Smith S. Turner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Smith S. Turner
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 7th district |
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| In office January 30, 1894 – March 3, 1897 |
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| Preceded by | Charles T. O'Ferrall |
| Succeeded by | James Hay |
| Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Warren County | |
| In office 1869–1871 |
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| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | Samuel W. Thomas |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 21, 1842 Warren County, Virginia |
| Died | April 8, 1898 (aged 55) Front Royal, Virginia |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Virginia Military Institute |
| Profession | Politician, Lawyer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service | Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Unit | Army of Northern Virginia |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Smith Spangler Turner (born November 21, 1842 – died April 8, 1898) was an important politician from Virginia. He served in the United States House of Representatives, which is part of the U.S. Congress.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Smith S. Turner was born in Warren County, Virginia. He attended the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. This was a military college. He was a student there when the American Civil War began. Later, he received an honorary diploma from the institute.
Military Service
In 1861, Turner joined the Confederate States Army. He served as a drill officer with General Stonewall Jackson. A drill officer helps train soldiers. He also became an officer in George Pickett's division. He served in this role for the rest of the war.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, Turner became a teacher. From 1865 to 1867, he taught mathematics. He worked at a school for girls in Winchester, Virginia. He then decided to study law. In 1869, he became a lawyer. This means he was "admitted to the bar." He started his law practice in Front Royal, Virginia.
Political Career
Turner began his career in politics in Virginia.
Serving Virginia
- He was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1869 to 1872. This is part of Virginia's state government.
- From 1874 to 1879, he worked as the prosecuting attorney for Warren County, Virginia. A prosecuting attorney represents the government in court cases.
- He also served for eight years on the board of visitors for the Virginia Military Institute. This board helps oversee the college.
In the U.S. Congress
Smith S. Turner was a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected to the 53rd United States Congress. He filled a spot that became open when Charles Triplett O'Ferrall resigned. He was then re-elected to the 54th United States Congress. He served in Congress from January 30, 1894, until March 3, 1897. He chose not to run for re-election in 1896.
1894 Election Details
Turner was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election. This election was held to fill a vacant seat. He ran "unopposed," which means no one ran against him. Later, he was re-elected in the main election. He won with 52.12% of the votes. He beat Republican Robert J. Walker, Populist Jacob S. Hopkins, and Independent G.T. Barbee.
Later Life
Smith S. Turner passed away in Front Royal, Virginia, on April 8, 1898. He was buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery.
