government » dr. david j. turner
Dr. David J. Turner

Professional men never seemed too busy to take their place in city government. Dr. David Turner was a well known medical doctor here who was involved professionally and still willing to serve as Mayor. His first term was in 1892-1893, the last year being cut short by circumstances which prevented his being available the remaining months. H.H. Hubbard was chosen to finish the term. In 1896-1897 Dr. Turner again accepted the wishes of the Cheney voters to fill the office of Mayor.

David J. Turner was born in Ogle County, Illinois in 1853. Upon completing his early education he attended Bennett's Medical College in Chicago, graduating from that institution in March of 1879. Now a licensed physician, he practiced in Nebraska for nine years. Dr. Turner also had considerable experience in prominent hospitals in the East, thus was well suited to set up practice in a growing city. In 1887 he came to Cheney and within a short time became one of the popular M.D.s, not only in the city but as a country doctor as well. Travel by horse and buggy took him as far as 15 to 18 miles into the surrounding countryside for any sort of medical emergency.

Dr. Turner was quick to see the possibilities in real estate investments near town, especially in land deals. In September, 1898 he and R. Sorrenson formed a partnership for the purchase of 92 acres of land south of the Northern Pacific railroad tracks. The plot was known as "the lake" as most of it was under water. Total price of the property was $400.00. They planned to drain the lake and plant it to timothy, a wise move as timothy makes prime hay.

Being a physician he was especially concerned in improving the sanitary conditions of the city as a whole. The sales of milk kept him increasingly watchful. There were no restrictions on city dwellers keeping a cow or two and those who did not could buy from the ones who had a milk cow. Some were not as cautious regarding cleanliness of their cows and barns as could be wished.

Although Dr. Turner must have faced other and equally important issues during his administration, no records are available.

The Turner family included his wife, two sons (Harry and Roe) and his widowed sister, Mrs. Catherine Benoist. The latter married Thomas McFeron on March of 1896. He owned an orchard and farm land west of town; some of the land is now included in the Fairview Cemetery.

Dr. Turner was a dedicated member of the local Masonic Lodge and was treasurer at one time. He and his family supported and attended the Cheney Congregational Church.

Contributed by Ellen Proctor, 1988.