Turner, Daisy – African American History

Description Daisy Turner is the daughter of Alexander Turner, a former slave.  At the beginning of the Civil War, Alexander escaped from a Port Royal, Virginia, plantation and joined the Union Army.  In 1863 he returned to the plantation with his army unit and killed his former overseer.  After the war, Alexander married a woman named Sally, and together they raised 16 children.  He worked as a logger and had a homestead in Grafton, Vermont.  Daisy was a beautiful woman who led a fascinating life.  As a child of 8, she made up a poem during a school pageant, which became the story of a children’s book Daisy and the Doll by Michael and Angela Medearis.  In the Ken Burns documentary The Civil War, Daisy at age 104, is featured reciting Civil War poetry. This Daisy Turner History Mug is part of our Vermont series which includes many unique individuals who played an important part in molding Vermont’s history. The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history.  The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton.  He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia tone.  The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont. Mugs are food and microwave safe. To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing. Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.