Georgia:  Morgan County:  Tribute to Jack Turnell

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This file was contributed by:
Pat Colbert
PogosBill@aol.com
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Tribute to Jack Turnell

(Written by George Jackson Van Buren, a former black worker from his 
plantation. This piece was sent to the editor of the Madisonian when 
George was in school at Atlanta Baptist College. Jack Turnell was the son 
of George Turnell and Martha Sansom of Morgan County, GA, born sometime 
after 1842. The date of this article is unknown)

Mr. Editor: Please allow me space in your worthy paper to express my 
feelings about the death of Mr. Jack Turnell-a man on whose plantation I 
was born and reared from babyhood to a lad. Aman whom I classed among my 
best friends. He is the first white man I can remember knowing. It was he 
that gave me my given name, "George Jackson." I can remember when I was 
quite small he used to come out to the plantation and say, "All right 
Jack, come and hold my horse." I was very glad to do this because I was 
quite sure of a nickel. He gave me the first suit of clothes I ever wore, 
and he was much loved by all the members of my family. At one time my 
father, William Van Buren, seemed to think he could not live with anybody 
but "Mr. Jack." 

On last October, when I got ready to go to college, I met Mr. Turnell on 
the street, near Atkinson's Drug Store, and told him of my plans. He told 
me if I were really going to school he would e of service to me. That was 
on Friday, and sure enough on Saturday he brought me a package of useful 
articles down to the store, such as shirts, collars, ties, and several 
other useful things.

Just as short while ago, mother wrote me that he was in the hospital in 
Atlanta. I, being busy with my school work, before I could hardly think 
over it, received a letter stating that he was dead. Words at my command 
won't allow me to express my feelings; but I will say: He spent his life 
in a way that caused him to leave a host of friends behind him. He has 
also left something that seldom kings enjoy - a good name. 

I fell justified in saying that the majority of the colored people of 
Morgan County join me in saying, we have lost a friend indeed, a good 
advisor in time of work, and a good friend in time of trouble.

Very respectfully yours, 
George J. Van Buren.
Atlanta Baptist College March 27 (?)


Submitted by Pat Colbert, Evans, GA