TURMAN, Solon - Putnam

The city was startled Tuesday morning by the announcement that Judge Turman had died that morning at 5:45 o’clock. He had been an invalid since last July, when he was stricken with apoplexy, but had recovered sufficiently to sit as Judge during the recent term of our Court, and the impression had gone out that his health had greatly improved. Himself and family were also of the same opinion, and he had made up his mind to preside over the Clay Circuit Court this week. As a precaution, however, he sent for his physician. Dr. Bence, Sunday afternoon, and asked his opinion. The Doctor agreed with him and said he could go to Brazil with safety; but while they were talking the Judge suddenly complained of sickness and pain in his stomach and bowels. Nothing afforded him relief, and he grew rapidly worse until death relieved his sufferings as stated above. His most intimate friends were unaware of the seriousness of his condition until summoned to his dying bedside at midnight Monday night. He had retained his consciousness till that hour, but after that time he was unable to recognize anyone.

The Bar Association of Putnam County met at the Court House Tuesday afternoon at three o’clock, to take action on the death of Judge Turman. Hon. D. It. Eckels was called to the chair, and S. A. Hays appointed secretary. Remarks eulogistic of the deceased were made by R. L. Hathaway, Addison Daggy, J. J. Smiley and Jonathan Birch, all testifying to the good character of Judge Turman as a conscientious attorney, and to his pre-eminent fairness and impartiality as a Judge. On motion of Capt. Smiley the following committee on resolutions was appointed, to report the following afternoon: J.J. Smiley, C. C. Matson, D. E. Williamson, Jonathan Birch and R. L. Hathaway.

On motion of Col. Matson the secretary was directed to notify the Clay County Bar of the death of Judge Turman and extend an invitation for that body to attend the funeral. Addison Daggy, C. C. Matson, D. E. Williamson, H. B. Martin, M. A. Moore and Jonathan Birch, all being Masons, were, on motion of Capt. Smiley, selected to act as pall bearers. On motion it was ordered that the Association attend the funeral in a body, with the county officers, the Sheriff acting as marshal.

Capt. J.J. Smiley, D. C. Donnohue and W. H Crow were appointed as a committee on arrangements. A meeting of the Clay County bar was held at Brazil the same day presided over by S. D. Coffee, with G. A. Knight as secretary. The following resolutions, reported by a committee, consisting of W. W. Carter, G. A. Knight and S. W. Curtis, were unanimously adopted, after appropriate and eulogistic remarks by several members of the association:

Whereas intelligence has just be received that the Hon. Solon Turman the able and distinguished Judge of this Judicial Circuit died at his residence in the city of Greencastle, Indiana at 5:45 a.m. on Tuesday and

Whereas He has long been an honorable citizen and an honest and upright Judge of this circuit his intercourse with and conduct toward the members of the Bar, as well as the people, being such as to win their respect and esteem.

Therefore, Be it Resolved, That in the death of Judge Thurman we have lost an amiable and true friend and the people an honest and conscientious Judge.  Resolved, That during the long years that he has been on the bench in our county he has always labored assiduously to mete out justice and equity to all who had business in his Court and to treat with decorum and impartiality the different members of our Bar.

Resolved, That we tender to his bereaved widow and daughter, as well as his other immediate relations and friends, our most sincere condolence this the hour of their sad affliction.

Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be furnished the papers of this Circuit, and the Indianapolis Sentinel and Journal, and also that a copy be furnished the family  of the deceased, and that they be presented to the Clay Circuit Court with a request that they be spread upon the proper record thereof.  

George A. Knight moved the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted by a rising vote: Resolved, That the members of the Bar in a body attend the funeral of Judge Turman tomorrow, at Greencastle.

The Putnam County Bar reassembled at the Court House at l P.M. yesterday afternoon, and unanimously adopted – more but similar resolutions

The Funeral

The funeral took place from the family residence at 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon. Services at the house were conducted by Dr. P. McNutt and Elder A. J. Laughlin, after which the bar associations of Clay and Putnam counties, and the Masonic Fraternity, took charge of the remains, and conveyed them to Forest Hill cemetery in the following order: Greencastle Brass Band. Masons. Clergymen, Family and Immediate Friends in Carriages. Clay and Putnam County Bar Associations on foot. Public in Carriages. At the cemetery the beautiful burial service of the Masons was performed, when all that was mortal of Judge Solon Turman was consigned to the earth. Solon Turman was born in Sullivan county, this State, Nov. 22,1824, and while a youth moved with his parents to Perryville, where he remained until 1842, at which time he began life for himself, and located at Covington, engaging in publishing and editing a weekly newspaper called the “People's Friend.''  He had previously acquired such an education as the country at that time afforded, and also by attending Wabash College a short time. He continued the publication of the People's friend until 1853. He was elected to the State Senate in 1852, as a democrat. In 1853 he was elected secretary of the State Senate. He was married on the 7th of April, 1856, to Miss Josephine Secrest, only daughter of the late Hon. Henry Secrest.one of the leading lawyers of the State at that time. He began the study of law before his marriage, and, completing his studies with his father-in-law in Greencastle, was admitted to practice in 1856 or 7, and immediately formed a partnership with Mr. Secrest. He continued in the practice until the Spring of 1873, a part of the time in partnership with Major Birch. During that year he was appointed Judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit, by Gov. Hendricks, and was elected to the same position in the ensuing Fall. In 1878 he was re-elected for 6 years. The duties of each of the positions he held were discharged with ability, especially those of Judge. Hie decisions were just and impartial; he was a good neighbor and citizen, a kind husband and indulgent father. He leaves a wife and one daughter, the only issue of his marriage, with an estate which places them in easy circumstances.

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