IN MEMORIAM—ROBERT TURNER. 73 
In Memoriam.—Rosert Turner. 
By the death of Mr. Turner, who passed away on Tuesday, 
20th March, 1894, after a prolonged illness, the piston has lost 
one of its most esteemed members. 
Robert Turner was born at Wide Close, Stratnaven, on Friday, 
29th December, 1848. His father, James Turner, and also his 
grandfather, were carriers between Strathaven and Glasgow. He 
was an only son, and had one sister who died in childhood of 
typhoid fever. At an early age he was sent to Crosshill Parish 
School, Strathaven, where he received his education; but his 
aptitude for private study rendered his progress in knowledge 
much more rapid than is usual among country lads of his years 
and circumstances. This is apparent from his having taught, 
when only fifteen years old, a rural school at Drumclog. In those 
days there was no house provided for the use of the teacher, who 
was accustomed to lodge with the farmers in turn—a circumstance 
which gained for Mr. Turner many lasting friendships throughout 
the district. It was not his desire, however, to follow the 
teaching profession, for in a few years he left it and entered the 
Custom-House in Glasgow, where he remained for about twenty- 
eight years. He had attained the position of Assistant-Registrar 
of Shipping, but failing health compelled him to resign, and it was 
his intention to retire to his native village, where he had lately 
purchased a house. His illness, however, made so rapid progress 
that he only survived the purchase a few months, and never was 
able to remove from his residence in Westbank Terrace, Hillhead, 
_ Glasgow. 
The studious habits which marked his earlier years were 
‘continued all through life. He was a wide reader, and possessed 
‘many and varied accomplishments, while his information on 
_ numerous subjects was extensive and reliable. As a linguist, he 
_ had not only a good knowledge of ancient classical literature, but 
_ was able to read and speak fluently several modern languages, 
including French and German. It was chiefly in the pursuit of 
5 E 
