Daisy Turner facts for kids
Daisy Turner (born June 21, 1883 – died February 8, 1988) was an amazing American storyteller and poet. She was born in Grafton, Vermont, and her parents were formerly enslaved people. Daisy became well-known later in her life for sharing her family's history through spoken stories. Her family's roots could be traced all the way back to Africa and England.
Daisy Turner's Family History
Daisy Turner's father, Alexander Turner, was enslaved. He escaped from the place where he was held captive at the start of the American Civil War. He then joined the Union Army as part of the 1st New Jersey Cavalry. In the spring of 1863, Alexander guided his army group back to his old home in Port Royal, Virginia. After serving in the military, he moved to New England. There, he worked as a logger, cutting down trees. He and his wife, Sally, built a home in Grafton, Vermont. They raised 16 children there.
Daisy's Life and Legacy
Daisy Turner was very proud of her family's background. She was a strong and outspoken woman throughout her life, from childhood until she passed away at 104 years old. People remember her as a very talented storyteller and a keeper of her family's history. The Turner family home, where they raised 13 children, is still there. It is located on a biking trail called the "Daisy Turner Loop" near Grafton Pond.
A Life Full of Stories
Daisy was described as very beautiful when she was young. She had high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She lived an exciting life, and many of her stories have been carefully written down. You can even see Daisy reciting a Civil War poem when she was 104 years old! This was in Ken Burns' PBS documentary called The Civil War.
One of Daisy's favorite stories was about a school play when she was about eight years old. Her teacher wanted her to say a poem with a black doll. But at the last minute, Daisy decided not to. Instead, she made up her own poem right there on the spot! This special story later became a children's book written by Michael Medearis and Angela Shelf Medearis. It is also studied by experts in a book called Racial Innocence: Performing American Childhood from Slavery to Civil Rights. Daisy Turner's stories continue to be important. They help us save the folk history of Vermont and the entire United States.
