William Turner

William Turner (1714–1794) was an English dissenting minister. He became liberal in theology, a supporter of rational dissent, and with his congregation in favour of social and political reform. He was a contributor to Theological Repository. Life William Turner was born at Preston, Lancashire, on 5 December 1714. His father, John Turner (1689–1737), was a restless man, who was minister for short periods at Preston, Rivington, Northwich, Wirksworth, and Knutsford, distinguished himself on the Hanoverian side in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715. His mother was Hannah Chorley (d. 20 February 1747), daughter of William Chorley of Preston. From 1732 until 1736, Turner was educated at Findern Academy under Ebenezer Latham. He then attended Glasgow University from 1736-1737. He was dissenting minister at Allostock, Cheshire (1737–46). He was ordained on 7 August 1739. Ill-health caused him to retire from the ministry for eight years, during which he kept a school. In 1754 he became minister at Congleton, Cheshire.