Mary E. Crippen Turner

CRIPPEN, TURNER, ABEY

Posted By: Marlene Skalberg (email)
Date: 2/15/2012 at 18:36:14

This community is inexpressibly saddened and shocked in the death of Mr. A. B. Turner, Sr, which occurred in the family home at 3 o'clock last night, the result of cancer of the stomach. Mrs. Turner had been having a slight trouble with her stomach for some time, but it was not serious enough to cause any alarm until about two weeks ago, when the malady reached an acute stage. She suffered intense pain and could retain no food and it was deemed wise by local physicians to summon a specialist to counsel. Dr. Davis, of Omaha, was sent for, arriving the early part of this week, and yesterday afternoon, a special train brought to the city Dr. F. E. Sampson, of Creston. The diagnosis determined the physicians that cancer of the stomach was the trouble. When Dr. Sampson arrived it was thought an operation would be unavailing as the patient was too weak. She passed away a few hours later. All the family were summoned and all were present, except Ned Turner, of New Jersey; Donald, who is attending Parsons College in Fairfield, and Mrs. Arthur Beymer of Rupert, Idaho. Donald arrived on this morning's train and the other mentioned are expected soon. At this time no arrangements have been made for the funeral ceremonies.
Mrs. Turner's maiden name was Mary E. Crippen. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ransom Crippen and was born in Warsaw, New York, February 22, 1858. She came to Corning with her parents in 1872, and has resided in this community ever since. May 31, 1882, she was married to Austin B. Turner, Sr. To them were born five children, one of whom died in infancy. The surviving ones are Mrs. Ruth Beymer, or Rupert, Idaho; Miss Laura of Corning; Donald, who is attending college at Fairfield, and Ranson, living at home. Mrs. Turner leaves four stepsons who she raised from childhood and who respect and revere her as their own mother. Therefore, Austin and Daniel of Corning, and Edward of New Jersey. One brother E. H. Crippen of Los Angeles, California, is the only surviving member of her father's household. Dr. F. H. Scranton, of Corning, is a cousin. all the other residents of Corning knew well the Crippen family, as they resided her for more than twenty years and were leading citizens.
It is indeed difficult to express in cold type any adequate conception of the love and esteem in which Mrs. Turner was held by the people of this community. The simple statement, "she was a good woman" will perhaps convey the most statement in its truest sense, and yet it will nearly express and thought that is uppermost in the minds of all as we pen these lines. Mrs. Turner was one of the finest women it has ever been our good fortune to know, and her beautiful life endeared her to all acquaintances. Possessed of large wealth, which to many seems to be an element that estranges those in the more humble walks of life, Mrs. Turner never experienced any such difficulties, but rich and poor, high and low, alike esteemed and loved her. The sweet disposition of the woman was always apparent, and a kindly smile and encouraging word was the welcome extended to all her acquaintances. Her charities and benefactions were extensive though unknown to nearly everybody. When Mrs. Turner knew of an individual or family in want, she simply ordered sent to them whatever necessities were required and the matter was closed. for years she has been at the head of the committee that has gladdened the hearts of the poor in this community every Christmas time. It may truly be said of her, as of one of old, "she went about doing good." Mrs. Turner was one of the most prominent members of the Corning Presbyterian Church, conspicuous in the work of the women's societies of the Presbytery and for many years at the head of the organization. She was also an earnest worker in the Woman's club, of which we understand she was a charter member. Hers has been an active life and a blessing to all with whom she came in contact. There is not a person in Corning today who will not deeply regret the passing of this good woman, and the sorrowing relatives have the sincere sympathy of all. Their greatest comfort and most precious heritage is the grandeur of the life that was a continual uplift and inspiration, a lasting benediction to them and to us.
Later: The funeral services will be held at the residence Friday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by Rev. Dr. Phelps of Omaha, with burial in the Walnut Cemetery in Corning, Iowa.
Adams County Free Press, January 24, 1912, page 1