William Turner (biographer)

William Turner (13 January, 1788 - 30 December, 1853) was an English Unitarian minister, known as a biographer.

The son of William Turner, he was born at Newcastle on 13 January 1788. He was educated at Glasgow University, where he graduated M.A. in 1806, at Manchester College (then based in York), and at Edinburgh University (1808). From 1809 to 1827 he was tutor at Manchester College in mathematics and philosophy.

In February 1829 he became minister of Northgate End chapel, Halifax, where he was a promoter of educational and scientific culture. He died on 30 December 1853. He married (1817) Miss Benton, niece of Newcome Cappe.

He published sermons and tracts, including Remarks on the commonly received Doctrine of Atonement and Sacrifice (1830). His contributions to periodicals are sometimes signed V. N. [i.e. Vigilii Nepos]. His major work is Lives of Eminent Unitarians, 1840–43, 2 vols.