Smith S. Turner

Smith Spangler Turner (November 21, 1842 – April 8, 1898) was a U.S. Representative from Virginia.

Smith S. Turner
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 7th district
In office January 30, 1894 – March 3, 1897
Preceded by	Charles T. O'Ferrall
Succeeded by	James Hay
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Warren County
In office 1869–1871
Preceded by	District created
Succeeded by	Samuel W. Thomas
Personal details
Born	November 21, 1842 Warren County, Virginia
Died	April 8, 1898(1898-04-08) (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

Biography

Turner was born in Warren County, Virginia. He was a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia, when the Civil War commenced, and was subsequently given an honorary diploma. He enlisted in the Confederate States Army in 1861. He served with General Stonewall Jackson as drill officer. He was an officer of George Pickett's division during the remainder of the war. He taught mathematics in a female seminary in Winchester, Virginia from 1865 to 1867. He studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1869 and commenced practice in Front Royal, Virginia. He served as member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1869 to 1872. He served as prosecuting attorney for Warren County, Virginia from 1874 to 1879. He served as member of the State board of visitors of the Virginia Military Institute for eight years.

Turner was elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-third Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Charles T. O'Ferrall. He was reelected to the Fifty-fourth Congress and served from January 30, 1894, to March 3, 1897. He was not a candidate for renomination in 1896. He died in Front Royal, Virginia, April 8, 1898. He was interred in Prospect Hill Cemetery.

1894 election

Turner was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election unopposed. He was later re-elected in the general election with 52.12% of the vote, defeating Republican Robert J. Walker, Populist Jacob S. Hopkins, and Independent G.T. Barbee.

Sources

• United States Congress. "Smith S. Turner (id: T000427)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

 This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress