Biographies - Elmira Township

John Turnbull, commonly known as "Uncle John," was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland, November 23, 1806. His parents, Robert and Ellen (Brydon) Turnbull, were also natives of Scotland, the former (a soldier under General Elliott) participated in the siege of Gibraltar, and, after his honorable discharge from the British army, married and engaged in farming in Scotland until his death in 1809.

Uncle John, in his boyhood (aged 8 1/2years), served eight years as cowherd for Thomas Stavart, subsequently had charge of a flock of sheep, and in 1826 removed to Lochcanon, Rosshire, where he was shepherd for Adam Scott on the Tullich farm, serving for eleven years.

During this time, on February 22, 1834, he married Margaret, daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Fife) Oliver.

On June 14, 1837, he and wife sailed from Greenwich for America, landed at Chicago, September 18th, moved in a few days to Joliet, and thence, in February, 1838, to Osceola Grove. Here he purchased a squatter's claim of 160 acres for twenty-five dollars (on section twenty-one) the same year; subsequently purchased it from the United States, and has made this his home ever since. He added 120 acres to his original purchase, and has followed farming and sheep-raising here since 1838. He takes pride in the fact that his first vote was cast for Henry Clay. "I lost it," says he, "but he was a grand old man" - Uncle John has been justice of the peace for over thirty years, was supervisor for three terms, and school director for a number of years.

He was one of the original members of the United Presbyterian church here, and one of its most earnest supporters since organization.

Mr. and Mrs. Turnbull never had children, but by adoption reared a number of nephews and nieces, namely, Thomas Rule, married, living on the frontier; Will Rule, married, a resident of Iowa; Jane Rule, deceased, and Anna Rule, married, residing in Iowa.

The two orphans, Mary and Matthew Phelan, were raised and educated by "Uncle John" and his wife; also, they reared H. H. Oliver and William B. Turnbull, giving parental care in each instance.

Mr. T. is one of the most honored members of the Old Settlers' association, the annual meetings of which he attends.

In political matters he is republican, versed in all public subjects, and now, in his eighty-first year, a synonym for health and vigor.