TURNER, Thomas, naval officer, born in Washington, D. C., 23 December, 1808; died in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, 24 March, 1883. He entered the navy as a midshipman, 21 April, 1825, became a passed midshipman, 4 June, 1831, and was commissioned a lieutenant, 22 December, 1835. He served in the frigate "Macedonian" in the exploring expedition of 1837-'8, and in the frigate " Columbia," the flag ship of the East India squadron, in 1838-'41, during which time he participated in the destruction of the Malay pirates' towns of Quallat Battoo and Mucke, on the island of Sumatra. 1 January, 1839. He commanded the store-ship "Fredonia," of the Gulf squadron from June till October, 1847, was then transferred to the sloop "Albany," and commanded the schooner " Reefer" in the attack on Tuspan in April, 1847. He was promoted to commander, 14 September, 1855, and had charge of the sloop "Saratoga," on the Home squadron, in 1858-'60. On 6 March, 1860, he captured at Vera Cruz the steamers " Miramon" and "Marques de Habana," which had been purchased in Spain by General Miramon, and had attempted to blockade the port of Vera Cruz in the interests of the revolutionary party. He commanded the armored ship " New Ironsides" in the South Atlantic squadron, and was highly commended for the skill and ability with which he handled this vessel in the attacks on the forts at Charleston, 7 April, 1863, and in other operations there until August, 1863. He was promoted to commodore, 13 December, 1862, and to rear-admiral, 24 June, 1868, and commanded the South Pacific squadron in 1868-'70 during the great earthquake in Peru, where he rendered timely assistance to the sufferers. He was retired, 21 April, 1870, after forty-five years of active service.