J. O. Terrell

Jonathan Olinthus Terrell (April 6, 1856 – June 28, 1923) was an American politician, lawyer, cattleman, and banker. A Republican, he was a member of the Texas Senate, serving as president pro tempore of the Texas Senate in 1887.

Early life and education Terrell was born on April 6, 1856, in Kaufman County, Texas, the son of Jonathan W. Terrell and Amelia (née Love) Terrell. At a young age, he worked as a teamster, later selling oxen. With the money he earned, he studied at Trinity University for two and a half years. He then worked as editor of the Terrell Times-Star. He read law, and in April 1877, was admitted to the bar.

Career After being admitted to the bar, Terrell began practicing in Kaufman, later moving to Terrell. He later established the partnership J. O. Terrell & Son.

Terrell was a Republican. He was a member of the Texas Senate, from January 13, 1885, to January 8, 1889, representing the 16th district. He was president pro tempore of the Texas Senate, from March 18, to March 21, 1887. In 1909, he founded the Central Trust Company, a property loaning company company.

Personal life and death In December 1877, Terrell married Mattie Simpson, with whom he had six children, Physically, a publication described him as "tall and slender, having light hair and blue eyes". He died on June 28, 1923, aged 67, in San Antonio, following a year of illness, and was buried on June 29, in San Antonio.