Peter Turner ledger

Collection — Volume: 1

Identifier: MSS 2/068

Scope and Contents

Volume documenting medical practice of Peter Turner in East Greenwich, Kent County, R.I., and surrounding area, 17901794. Some accounts settled as late as 1812. Ledger lists charges, prescriptions, and payments often made with goods or services. Many later entries made by Peter Turner’s son, Henry E. Turner. Entries often include brief information on individual patients’ occupation, race, progress. and consultations with other physicians. Ledger lacks several pages, including 1-2, 110-120; 122-130; 135-142; 146-155; 158-167; 193; 222; and 227-228.

Dates

Creation: 1790 - 1794

Creator

Turner, Peter (Person)
Turner, Henry E. (Person)

Biographical / Historical

Peter Turner, Rhode Island physician, was born on 2 Sept. 1751; he was the son of William Turner, a Newark, N.J., physician. Turner married Elizabeth Child or Childs in 1776. Three of their sons, Daniel (17821808), Henry E., and James Varnum (d. 1863) were all physicians. Peter Turner was paralyzed for several years following a stroke. He died on 14 Feb. 1822 in East Greenwich. Turner studied medicine with his halfbrother, a Dr. Canfield, then served with a Rhode Island regiment of the Army during the Revolutionary War. In 1782, he opened a private practice based East Greenwich but with a tenmile radius. Turner was known for his surgical skill.