Testimony of Josiah Turner Jr.

Testimony of Josiah Turner Jr.

Josiah Turner Jr. was a high profile witness called upon by the Board of Managers and the prosecution during Gov. Holden’s impeachment. Born and raised in the town of Hillsboro in Orange County, he was a lawyer and editor that had been living in Raleigh with his family. Josiah Turner was a key witness because he was the editor of the Raleigh Sentinel, Governor Holden’s long time political opponent. In his testimony, he details his arrest and captivity under the direction of Col. Kirk, which would go on to hurt the Governor in regards to the charges of the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus among prominent citizens of the state of North Carolina. Mr. Turner continuously blamed blacks for crimes committed, just as every other member of the conservative witnesses called to testify.

North Carolina Senate

North Carolina Senate, Trial of William W. Holden: Governor of North Carolina, before the Senate of North Carolina, on Impeachment by the House of Representatives for High Crimes and Misdeameanors, Vol. 2. (Raleigh, NC: Sentinel Printing Office, 1871), 892-915.

1871

Document

Raleigh, North Carolina

Government Document