Henry McNeal Turner, the twelfth Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was born on a farm near Newberry, South Carolina, February 1, 1834 to free parents, Howard and Sarah Turner.

Turner was taught to read by a white playmate. He worked in a law office where they taught him and allowed him to read books in the library. He also furthered his knowledge by reading in the library of a Medical College where he worked. He officially studied at Trinity College.

Bishop Turner was first licensed to preach in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1860 and an elder in 1862. While pastoring in Baltimore, Turner helped to recruit colored soldiers for the United States Army in the Civil War and President Lincoln appointed him Chaplain of the Negro Troops in 1863. He continued his appointment until President Johnson appointed him the first Chaplain of the regular United States Army. After the war, he became an agent for the Freedman's Bureau of the United States Government.

Turner organized A.M.E. Churches all over the state of Georgia and a number of members joined under his influence. He was elected a member of the Constitutional convention in Georgia in 1868 and 1870. He was later sent to the Georgia Legislature as a State Senator.
Bishop Turner served as a Presiding Elder in Georgia. He was elected the Business Manager of the Publication Department. He founded the Southern Christian Recorder, the Voice of Missions and the Women's Christian Recorder.

Turner was elected a Bishop at the General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri in 1880. During his tenure, he presided over the 8th, 5th, 1st, 12th, 6th and 7th Districts. He also established an A.M.E. church in West and South Africa.
Bishop Turner died on May 9, 1915.