Thomas J. Turner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas J. Turner
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 6th district |
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| In office March 4, 1847 – March 3, 1849 |
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| Preceded by | Joseph P. Hoge |
| Succeeded by | Edward Dickinson Baker |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 5, 1815 Trumbull County, Ohio |
| Died | April 4, 1874 (aged 58) Hot Springs, Arkansas |
| Political party | Democratic |
Thomas Johnston Turner (born April 5, 1815 – died April 4, 1874) was an important person from Illinois. He served as a U.S. Representative for his state. He was also a lawyer, a newspaper founder, and the first mayor of Freeport, Illinois. Turner tried to prevent the American Civil War and later served as a colonel in the Union Army.
Contents
Who Was Thomas J. Turner?
Thomas J. Turner had an interesting life. He was a lawyer, a politician, and a soldier. He helped shape the early history of Illinois.
Growing Up and Moving West
Thomas Johnston Turner was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1815. When he was ten years old, his family moved to Butler County, Pennsylvania. Later, in 1837, he moved to Lake County, Indiana. The next year, in 1838, he settled in Freeport, Illinois.
Starting a Career in Law and News
Turner decided to study law. He became a lawyer in 1840 and started his own practice in Freeport. He also held several important jobs in his community. In 1842, he became a judge for Stephenson County. He was also the Postmaster of Freeport in 1844. In 1845, he worked as a state district attorney. Turner also started the first weekly newspaper in Stephenson County, called Prairie Democrat.
Representing Illinois in Washington
Thomas Turner was a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected to the U.S. Congress. He served as a U.S. Representative from March 4, 1847, to March 3, 1849. After his time in Congress, he served in the Illinois state house of representatives in 1854. During that time, he was chosen to be the speaker, which means he led the meetings.
Leading His City and Joining the Army
In 1855, Thomas Turner was elected as the very first mayor of Freeport, Illinois. This was a big honor for him. In 1861, he went to a special meeting in Washington, D.C.. This meeting was called a "peace convention." Its goal was to find ways to stop the American Civil War from happening.
When the war began, Turner joined the Union Army on May 24, 1861. He became a colonel in the Fifteenth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. However, he had to leave the army in 1862 because he became ill.
Final Years and Contributions
After his military service, Turner continued to be involved in public life. He was part of the Illinois constitutional convention of 1863. This group helped write new rules for the state. In 1871, he tried to become a United States Senator but was not successful.
In 1871, he moved to Chicago and went back to practicing law. Thomas Johnston Turner passed away on April 4, 1874, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was buried in the City Cemetery in Freeport, Illinois.
