Turner, Dr. Alice (Sams)

SAMS, TURNER, HUMPHREYS, PRESTON, ALLEY

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 3/13/2013 at 16:57:03

DR. ALICE TURNER
Alice Bellvadore Sams Turner, writer and physician of Colfax, was born March 13, 1859, near Mingo, Ia. The daughter of John Sams and Susan Evaline Humphreys, who came to Iowa in 1853, locating near Mingo, where they lived for fifty years. Dr. Turner was educated at Simpson College and Lincoln University, receiving her degree M. D., Feby. 26, 1884, from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Keokuk, Ia. She is a student of psychology, suggestive therapeutics, occult science, of sociology and political economy. She believes in equal suffrage, and in 1895 cast the first ballot in Colfax, by a woman. She was married Oct. 21, 1878, to Dr. L. C. S. Turner. Together they have practiced their profession for twenty years, the last ten years have conducted a sanitarium and rest home. They have two children: Vera, now Mrs. J. W. Preston, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., who graduated from Wellesley in 1895, later attending the College of Philanthropy in New York. She has one child, Ruth Alice, born July 13, 1911. Carroll J. Turner, is a student in the dental department, University of Iowa. Married Eleanor Blanche Alley, daughter of Wm. Alley, Grinnell, June 11, '13. Dr Turner is a member since April, 1903, of the Iowa Society of Medical Women. Was the first woman admitted to membership, Iowa Public Health Association. Was the first woman health officer in Iowa, (1886-87). Was one of the founders of the public library, a trustee for twenty-two years, and its president since 1903. Is the author of a history of Colfax. She is a Unitarian, a U. S. Daughter of 1812, P. E. O., member of W. C. T. U., W. R. C. and O. K. S. She is a woman of remarkable ability and splendid attainment.~ The Blue Book of Iowa Women, Edited and Compiled by Winona Evans Reeves, 1914, page 212