Ernest Turley

Ernest Turley (1875-1957)

The Theodore Turley Family Book, pp. 395-397

Ernest Turley, son of Isaac Turley and Clara Ann Tolton was born April 16, 1875 in Beaver City, Utah. The following is from his Personal Record:

Ernest Turley attended grade school in Colonia Juarez, Mexico, where he moved with his parents and brothers and sisters at the early age of eleven years. He helped to drive his father's cattle from Snowflake, Arizona to Juarez, Mexico, arriving May 28, 1886. The trip was a hazardous one as the Indians were on the warpath. Geronimo, the Apache leader, was killing whites before and behind them as they traveled. One evening in particular, they saw their fires and the Indians running from one fire to another. Because of this great danger they called a council and decided to drive on into the night. The council consisted of grandfather Isaac's family only. They were making this journey to escape from persecution, When they finally camped because the teams were exhausted, they had gone 12 miles beyond all watering holes. Ernest and a hired man went back the 12 miles to the watering holes and they were gone so long the family thought they had been massacred, but they returned just at daybreak unharmed.

When he was nineteen he went to Diaz, Mexico and met Centenna Wilson. This was a momentous occasion: the town of Diaz was putting on the "Stake Fair." Centenna was chosen the prettiest girl at the Fair. Ernest was a slick to end all slicks; tall and handsome as they come. With the necessary means in his pocket to show the queen of the ball a perfect time and he wooed his girl and won her. They were married on Thanksgiving Day two months later.

Children came to them as God had instructed or designed, and one year later their first son was born. They named him Ernest Carlyle and he was so handsome to see, never was a mother more joyous. It was not an easy birth and Dad feared for her life, but they had a good nurse and she pulled Centenna through.. Then the rest of the children came in due time.

They lived in Mexico for fifty years and then when their children were all married they sold the old home with beautiful Delicious apple orchards and the cattle and came to Mesa, Arizona where they could be near the temple. Building a good home where the children and grandchildren could come to enjoy the love and affection and guidance from their parents. Ernest has been a good patriarch of his family and spent his last days being bedfast for two years. Mother was beside him trying to get him up and have him beside her longer, but when God calls no one can stay his hand.

Father died three months after giving me his life's story on June 27, 1957. Mother lived for 14 years after father's death and blessed her family with her love and kindness. She was 95 years when she passed quietly away on June 25, 1971.

From the Personal Record of Centenna Wilson Turley (also submitted by Berneice Turley Quackenbush):

I was faithful in missionary work for four years and the means of bringing in two families of our Lamanite people and these families are faithful to this day. I was a Relief Society President for 6 years from 1922 to 1928. I was the instrument in God's hands of helping at least 100 children go to the Juarez Stake Academy and our own family numbering six at this time are the kind that any parent might be proud of. They are my joy and my blessing! My husband, who is now bedfast and has been for two years, I have cared for and loved him and hoped to bring him back to a useful life is now fading away. May our vision last through till eternity. (June 25, 1971)

Ernest was very dependable in his youth. Laboring closely with his father, he was the mainstay for the family. Ernest was very efficient in farming and fruit-growing, and cheese-making. He was a very good, honest and industrious man. He enjoyed singing in the ward choir for many years. He was always endeavoring to serve others who needed his help. He was a very efficient carpenter. He built rock dams for the Colony, on the river above town for irrigation purposes. He was well versed in the Gospel. He left his family and went to West Virginia on a mission. His older sons, and his brother Isaac, cared for his fruit trees and alfalfa fields. In July 1912, he was compelled to leave his mission and return to El Paso, to join with his family when they and the other colonists were driven out of Mexico because of the Revolution. About a year later, they returned to Mexico to reclaim their property, where he continued to work the soil.

He later disposed of his property in Mexico, and moved to Mesa, Arizona where he could go to the Temple and enjoy living in this productive land. As Ernest became older, he had a great deal of poor circulation in his lower limbs, from his knees to his feet, which were in a terribly swollen condition much of the time. He was in a great deal of pain, even up in his body. He passed away in Mesa on July 17, 1957.

After Ernest married and left the family home, he returned there often to visit his mother and his brother Isaac and family. Ernest always brought sunshine and cheer, and was eager to help wherever needed. He often said that we do not have time for hatred or trouble. He was all through his life a very loyal and true brother and son.