Thomas M. Waller

Thomas MacDonald Waller ( born January 1, 1840 in New York City; † January 24, 1924 in New London, Connecticut ) was an American politician and governor of the U.S. state of Connecticut. He was a member of the Democratic Party.

Early years and political rise

Thomas MacDonald was a child of Irish immigrants who died before the age of eight. Robert Waller, a dealer from Connecticut, adopted him later. Thomas graduated from Bartlett High School, then studied law and was admitted to the Bar in 1861. During the Civil War he served as a volunteer in the Union army. After the war, Waller decided then to pursue a political career. He ran in 1867 for a seat in the House of Representatives from Connecticut and won. Waller had the mandate and again in 1872 and 1876 held, where he most recently served as Speaker. He was also in 1870 and 1871 served as Connecticut's Secretary of State, and 1873-1879 as mayor of New London.

Governor of Connecticut

Waller won the 1882 Governor Democratic nomination and was elected in the same year as governor of Connecticut. During his tenure, he advocated the increase of domestic construction projects by increasing the budget, and the increase in the property tax. However, he was unsuccessful so due to a Republican majority in parliament. Waller also failed in 1884 during his re-election attempt.

Further CV

After he left office, he was appointed consul-general in London, a position which he held 1885-1889. Waller attended and spoke at the Democratic National Convention of 1896.

Thomas M. Waller died on January 24, 1924 and was subsequently buried in the Cedar Grove Cemetery in New London. He was married to Charlotte Bishop. The couple had six children.