Turner, James
1818-post 1849

WM class leader and local preacher, born at Peterhead into a poor fishing family. He worked as a cooper, eventually establishing his own business, which included herring-curing. Setting aside early Presbyterian influences, he joined the Methodists. His preaching later developed into a campaign of personal evangelism, sometimes provocatively critical of ministers and office-holders whom he regarded as unconverted. His work fostered many societies in Aberdeen and along the Banffshire and Moray coast. In his own works he operated a profit-sharing scheme, never withdrawing wages from anyone who fell sick, and each day started with a scriptural reading and prayer.

Sources
  • WHS(S) 1975 pp.3-8
  • Elizabeth MacHardie, James Turner, or 'How to reach the masses' (Aberdeen, 1875)

Occupations

Entry written by: CJS
Category: Person
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