Turner, Roscoe, 1895-1970

Person

Staff Only

Dates

Existence: 1895 - 1970

Biographical Note

Roscoe Turner (1895-1970) was an American aviator, barnstormer, and businessman.

Roscoe Turner was born on September 29, 1895 in Corinth, Mississippi. When American entered into World War I, he enlisted as an ambulance driver and was soon accepted as a flying cadet to train as a balloon pilot. He briefly served in France and Germany before his honorable discharge in 1919.

Upon his stateside return, Turner began barnstorming in October 1919 where Turner became known for his appearance. In 1924, he established the Roscoe Turner Flying Circus. In early 1929, Turner became the chief pilot for Nevada Airlines. He participated in numerous National Air Races in the 1930s and was a three-time Thompson Trophy winner. In 1948, he founded Turner Airlines, which became Lake Central Airlines in 1950. Turner continued to be active in aspects of aviation throughout his life.

Roscoe Turner died on June 23, 1970.

Occupations

Air pilots

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

Biographical Information Files - T

Sub-Group

Scope and Contents Inidividuals whose names begin with T: Takayuki, Takasow [Japanese pilot] Folder 1: Handwritten letter with biographical information about Takayuki, 1997Folder 1: Black-and-white photograph of Takayuki, circa 1911-1913 Tallman, Frank [Movie stunt pilot] "The Mad, Mad World of the Stunt Flier,"...

Dates: 20th Century

Found in: The Museum of Flight Archives / The Museum of Flight Biographical Information Files

Clyde Pangborn Collection

Collection

Identifier: 2005-12-27

Abstract

Clyde Edward Pangborn (circa 1890s-1958) was born in Bridgeport, Washington and was a military pilot and barnstormer. The collection contains photographs and illustrations, correspondence, advertisements, newspaper clippings, a date book, military service records, and ephemera related to the Pangborn's personal life, military service, and barnstorming career from approximately 1912 to 1981.

Dates: 1912-1981

Found in: The Museum of Flight Archives

Archives at The Museum of Flight