Page:The Afro-American Press.djvu/364

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356
THE AFRO-AMERICAN PRESS.

himself a name not soon to be forgotten; and those of his race who are anxious to see their people attain soon to that position they believe their Creator has designed for them, must feel that he is to be an honored instrument in bringing it about.


Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, D. D., LL. D., Ex-Editor Southern Recorder, and Well-known Contributor to the Afro-American Press.

For us to give an elaborate history of this Afro-American in all of his connections in life, would be to devote an entire volume to him. Assuming that the public generally know of his fidelity to the race, and his labors in the church and state for their welfare, we will devote the most of our sketch to his work for the Afro-American press.

Mr. Turner was born near Newberry Court House, S. C, February 1, 1833, being the oldest child of Howard and Sarah Turner. As one says: "His life is full of most important events. He is a man of great nerve, strong character and deep convictions. He was admitted to the Missouri Conference of the A. M. E. church in 1858, having been licensed to preach by Rev, Dr. Boyd in 1853, and has served, in his course, from the humble circuit rider to the bench of bishops, to which he was elected May 30, 1880. In 1872 the University of Pennsylvania conferred the honorary title of LL. D., upon him, and Wilberforce that of D. D., in 1873.

He has held, all along, most responsible positions in his church, as well as under the various Republican administrations. In 1876, he was elected by the General Conference of the A, M. E. church as manager of the publication department, located in Philadelphia, Penn. While at the head of that