Theodore Turnbull

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T.T. Turnbull home - Monticello, Florida

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.[3]

Early life[edit]

T.T. Turnbull was born in Jefferson County, Florida July 7, 1881,[1] a descendant of prominent pioneer families in Florida.[3] He studied at Emory University in Georgia.[3]

Career[edit]

Turnbull had an extensive cotton plantation.[3] He was elected to the Florida House in 1915-1917 and Florida Senate for six sessions, representing Jefferson County, Florida.[1] He was also the Senate President in 1923.[1] Turnbull is in a photo of Monticello High School.[4]

In 1927 he was appointed as attorney for the railroad commission.[2] In 1937 he was elected as the chairman of the State Democratic Executive Committee, a position he held for five years.[2]

In 1942 he was a candidate for the Florida Supreme Court,[1] 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.[5]

Personal life[edit]

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.[1] He was survived by his widow, son and two daughters.[1]

References[edit]

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