Henry Clay Turner Sr.
- Born: 07 Jul 1848, New Castle Co., DE
- Marriage (1): Elizabeth Ellen Sudler on 27 Mar 1883 1
- Died: 02 Dec 1897, New Castle Co., DE
- Buried: Abt 05 Dec 1897, Riverview Cemetery, Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE
Henry Clay Turner ran away from home as a thirteen year old to fight on the Northern Side in the Civil War. He as at the battle of Gettysburg. Later he was a lawyer in Wilmington, and in the 1880's he was City Solicitor of Wilmington. He is buried with his mother in Riverview Cemetery in Wilmington. (Tim Beard writings)
Henry C. Turner Dead
The Once Brilliant Attorney Passes Away at Farnhurst
Three Terms as City Solicitor
Prominent in Democratic Politics His Voice Had Been Heard on the Stump in Many Campaigns--Well Educated and Witty--Recalls the Death of Harry Sharpley.
Henry Clay Turner, who was at one time a well-known lawyer in this city, died early yesterday morning at the Delaware State Hospital for the Insane at Farnhurst. Death was due to mental trouble, from which Mr. Turner had suffered since last June, when he was admitted to the institution. The deceased was 48 years of age, but for the past five or six years had been in failing health, much of which was due to the loss of his sight. Mr. Turner was born in this city in 1849 and was the adopted son of Brooke Turner, the proprietor of the Dealware House. His foster father was a great admirer of Henry Clay and named his adopted son in honor of the great statesman. The youth attended the public schools of the city and finished his education at St. Mary's College here, when it was located on Delaware avenue. After completing his schooling Mr. Turner entered the law office of Chief Justice Charles B. Lore and studied law, being admitted to the bar in 1875. While a school boy the deceased joined the army, being but 16 years of age, and so anxious was he to serve his country that he made it a special point to convince the examining officer the he was old enough to go to the war. After his return from the war he resumed his studies. He formed a law partnership with Harry Sharpley in 1875, but it continued but a few years, althouogh both men had a strong affection and love for each other. Mr. Sharpley died a number of years ago and Mr. Turner was greatly affected by his death. Early in his life Mr. Turner took an active interest in politics, affiliating himself with the Democratic party and made speeches for that organization in all parts of the state. In 1881 he was elected city solicitor and re-elected in 1883 and 1885. He was also once deputy judge of the municipal Court. He leaves a wife and two children. Mr. Turner was once considered one of the most brilliant men in this state. His knowledge of languages was remarkable and he was a great student of literature. As a wit he was famous and for a time, years ago, the newspapers were filled with the jokes which he and the equally brilliant Harry Sharpley played upon each other. Since partially losing his sight Mr. Turner was uable to practice law and for a time was in the Soldiers' Home at Hampton, Va.
(The Morning News, Wilmington, DE, 4 Dec 1897, Page 1)
Henry married Elizabeth Ellen Sudler, daughter of Dr. James Selby Sudler and Sarah Ann Hitch, on 27 Mar 1883.1 (Elizabeth Ellen Sudler was born on 14 Jun 1863 in Sussex Co., DE,1 2 died in 1905 in NJ 3 and was buried in 1905 in Glenwood Cemetery, Monmouth Co., NJ.)
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