Biographies - Elmira Township

John G. Turnbull was born in Dumphrieshire, Scotland, December 20, 1828.

His parents, Robert and Margaret (Graham) Turnbull, resided in Roxburghshire so early as 1799, for there the eldest son, Thomas, now deceased, was born. Of their six children, all born in Scotland, John G., of this township, and Sophia, married, residing in Bureau county, survive. The family settled in Canada in 1837, moved to Joliet, Ill., in 1838, where Margaret Turnbull's mother and two brothers were attacked and carried off by some disease, and were buried there. During the following winter the survivors of this party moved to Elmira township, the father purchasing a farm on section twenty-two. Here there were five more children born to them, among whom are Robert, married, in Page county, Ia.; James, married, a citizen of Missouri; Adam, married, of Fremont county, Ia.; George, deceased.

In politics Robert Turnbull, Sr., was democratic, in religion an Old School Presbyterian. He died in 1874, and later his wife, who for years shared all his disappointments and successes, followed him to the grave.

John G., when of age, purchased 160 acres in Bureau county. In 1859 he married Miss Helen, daughter of Matthew and Catherine (Temple) Scott, natives of England and Scotland, respectively. Mrs. Scott was a daughter of Robert and Eliza (Elliot) Temple, natives of England, her father being a physician, who on graduating moved to Newcastleton, Scotland, where they died. Matthew Scott, her father, was a shoemaker of Roxburghshire, and resided there until his death.

Mrs. J. G. Turnbull came to the United States with a cousin in 1858, and, as stated, was married in 1859. She is the mother of ten children, seven of whom are living, viz.: Thomas E., widower, residing here; Margaret J., married, residing in this township; Anna, Henry, Charlie, Cora, and Irvine, all residing at home.

In 1860 Mr. Turnbull owned 240 acres in Bureau county, and from that year until 1873 made his home there. He purchased 702 acres additional in Elmira township, where the family took up their residence in 1873. He began life's battle as a farm laborer, now owns 942 acres of fertile lands, and one of the most elegant homes in the county.

While his wife and some members of his family are members of the Presbyterian church, he is not a member of any society; but his moral and financial support is given freely to all Christian organizations. (Vide history of township.)