TURNER, JOSEPH J., proprietor of 200 acres of as fine farm land as can be found in Cass County, is an excellent example of the scientific agriculturalist of today. He understands his work, takes a pride in it, and endeavors in every way to keep his property up to standard. He was born August 3, 1880, a son of Joseph and Mary Jane (Chittick) Turner, natives of the north of Ireland. These parents came to America in their youth. They were married at Virginia, Ill., and for a number of years the father was employed by Dr. Robert Hall, but left him finally to settle on his own eighty acre farm then all brush and timber. At first the pioneer lived in a cave, but before he married had a house to which to invite his bride. He worked hard in clearing off the brush and grubbing out the stumps, and when this farm had been placed under cultivation, he bought 120 acres more, adjoining his first purchase. This he also cleared of brush, and used it as pasture land. Still later he bought 200 acres more, one mile east of his original home, and on this last property he erected new buildings, fenced the fields and made other improvements. On this farm he died in January, 1908, his widow still making it her home. Their children were as follows: Anna, who is Mrs. Henry Flowers, of Kansas City, Mo.; Robert, who is of Cass County; Maud, who is Mrs. Charles Wunderly, of Lone Jack, Mo.; Joseph J.; Samuel, who is of Ann Arbor, Mich.; and George, who is teaching school.

Joseph J. Turner attended the schools of his district and lived at home until his marriage, at which time he moved to one of his father's farms which he rented until March, 1914, when he purchased the claims of the other heirs, in this property, and now owns 200 acres of magnificent land. On it he carries on general farming and stock raising, handling horses, cattle and Poland-China hogs. His premises exhibit his excellent management, and he is recognized as one of the leading farmers of Cass County.

In October, 1903, Mr. Turner married Elizabeth Gebhardt of Cass County, a daughter of Andrew and Amelia (Stump) Gebhardt, natives of Germany and of Cass County. Mr. and Mrs. Turner became the parents of three children: Marie, Louise and Joseph. Mr. Turner is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of which he is a trustee. For some time he has been a school director of District No. 6, known as the Morgan school. In political faith he is a Democrat.