J. Milton Turner, renowned educator, helped organize the first black public school in Boonville, the Elias Buckner School, on the Northwest Corner of South and Spruce streets.  He also helped establish black schools in Cooper County and throughout  Missouri. 

The original Buckner School was replaced by a larger building in 1915-16 and renamed Sumner school. In 1938 a new Sumner School was constructed at 111 Rural Street.

The Boonslick Outdoor Arts Project is currently undertaking a campaign to raise $8500 for a bust pedestal at Morgan Street Park to recognize Turner's accomplishments.

Turner also served as founder of Lincoln University and served as the second minister to Liberia.  He is buried in St. Louis.

Contributions to the Turner Bust Project should be made payable to " The Concerned Citizens For The Black Community" at 1111 Rural; Boonville, MO  65233.