BIOGRAPHY

Turner was born in Mitcham, London, England, on 15 June 1856. He attended school for just a fortnight before working as a carpenter’s apprentice. He later followed his father’s footsteps in the calico and silk cutting trade.

Following a night out in London, Turner vowed to never drink alcohol again, remaining a teetotaller for the rest of his life. He also never smoked and enjoyed eating salad.

Turner married Jessie Meeson in 1888, and the couple had three children. One of whom, John Mosley Meeson Turner, lived to be a centenarian himself, dying in 2005 aged 100.

Failing eyesight forced Turner into retirement in 1929, aged 73. He was cared for by his daughter Violet “Edna” Savage. As a centenarian, he was a fan of The Beatles, and enjoyed going on car journeys with friends and family.

Turner died in Tottenham, London, England, on 21 March 1968 at the age of 111 years, 280 days.

RECOGNITION

Following the death of Hannah Smith on 10 January 1966, Turner, then aged 109, became the United Kingdom’s and Europe’s oldest living person. Upon his own death, he was succeeded by Ada Roe and Marie Bernátková respectively. He was believed to have been the world’s oldest person, but subsequent research has proven Narcissa Rickman (1855 – 1968) was older.

Turner likely became the world’s oldest man following the death of James King on 5 June 1967. He was succeeded by Canada resident Eli Lindsay (1858 – 1968). He was the first male supercentenarian from the United Kingdom, and the country’s oldest man ever until his record was broken by Welshman John Evans in 1989.

ATTRIBUTION

• The Corpus Christi Caller-Times, 15 June 1967
• A Victorian Beatles Fan Hiding Under Covers, 1 May 2020

GALLERY