Biography

Turner had left his camp at Eucalyptus, 7 miles east of Pindinnie, on 10 February, riding a donkey and bound for Pennyweight Flat, Pindinnie, via Pike's Gully. He had work waiting for him there but he took no water and no food with him. Mistaking the road, he went on to the Mt Margaret track and ultimately, perished. At the end, he must have let the donkey go, as he had the bridle in his hand. It was later picked up at Redcastle. Turner was found dead in the bush 21 miles north-east of Pindinnie on 16 February 1896. The deceased's mate, AP McCormack, was informed of the death at Eucalyptus and travelled from there to bury the body at Cement Creek, 10 days later, assisted by Police Constable Bradley and a native boy. Turner was a physically strong man but occasionally suffered from rheumatics and gout. It is believed he formerly kept a hotel in North Queensland.