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Jacob Turney (February 18, 1825 – October 4, 1891) was an American lawyer and politician from Pennsylvania who served two terms as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Pennsylvania's 21st congressional district from 1875 to 1879. He also served as a member of the Pennsylvania Senate for the 22nd district from 1858 to 1860.
Jacob Turney | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 21st district | |
| In office 1875–1879 | |
| Preceded by | Alexander W. Taylor |
| Succeeded by | Morgan R. Wise |
| Member of the Pennsylvania Senate for the 22nd district | |
| In office 1858–1860 | |
| Preceded by | William Wilkins |
| Succeeded by | Smith Fuller |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 18, 1825 Greensburg, Pennsylvania |
| Died | October 4, 1891 (aged 66) |
| Resting place | St. Clair Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic |
Turney was born in Greensburg, 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 under Albert Marchand,[1] was admitted to the bar in 1849 and commenced practice in Greensburg.
He served as district attorney for Westmoreland 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 for James Buchanan.[3] He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 22nd district from 1858 to 1860 and was elected president in 1859. He was an unsuccessful candidate for State Senator in 1871.[1]
Congress
Turney was elected as a Democrat to the Forty-fourth and Forty-fifth Congresses. He served on the Privileges and Elections, Mines, Territories and Currencies Committees. He played a key role in the passage of the Bland-Allison Act which reintroduced the legality of silver currency.[1]
Later career and death
After leaving Congress, he resumed the practice of law. He died in Greensburg in 1891 and was interred in St. Clair Cemetery.[4]
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