Just for fun

Lem Turner was born at the old family homestead just east of Capper Road, Jacksonville, FL. He was the son of Florida pioneers, Jesse Turner (1795-1867)and Sarah Ann Blount (1796-died after the 1860 census). He was the grandson of Edward Turner and Sarah Elmore, and Redding Blount and one of his wives, probably Chloe Blansom. We have not been able to locate the burials of his parents or grandparents, but we do know where some of his brothers and sisters are buried - see additional info below the biography. Lem and his wife, Sarah, were eventually moved to Edgewood Cemetery, Jacksonville, but these old monuments still stand a Pickett Cemetery.

He owned and operated a ferry at what is now Lem Turner Road and the Trout River (Creek). He was also active in the lumber industry, owned and operated a shingle mill. His most lucrative business, though, was buying and selling land. At one time he owned what is now known as Lem Turner Park, Lake Forest, Lake Forest Hills, Highlands and large parcels of land near Capper Road (which was near the original homesite) and various other properties in North Jacksonville, FL. The road now known as Lem Turner Road was known as "Turner Ferry Road" at the turn of the century. Prior to the Civil War, there had been a bridge over the Trout River. It was burned by the yankees, so Lem started a ferry service.

The "Turner Place" is known now as Highlands. It was sold to the Duval Development Company in 1950 by the heirs of the Turner estate. The 650 acre tract ran along the north shore of the Trout River east from Blockhouse Creek. Blockhouse Creek was so named due to the old "block house" used to house the slaves. The creek that backed up to the house was later named, "Block House Creek." The tract encompassed land between Lem Turner Road and North Main Street. The eastern boundary was near the intersection of Clark and Broward Roads. The latter traversed the land parallel to the Trout River shoreline, and extended inland for about 3/4 of a mile.

He fought in the Civil War as a Confederate - He was a private in the 5th Florida Cavalry

1870 Duval County, page 583, shows him with wife, Sarah, and children: Lucinda, Joseph L. and Lemuel. Occupation is Farmer.

Hartmans' "Biographical Roster" page 1665 states "Adolphus Lemuel TURNER b. 6/6/34 Duval Co.; m. Sarah Ann PICKETT 3/28/61; d. 3/24/1912 Duval Co.; does not appear on any rolls but was paroled 5/8/65 at Lake City. Residence: Duval Co." This is the only reference I have that indicates his first name was "Adolphus," although it is very likely as he named his son this name, and it was carried on into future generations.

His brothers and Sisters

John Rowe Turner, b. abt 1820, was listed in the 1850 census but never again

Robert R. Turner, b. 1821, m Martha Nelson, d. 5 Sep 1862

Edward Turner, b. 1823, d. bef 1850

Carolina Turner, b. 1823, married John I. Tucker and eventually moved to Dallas, Texas where she is buried

Redding Turner, b. 1825, married Sophronia Haddock, d. Jun 1870

Roy Benjamin Turner, b. 12 Feb 1827, m.Sarah Faulk, d. 26 Sep 1919 in West Palm Beach, FL

Washington Turner, b. 1829, m. Elizabeth Wingate, d. 1864, was buried at old Broward Cemetery.

Aden Turner, b. 1840 and died by 1866

Sarah Ann Turner, b. Aug 1843, m. James Elliot Pickett, d. 18 Nov 1920, buried in West View Cemetery

OBITUARY: Florida Times-Union, Tuesday, March 26, 1912

Funeral services over the body of the late Lemuel Turner, who died at his home near Trout Creek Sunday evening, will be held this morning at 10 o'clock from his residence. The following gentlemen are requested to act as pallbearers and will meet at the parlors of Macrus Conant at 8 o'clock: Messrs. W. R. Thompson, J. W. Rast, R. F. Bowden, E. C. Pickett, N. A. Ogilvie and H. H. Simmons. The interment will be in Pickett's cemetery.