TURNBULL, JAMES SOMERVILLE (1828-90), a native of Jedburgh, Scotland, was educated in his own town and apprenticed to a doctor, after which he went to Heriot's Hospital and Edinburgh University, where he graduated M.D., and to Guy's Hospital, London, for surgery. After qualifying (1850) he made several voyages to the East as ship's surgeon. In 1856 he reached India in the Maid of Londonderry (on a visit to relatives), leaving just before the Mutiny. In 1858 he came to New Zealand as surgeon of the Indiana and settled in Canterbury. He practised in partnership with Dr Hison, and they ran a druggists' shop in Christchurch which was sold in 1862 to Cook and Ross. Turnbull took some interest in journalism and local politics, and represented the City of Christchurch in the Provincial Council (1862-65, 1874-75). He was for many years a member of the Selwyn county council, was on the College board of governors and was a supporter of the Presbyterian church in Christchurch. He died on 10 Nov 1890.

Canterbury P.C. Proc.; Hight and Candy; Lyttelton Times, 11 Nov 1890.

Reference: Volume 2, page 205

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