*Information researched and written up by Walta Russ.
E. N. Turner Sanitarium, had nothing to do with the Norton State Sanitarium. . I had been told that his hospital was on the northeast corner east of courthouse, where City Motors used to be.
It seems that when he was married to Elizabeth and Eliza, his sanitarium was at Lot 27 block 19 Norton town addition. Which was across the street north of City Motors.
A map by Sanborn Map Company in January 1905 shows Dr. Turner’s Sanitarium as being in Block 24, 6,7,8 lots, which is to the east of court house, but it is shown as being south of where a livery was on the north-east corner at that time. Lot 6 was bought in June 1904, sold Feb. 1907, lot 7 bought in Jan. 1905 and lot 8 in Oct. 1905, both sold March 1908.
There is a large write up and picture on Turner in Lockard’s book, (1894) pages 184-187 and in the Norton Historical Paper (1870-1916) page 55 which says; Turner, Dr. E. M., was born in Senawa County, MI in 1841, was a Civil War Veteran, came to Norton County in 1881, served as coroner for some time, was Norton’s first health officer, and he moved to Texas some years ago where he now resides.
Dr. Turner was married to Elizabeth Culver at Blissfield, Michigan in1879. She had four children , the youngest being eleven years of age and Jennie Turner age 2 ½ years in 1883, according to divorce papers. The Doctor was the one that filed for the divorce ( if papers can be believed, extreme cruelty on both sides). Elizabeth went back to Blissfield in March 1882, she fought for alimony and support of children, all she ever got was $27. In 1896 she tried for a garnishment on the property, the sheriff looked in to it and reported that there was no property for E. M. Turner. Smart wasn’t he! More papers findings of facts and conclusions of law by Court. It is therefore considered and adjudged that said divorce be and the same is hereby REFUSED and the cost of this suit to be taxed against the plaintiff which was E. M. Turner 1883.
Divorce Court Case 1883
In the Early Birth book, I saw where he delivered babies, whose fathers worked for the railroad. Lockard states he was appointed assistant surgeon for the B&M. railroad in Oct. 1855, and held that position until appointment was discontinued.
Looking at the Norton Courier and then to Deed Office. In paper was an advertisement that he had received vaccine. Dec. 20, 1898, so went to deeds office to try and track him.
He had bought lot 27, block 19, from James Patterson, 12 April 1899, book 23, page 189.
Deed book 31 page 627, dated 13 May 1902, E (Edwin) M. and wife Eliza, sold to a Webster.
Book 17 page 497, Benjamin Turner and his wife Maggie of Hillsdale, Mich., sold Lot 29 Block 19 in Norton Town Addition, to Eliza H. Turner, 19 March 1892.
On 30 June 1890, Eliza sold Section 5 Township 2 Range 22, to James Lobsitz. Book 11 page 401.
In book D page 117 is a divorce decree case #2389. Dated 4 May 1903. Eliza got N1/2 of NE1/4 and SE1/4 of NE ¼ , sec. 36 twp. 2 range 23. she also got Block 29.
Next looked at book 39 page 170. Turner and wife Harriet E. sold to Redd, SW1/4 of NE1/4 Of Nw1/4 in Section 36, T. 2, R. 23 lying south of CRI &P railway, containing 42 A. This was 27 Dec. 1911 and the Turners were in Arkansas. He bought this 15 Sept 1908 from William Riley.
- M. Turner was married to Eliza H. Marsh in Norton, 30 Dec. 1887. Age listed was 45 for both.
- M. Turner was married to Hattie (Harriet?) E. McClurg 2 Nov. 1904 in Norton. Here he is 64 and Hattie is 27 years of age.
May 21, 1903 advertisement- Dr. E. M. Turner is now prepared to cure the whiskey habit. Cures guaranteed at his Sanitarium.
I looked in earlier newspapers. May 14, 1885-Dr. Turner’s office has been removed to a residence lot in the NW part of town. (couldn’t find) Work will commence at once on the doctors new building. – May 21st The Doctor has bought material for his new office or infirmary and the masons are at work upon the foundation. I looked till Oct 1, 1885 and never saw when the building was finished. In June 4, paper, tells about his appointment as Health Officer.
Norton County Champion—Advertisements appeared. February 8, 1899.
- M. Turner, M.D. Physician and Surgeon-and Electro-Therapeutist—special attention given to the treatment of Chronic Diseases. No location given.
From divorce papers of Eliza and E. M.: About December 1893 The Dr. introduced electricity into his practice. He had to secure batteries and apparatus to generate electricity and transmit the same to patients; that to further aid him in his practice he purchased lot 27 block 19, the property joining his residence property and office on the west, that he used the small building located on said lot and block, to house a small gasoline engine and electric bath, that the gasoline engine was connected with the dynamo, which was located in his office, and used to generate electricity to be administered to his patients, in different forms. Also to produce light for the office and light around the premises.
1886 — Elizabeth Turner plaintiff vs. Edwin M. Turner and Benjamin Turner Defendants.
Motion for order in reference to temporary Alimony and Suit-money.
Stipulation and Agreement—In consideration of settle ling the property right plaintiff, Eliza, be adjudged and decreed all right, title, interest and possessions of lot 29,block 19 free, defendant pay taxes by 9/1/1903. Eliza also got 36-2-23 and all household goods. Dr. Turner got a horse, buggy, harness, cow and hog. 1 cup and saucer, 1 silver napkin ring, 1 lot of geological specimen, electric stuff in the cellar of old office , 1 life sized picture of defendant, 1 stock of breeders book, 1neck tie and collar box, books and papers in old leather trunk upstairs. Divorce given 4 May 1903.
July 16, 1908-at bottom of his advertisement he has moved his office over the Moulton’s Drug Store.
The first advertisement for office being in Ayers Block was Sept. 10, 1908 and last one I saw was Jan. 26, 1911, still Ayers block.
From the Atlas 1900, his advertisement: Physician and Surgeon—Chronic diseases successfully treated by electricity. Vapor baths, Massage and other modern methods of treatment. Examination made with x-ray.
On web: “THE WORLD DISCOVERS THE X-RAY-NEW LIGHT SEES THROUGH FLESH TO BONES” were the headlines in newspapers in mid January 1896.
April 28, 1910-Dr. E. M. Turner has been elected a member of the National Geographical Society of Washington, D. C.
In science the doctor has some reputation aboard and his geological research has resulted in much knowledge of the make-up of the western part of Kansas. The doctor and professors of the State University made many strolls over these prairies in the ‘80’s
Courier-Jan. 19, 1911- We are unable to run down a reliable source the rumored death of Dr. E. M. Turner, which seemed to be persistent Wednesday morning. Didn’t see anything more in next weeks paper. Did he and Hattie leave town? They were in Ark. When sold land Dec. 27, 1911, would have been a year.
Letter from lawyer to E. M. states that some papers were found in his office that should be filed in district court, E. M. says go ahead and file. As you know Eliza got everything. Hattie has been quite poorly this winter.—dated Feb. 16, 1912.
Mrs. Hattie E. McClaury Turner died September 2, 1915 at St. Joe, Arkansas? was born 1877, moved to Decatur County in 1881. Her maiden name is spelled different in the obit I found.