Jacob Turney | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromPennsylvania's21st district | |
| In office 1875–1879 | |
| Preceded by | Alexander W. Taylor |
| Succeeded by | Morgan R. Wise |
| Member of thePennsylvania Senate for the22nd district | |
| In office 1858–1860 | |
| Preceded by | William Wilkins |
| Succeeded by | Smith Fuller |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1825-02-18)February 18, 1825 |
| Died | October 4, 1891(1891-10-04) (aged 66) |
| Resting place | St. Clair Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic |
Jacob Turney (February 18, 1825 – October 4, 1891) was an American lawyer and politician fromPennsylvania who served two terms as aDemocratic member of theU.S. House of Representatives forPennsylvania's 21st congressional district from 1875 to 1879. He also served as a member of thePennsylvania Senate for the22nd district from 1858 to 1860.
Turney was born inGreensburg, Pennsylvania to Dutch immigrants Jacob, Sr. and Margaret (Singer) Turney.[1] He completed preparatory studies and attended Greensburg Academy. He apprenticed as a printer and worked as a deputy sheriff and clerk in the register and recorder's office.[2] He studied law underAlbert Marchand,[1] was admitted to the bar in 1849 and commenced practice in Greensburg.
He served asdistrict attorney forWestmoreland County, Pennsylvania, from 1850 to 1855. He gained prominence through the successful prosecution of several high profile murder trials. He was a presidential elector in 1856 and cast his vote forJames Buchanan.[3] He was a member of thePennsylvania State Senate for the22nd district from 1858 to 1860 and was elected president in 1859. He was an unsuccessful candidate for State Senator in 1871.[1]
Turney was elected as a Democrat to theForty-fourth andForty-fifth Congresses. He served on the Privileges and Elections, Mines, Territories and Currencies Committees. He played a key role in the passage of theBland-Allison Act which reintroduced the legality of silver currency.[1]
After leaving Congress, he resumed the practice of law. He died in Greensburg in 1891 and was interred in St. Clair Cemetery.[4]
| Pennsylvania State Senate | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Member of thePennsylvania Senate,22nd district 1858-1860 | Succeeded by Smith Fuller |
| U.S. House of Representatives | ||
| Preceded by | Member of the U.S. House of Representatives fromPennsylvania's 21st congressional district 1875 - 1879 | Succeeded by |
