commission former member
of the state legislature and one of the
most prominent jurists Of Georgia died
here yesterday afternoon, following an
illness Of several weeks Of malignant can
GER.
MAsoNS CONDUCT FUNERAL.
The funeral of Mr.. Turner was held
Thursday morning at 1880 from the res
idence. The business OF the city was sus-
pended during the funeral. The Eatontoh
Masonic lodge conducted the exercises
and the members OF the local bar acted
as an honorary escort
The public schools suspended and at
tended in a body. Many beautiful floral
offerings were received from Atlanta and
other points.
The Daughters Of the Confederacy also
attended the funeral in body and sent
a handsome tribute
Judge Turner's last public appearance
was in introducing the Memorial day ora
tor here i'm April.
Many friends from Atlanta attended
the funeral.
Death was expected for hours before
the end came as Judge Turner had been
In a stupor for some time prior to his
end. Death was directly due to the dread
disease attacking the jugular VEIN The
deceased Notwithstanding the serious
malady which had affected his face had
fought death for weeks.
For some time he had been confined to
his home and had gradually grown
worse, despite the heroic efforts of physi-
clans. He underwent an operation at a
local hospital, but grew worse and spe-
cialists were called in and vainly at
tempted to check the diseases.
Up to a few weeks ago Judge Turner
was not confined to his bed but was able
to take short rides with his wife. Re-
Gently he was confined to his room and
has gradually grown worse.
SKETCH OF LIFE.
Judge Joseph Sidney Turner. youngest
child and son OF Col Joseph Addison Tur-
ner and Mrs Louisa Dennis Turner, was
born at the famous old Turner planta-
ton. eight miles out from Eatonton. on
December IS. 1861, amid the historic
shades of old Putnam, and the literary at
mosphere of an unusually cultured liter
airy community Of the old south, among
whom his father as editor of the Country
man, the only newspaper ever published
on a farm. ranked high among the liter
airy men OF his county ana state.
Here Joel Chandler Harris as a red
headed. freckled-faced boy served his
apprenticeship dS a NypGSGllGT ana I'M
bibed the songs, stories and traditions
as we'll as culture destined to give him
front rank as a dialect writer and world
famed literary genius Of America.
Here Judge Turner, as a boy. nrst knew
Joe Harris and their friendship began.
Judge Turner had two brothers, Rev.
Michael Turner. now deceased, who at the
time OF his death was a member of the
North Georgia conference, and Mr.. Will.
/ liam Leroy Turner, a leading dry goods
merchant. of Eatonton.
One sister, Mrs. Lucy Branham, wife
OF Prof. A. 1. -Branham. of Atlanta, died
: soon after her marriage.
WAS SCHOOL TEACHER.
Judge Turner. in early young manhood,
taught school here in Eatonton. as a
means Of educating himself and further
fitting himself for higher honors.
/ Beginning the practice Of law after Ieav-
ing school. he was elected judge of the
county court OF Putnam county, and at
the time the youngest county judge in
Georgia While occupying this position
and also representing his county with dis
tinction in the state legislature. he was
appointed by Gov. w. Y. Atkinson prison
commissioner OF Georgia.
| Upon the organization Of the state
prison commission he was elected chair
man, which Office he still fills. recognized
rs one Of the best students of sociology
and criminology I'm America.
! Judge turner's wife was Miss Leila
Coombes. of this county. He has five chill
dren. two grown>sons. Joseph S. Turner,
I daughters. Leila Turner. Lucy Turner and
Martha English Turner-also an unusual
~ winsome three-year-old granddaughter,
Stella Reid Turner.