Theodore Turnbull Explained

Theodore Tiffany (T. T.) Turnbull (July 7, 1881 – January 13, 1944) was an American lawyer, cotton plantation owner, and state legislator in Florida from 1915 until 1929.[1] [2] He served as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Florida House of Representatives and President of the Florida Senate.

Early life

T.T. Turnbull was born in Jefferson County, Florida July 7, 1881, a descendant of prominent pioneer families in Florida. He studied at Emory University in Georgia.[3]

Career

Turnbull had an extensive cotton plantation. He was elected to the Florida House in 1915-1917 and Florida Senate for six sessions, representing Jefferson County, Florida. He was also the Senate President in 1923. Turnbull is in a photo of Monticello High School.[4]

In 1927 he was appointed as attorney for the railroad commission. In 1937 he was elected as the chairman of the State Democratic Executive Committee, a position he held for five years.

In 1942 he was a candidate for the Florida Supreme Court, standing against Harold Sebring who won the seat.[5] Turnbull had stood down from his position as State Railroad Commission attorney when deciding to run, but returned a year later after his failed run.

Personal life

He married Pearl Whetstone of Gainesville in 1911.[3] He had a son and grandson with the same name.[6]

He died at home January 13, 1944 after having the flu for several days. He was survived by his widow, son and two daughters.

Notes and References

  1. News: 14 Jan 1944, Page 1 - Tallahassee Democrat at Newspapers.com . 22 August 2020 . Newspapers.com.
  2. News: 14 Jan 1944, 16 - The Tampa Times at Newspapers.com . 22 August 2020 . Newspapers.com.
  3. Web site: History of Florida: Past and Present, Historical and Biographical. Harry Gardner. Cutler. July 23, 1923. Lewis Publishing Company. Google Books.
  4. Web site: State Library and Archives of Florida . Monticello High School students - Monticello, Florida (photograph) . Florida Memory . 25 July 2020.
  5. News: 27 Apr 1942, 2 - The Tampa Times at Newspapers.com . 22 August 2020 . Newspapers.com.
  6. Web site: Theodore Turnbull 1951 - 2014 - Obituary (Tallahassee Democrat from Nov. 14 to Nov. 16, 2014). www.legacy.com . 22 August 2020.