|
Obituary
John Turnbull was born in Cedarville Township, Greene
Co., O., of John and Margaret Turnbull, in March 10th,
1840. Died July 19, 1904. Aged 64 years, 4 mos. and 9 days. His early
life was passed on his father’s farm, attending the district school
of that day and at the age of 14 years, he entered the Cedarville Graded
school, and after completing the course, commenced the reading of medicine;
the profession which he was afterwards to adorn and to the practice of
which, he gave his life’s efforts.
The early professional instructions were under the direction of Dr.
John G. Kyle, of Xenia, until at the age of 20 years, when he
entered Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, which course he continued
--- one year, when at the breaking --- of the Civil War, he enlisted as
Private, Co. A, 17th O.V.I., ----ing out in 1861 with the first call for
troops and was almost from the start detailed for special service, as
assistant surgeon, attached to the 65th Ohio Regiment.
After gallant service of one year with this regiment, and seeing a long
war ahead, he returned to Jefferson, completing the course in 1863, returning
at once to the front, where he remained till the close of hostilities.
At the battle of Chickamauga he had three bullet holes shot through his
clothes and two men were shot dead while he was dressing their wounds
on the field. He was taken prisoner while remaining with the wounded on
the battlefield of Chickamauga and was paroled to take care of the wounded
in the rebel lines.
For three days and three nights after this battle he never closed his
eyes to sleep, amputating limbs, dressing and caring for the wounded and
the dying, until he sank exhausted on the fourth day of the work. He had
many other notable experiences throughout the war and was highly honored
and his services greatly valued. After his arrival home from the war,
he married his former preceptor’s daughter, Josephine A.
Kyle, who survives him. In 1865, he located in Monmouth, Ill.,
where he practiced medicine for a while.
He returned to Xenia in 1866 and entered into partnership with Dr.
Kyle, his father-in-law, with whom he practiced medicine a few
months. In 1866 he moved to Bellbrook, where he opened an office and where
he continued to practice his profession until his last illness. It is
a notable fact that with Dr. Turnbull, passes the last
of the Army surgeons, residents of and going out from Greene county. This
fact, he often mentioned, and was justly proud of his military service.
He loved his flag and his country and to the last, maintained his active
interest in all affairs.
Well can it be said of him, “He lived his life for others and died
an honest man.”
Funeral at his late residence at Bellbrook, conducted by Rev. W.H. Sands,
of the Presbyterian church.
|