The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1916-12-28

Hood River today is grieving the loss
of the valleys earliest surviving pio-
neer, David A. Turner, who passed
away suddenly Tuesday morning at his
home following breakfast. MIR. Turner
had been i'll the latter part of last
week, but had apparently recovered
his good health and celebrated Christ
mas with has family and friends.
Mr.. Turner, simultaneously with the
annual reunion of the Hood River Val
ley Pioneer Society, celebrated his 80th
birthday on September 2l, just past.
He came to the valley in 1861 from FL
Dorado county, CAL. and has resided
here continuously ever since. BY 10
years MIR. Turner at the time of his
death had resided in the valley longer
than any other resident. He was a
native of Randolph county, Mo.
The pioneer settled on farm in the
Odell district, where he lived until 10
years ago, when he retired to the city.
In 1866 MIR. Turner was married the
first time to Miss Nancy j. Neal, the
daughter of neighboring pioneer fam
lily. Following the wedding breakfast,
as Mr.. Turner told the story, he left
his little homestead hut and began
grubbing, clearing the land preparatory
to planting the years crop. leaving his
bride to clean up the breakfast dishes.
When she had finished these, Mrs. Tur-
ner followed her husband and burned
the brush as he cleared the land. Thus
their first day of married life was
spent.
Mr.. Turner was tall man of rugged
frame. Until recently when he suf-
fered with rheumatism, he had enjoyed
most excellent health. The news of
his death came as a great shock TO the
entire community 1t was his custom
to visit the shops of the city daily. and
he scattered sunshine wherever he
went. Mr.. Turner was lover of birds
and children. His city place was
made sanctuary for song birds, and
he was never happier than when show
ing his pets to visiting children. Nu-
merous youngsters were made happy
Christmas day by his thUuehtGulness.
Outside of his family, however, Mr..
Turner will perhaps be more keenly
missed by 4. L. Smith than any other
man. For the past five years, since the
death of Mr.. Smiths wife, MIR. Turner
|
at the office of MIR. Smith, and the two
friends of wears have spent portion
of the evening time of their lives en-
gagged in friendly discussions on topics
of the day and in passing "reminiscences
of days gone by.
"lf it had been my brother" said
Mr.. Smith, 81 could not have been
more grieved at hearing news of the
death of Dave Turner. do not know
what am going to do without him."
Seventeen years ago, following the
death of mis- first wife, Mr.. Turner was
married a second time to Laura f.
Frost, who survives him. lhe COM
partnership and devotedness of Mr.. and
Mrs. Turner were known throughout
the community. They were constantly
together. In spring they might have
been seen visiting the protected hooks
of the surrounding rangesides to gather
wild flowers or jOurneylng up Hood
river to fish, and on their excursions
up town they did their shopping to-
Rether
In addition to bis widow, Mr.. Turner
is survived by daughter, Mrs. Ed
Rand, of Baker, and granddaught
Miss Ethel Turner Rand, who is a stu
dent of music in Portland.
The funeral services will be conduct
ed at the Asbury Methodist church at
one O'Clock today, Rev. Frank Spauld-
ing and Rev. Elijah Longbrake Offici-
ating. MIR. Turner has been a member
of the Methodist church for more than
55 years, having been converted to the
faith while he was engaged in mining
in Ell Dorado county, Calf.
The funeral will be directed by S.
E. Bartmess.