Pioneer Settlers of Monroe Co- Frederic Turner (1849 - 1926)

TURNER, SEARCY

Posted By: DJ Scieszinski
Date: 11/6/2016 at 13:43:25

ALBIA UNION AND REPUBLICAN, Monday, August 21, 1922
63 Years of Life in Monroe County

The Union and Republican continues to hear from the old settlers of Monroe county, who have very interesting stories to tell of their early days in the community.

It is the Union and Republican's purpose to locate the ten old settlers who have had the longest residence in Monroe county. Letters from these old settlers or their friends are desired, and will be published.

F. A. Turner, who lives on B avenue west in Albia, has many interesting reminiscences of early pioneer life. He writes as follows:

“I have lived in Monroe county for sixty-three years, and was only 11 years old when I came here. I was born in Cambridge, England, July 13, 1849.

“I saw five yoke of cattle turning sod with a 24-inch plow and we followed with an ax and corn. One chopped the sod and the other dropped the corn. Later here I saw flax sowed and then when it was ripe I helped to pull it for the lint. This was worked into cloth and we wore pants and shirts that were made at home for summer wear. Winter wear was made from wool from the sheep that we raised on the farm. We ate corn bread and wild fruit. We had nothing more to eat and wear than was raised on the farm. I never had a store suit until I was 20 years old and did not know what overshoes were.”

“Those were the good old times.”

“Speaking about hard times, and the laboring class, they don't know what it is. I walked two miles and a half and carried eggs to town, where I sold them for 3 cents per dozen, and did not get any money.”

“But this was 60 years ago. I have always been a poor man, but the worst time I ever saw was 1917 and 18. We ate rotten corn and it was keep your mouth shut or you are a slacker, while our lords and rulers has a good time. --F. A. Turner”

NOTE: Frederic A. Turner: Born: July 13, 1849, Cambridge, England; Died: September 26, 1926; Albia, IA; Burial: Oakview Cemetery, Albia, IA