HistoricSiteMarkers
Reconstruction & Gilded Age

R. M. Turner Family

Kimble County, Kimble County, Texas

Marker Inscription

On April 28, 1879, R.M. Turner (1858-1928) entered Kimble County with Bride, Emma (Scarborough), (1863-1945), from Dewitt County. They settled near this site, on the north bank of the South Llano River, where Turner soon became a prominent cattle and sheep rancher. Of ten children born to the Turners, eight reached adulthood, most of them remained in the county to become leading citizens. Most noted was Jack Turner, conductor of the first angora doe sale in Texas, and one of the organizers of National Agora Goat Breeders Association, in 1925, serving as the first secretary, then president.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

In April 1879, R. M. Turner and his bride Emma Scarborough settled on the north bank of the South Llano River, where Turner rose to prominence as a cattle and sheep rancher. Of their ten children, eight reached adulthood, and many stayed to become leading citizens of Kimble County. Best known was son Jack Turner, who conducted the first Angora doe sale in Texas and helped organize the National Angora Goat Breeders Association in 1925.

Why it matters

The Turner family's story reflects how ranching pioneers built both communities and industries on the Texas frontier—here helping to launch the state's distinctive Angora goat and mohair trade.

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Related people

  • · R. M. Turner
  • · Emma Scarborough Turner
  • · Jack Turner

Themes & tags

Westward ExpansionIndustry & InventionFrontier HistoryLandmark

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