A brief biography -- A. Murray Turner was born in nearby Crown Point on October 3, 1859. He arrived in Hammond just before the turn of the twentieth century, after completing two terms serving as Lake County sheriff. Upon arrival he soon purchased the then bankrupt Hammond Electric Railway Co.

Turner sold the streetcar company in 1900 and then bought Hammond's electric light company, which he then merger with a gas utility -- later to become NIPSCO. He sold his interest in 1902.

Mr. Turner was an active civic leader in the early 1900's he served on many civic clubs and organizations. His next venture was banking, his duties included sitting on the boards of both the First National Bank and the First Trust and Savings Bank. He retired from banking in 1926.

A. Murray Turner became a member of the Hammond Park Board in 1922, he served as president for ten years. Turner was also instrumental in developing and expanding the city's parks. He donated the area known as "Turner Field" now known as Tuner Park. A. Murray Turner also helped spearhead the creation of Wicker Park, the county owned park just south of the city. He left the park board after a bitter dispute on the location of the new City Hall.

Mr Turner passed away on April 11, 1938 at the age of 78, from kidney disease. Immediate family members were at his bedside. He was laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery, right here in Hammond.