This collection contains 7 letters related to William B. Turner, a native of New York who moved to Northfield, Minnesota, in the late 1850s. Turner wrote 6 letters to his family about life in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and received 1 letter from his mother in 1875.
In 3 undated letters and fragments, Turner discussed the possibility of moving west from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as well as the possibility of his family traveling between Buffalo, New York, and the Midwest. His 3 dated letters, written from 1857-1859, pertain to his life in Northfield, Minnesota, where he worked for a newspaper. He commented on the economy, possible employment opportunities, and his intention to leave Minnesota. Juliza B. Turner wrote the final letter to her son and daughter-in-law in 1875, requesting news of their family. For more information about each letter, see the Detailed Box and Folder Listing.
William B. Turner was born in New York in December 1834, the son of C. P. and Juliza Turner of Black Rock, New York. In 1857, he moved from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Northfield, Minnesota. Turner returned to New York around 1860, and worked as a printer in Buffalo until his death in 1917. He and his wife, Caroline Brainerd (1843-1914), had five children: George, William, Richard, Henry (or Harry), and Cornelia.
