Henry Gray Turner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Gray Turner
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 2nd district |
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| In office March 4, 1881 – March 3, 1893 |
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| Preceded by | William Ephraim Smith |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin E. Russell |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 11th district |
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| In office March 4, 1893 – March 3, 1897 |
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| Preceded by | Vacant |
| Succeeded by | William Gordon Brantley |
| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives | |
| In office 1874-1876 1878-1879 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | March 20, 1839 Henderson, North Carolina |
| Died | June 9, 1904 (aged 65) Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Resting place | West End Cemetery Quitman, Georgia |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Lavinia Calhoun Morton |
| Alma mater | University of Virginia |
| Occupation | Attorney |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit | 23rd North Carolina Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Henry Gray Turner (born March 20, 1839 – died June 9, 1904) was an important American leader. He was a teacher, a soldier, a lawyer, and a judge. He also served as a politician in the United States. His old home, the Henry Gray Turner House in Quitman, Georgia, is a special historical place. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
Henry Gray Turner's Early Life and Education
Henry Gray Turner was born near Henderson, North Carolina. In 1857, he went to the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville, Virginia. After his studies, he moved to Brooks County, Georgia, in 1859. There, he worked as a school teacher.
Serving in the American Civil War
During the American Civil War, Henry Gray Turner joined the Confederate States Army. He started as a private soldier. Over time, he became a captain. In July 1863, he fought in the Battle of Gettysburg. He was injured in his left shoulder and was captured by the other side.
Becoming a Lawyer and Politician
After the war ended, Henry Gray Turner decided to study law. He became a lawyer in 1865. He started his law practice in Quitman, Georgia.
In 1874, people elected him to the Georgia House of Representatives. This is part of the State Assembly in Georgia. He served there until 1876. He also helped choose the Democratic Party's candidate for president in 1876.
Henry Gray Turner served two more terms in the state house, from 1878 to 1879. Then, he was elected to the 47th United States Congress. This meant he became a Representative for the Democratic party. He was re-elected seven more times. He decided not to run for Congress again in 1896.
Later Career and Legacy
After leaving politics, Henry Gray Turner went back to being a lawyer in Quitman. In 1903, he was chosen to be a judge. He became an associate justice on the Supreme Court of Georgia.
Henry Gray Turner passed away the next year, in 1904, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was buried in West End Cemetery in Quitman. A place called Turner County, Georgia is named in his honor.
A Fictional Family Connection
Henry Gray Turner is the great-grandfather of a fictional character. This character, Henry Gray Turner II, appears in a book by author Rob Morton. The book tells a story about this fictional great-grandson in the early 2000s.
