John Turner WAIT, Congress, CT (1811-1899)

WAIT John Turner , a Representative from Connecticut; born in New London, Conn., August 27, 1811; moved with his mother to Norwich, Conn.; attended the common schools and Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., for two years; engaged in mercantile pursuits; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1836 and began practice in Norwich; State's attorney for the county of New London 1842-1844 and 1846-1854; unsuccessful candidate for election as Lieutenant Governor in 1854, 1855, 1856, and 1857; served in the State senate in 1865 and 1866, the latter year as president pro tempore; member of the State house of representatives in 1867, 1871, and 1873, serving as speaker in 1867; elected as a Republican to the Forty-fourth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Henry H. Starkweather; reelected as a Republican to the Forty-fifth and to the four succeeding Congresses and served from April 12, 1876, to March 3, 1887; was not a candidate for renomination in 1886; resumed the practice of his profession; died in Norwich, Conn., April 21, 1899; interment in Yantic Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present