Peter James Turner was born around 1826 in Rhode Island to James and Catherine Turner. His father was a physician who owned $2,800 of real estate by 1850. The family lived in Newport, Rhode Island, and by 1850, he was working as a clerk. He moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, in the 1850s, and he earned a living as a lumber merchant.

 

He enlisted in the Union army in April 1861, and he mustered in as a private in the 6^th Massachusetts Militia Infantry. The regiment helped defend Washington, D.C., and he mustered out on August 2, 1861. He rejoined the Union army the following month, mustering in as a private in the 3^rd Rhode Island Heavy Artillery. The regiment took part in the siege of Charleston. He was promoted to 2^nd lieutenant in October 1861, to 1^st lieutenant in May 1862, and to captain in May 1863. He served as a regimental quartermaster. He mustered out on August 21, 1864.

 

He returned to Worcester after leaving the army, and he resumed his work as a lumber merchant. He married Eliza Baylies, and they apparently had no children. By 1870, he owned $5,000 of real estate and $5,000 of personal property. He eventually moved back to Newport, and he divided his time between Newport and Mantunuck, Rhode Island. His wife died on June 18, 1894, and he died in Newport on October 13, 1904.

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