New Britain herald., 1924-01-25
STORY OF WALLER'S
 LIFE LIKE FICTION
Ex-Governor, New York Orphan, Adopted by New London Man
SOLD PAPERS ON STREET
Rose From Obscurity to Distinction, Serving as Governor of Connecticut London Under Cleveland.

New London, Jan. %. - Former Governor Thomas M. Waller died at Castle Cottage, his home at Ocean Beach, at l o'clock this morning. The end came peacefully, following an ill., ness of more than two months.
 Mr. Waller was S5 years of age. His death was due to natural causes. His family. which had been called to- gether when the end was evident, was at his bedside when he expired.
 The funeral of former Governor Waller will be held Monday afternoon at o'clock. The services will be held at St. James Episcopal church.
 Former Governor Waller outliyed the lieutenant governor who served with him and also the secretary of state, the treasurer and the comptrol- Ter of his administration. He also outlived the chief justice of the su- preme court of errors of the years of his administration and the speaker of the house Of representatives to which body in joint session with the senate he delivered his messages. Both United States senators from Con necticut during his term--Hawley and Platt--are dead. Several mem- bers of his military staff survive. Not many members Of the general as- sembly IssS-1SS5 are now alive.
 An Adopted Child.
 Thomas Mcdonald Waller, lovingly referred to by his closest friends as the Grand Old Man" and by others, who knew him as simply From Waller, one of the dominating iig- ures in democratic politics during his many years of activity in that party, was born in New York state in iS4o, the son Of Thomas c. and Mary Arm strong. Both parents died before their son had heached his ninth year and in after years his recollections of them were faint As an orphan he was adopted by Robert k. Waller of New London, and ia that city he lived his life except the few years he was in governmental service abroad.
 It was said of Mir Waller that from humble origin he rose 10 a place Of great distinction and the people of the state bestowed upon him the highest gift thet of gsvernorsi -,ehile 'n his own community he held positions of trust and responsibility much as in number have been accorded to but few. and in all of which he served with credit 10 himself and of great value 10 the institution. In civic af- fairs New London knew him as leader and many things he did reauir. ing foresight have proved of great value to that community
 Admitted to Bar in 1881.
 Mir. Waller received his education In the public schools and after gradu- ating from the Bartlett high school in New London studied law. He was ad- mitted 10 the New London county bar In 1861. Shortly after he enlisted fin Company F., Second Connecticut Nol- l lnteers, but serious affection of the l eyes brought an honorable discharge l lid sent him back 10 law practice in | which his progress was marked. Jn | 1875 he was appointed states attor- iey for his home county. and a posi- | ion he held until 1888. Meantime he las served his town and state in legis- ative and administrative ways. being | representative in lS67-6s and 1872 and speaker in the latter term: tec- 'etary Of state 1s70-7I. an office ' hich instructed him in state matters md pave1 the way to his service as -overnor in 1sg3-s5. Tn 1885 he was eeiected governor by popular vote, ut did not receive the constitutional and the legislature being re- publican chose Henry E. Harrison. he republican nominee.
 Cleveland sends Him to England.
 President Cleveland appointed Mr Waller to be consul general at Lon on. England. and hc served there un- il 1889. Being home again he was iectcd 10 the constitutional conven- ion or 1909 and was ono of the two ics-p pre- sidents of that body. Tn all he years from his frst service in the unse and through inc constitutional onvention. Mir. Walters friendship rtth men of Connecticut and Of the ounfry had grown until their num- , CT were legion and their warmth was , u-h as 10 make him one Of the most eloved men in the state. That love |, nd affection continued and while fhe umber of intimate friends Of the [, tirrinE days Of his political career !. erarne less in number as death called hem, the younger men looked ID 10
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