Mid Sussex Times - Tuesday 28 January 1908
SUDDEN DEATH, AT CUCKFIELD, OF MR. MONTAGU TURNER.
It is with deep regret we have to record the death, under painfully sudden circumstances, of Mr. Montagu Turner, of Woodcroft, Cuckfield.
Mr. Turner arose in his usual health on Saturday morning, but shortly before nine o’clock he had a heart attack. Dr. King, of Cuckfield, was once summoned, and despite every attention on his part Mr. Turner passed away a few minutes after nine.
In November, 1906, the deceased gentleman had a very serious illness, and although then there were grave doubts as to whether he would pull through, to the joy of his family and many friends he succeeded in doing so. But the illness considerably weakened his constitution, and he never appeared to be the same man since.
Mr. Turner was born at Acton 1843, and was a son of Mr. Henry Scott Turner, solicitor. After leaving Cheltenham College, he studied law, and finally became a solicitor. At the time of his demise he was a member of the firm of Messrs. M, and H. Turner, solicitors, Piccadilly. He was a very shrewd and capable man, and had an extensive practice. Among the appointments he held were those of Deputy High Bailiff for Westminster and solicitor to the Clerical, Medical and General Life Assurance Society.
Mr. Turner married Miss Peel, daughter of the late Sir Charles Lennox Peel, C.B, who for many years was Clerk to the Privy Council, and lived at Woodcroft, Cuckfield. Mr. and Mrs. Montagu Turner resided at Butler’s Green, Cuckfield, at Milton House, Lindfield, and then in Surrey, coming to Woodcroft, Cuckfield, in 1900, on the death of Mrs. Turner’s father.
The pastime which excelled all others in Mr. Turner’s estimation was cricket. His heart and soul were in the game, and he was accounted one of the best amateur wicket keepers in the country. He played for Middlesex and Cambridge University, and was on the Committee of the M.C.C. He joined, in 1871, the Gentlemen of England in their match against the Players at Brighton, and again in 1872, against the Players in the match at the Oval.
Some thirty-seven years ago he rescued from drowning in the sea, at Brighton, Mr. Arthur Appleby, the famous Lancashire bowler, he being seized with cramp whilst bathing.
Many happy recollections have cricketers at Lindfield, Haywards Heath and Cuckfield of Mr. Turner’s skill at cricket. He made an ideal Captain, and many of the victories achieved by local Clubs over players from afar were mainly due to his exertions.
In their deep sorrow Mrs. Turner and her family (there are four sons and two daughters) have the sincere sympathy of a wide circle of friends. The funeral is fixed for half-past twelve to-morrow (Wednesday), at Cuckfield Church.