Tom Jefferson Terral - Definition and Overview

Thomas Jefferson Terral (21 December 1882–9 March 1946) was the Democratic Governor of Arkansas from 1925 to 1927.

Thomas Jefferson Terral was born in Union Parish, Louisiana. The attended the University of Kentucky and in 1910 graduated from the University of Arkansas law school. After graduation, he started a private law practice and worked as a school teacher.

From 1911 to 1915 Terral worked as an assistant secretary of the Arkansas Senate where he learned the ins and outs of Arkansas politics. He served as a deputy state superintendent of public instruction from 1912 to 1916.

Terral was elected as Secretary of State and served from 1917 to 1921 and was elected Governor of Arkansas in 1924. During his term the first state park was opened at Petit Jean Mountain. Construction of the state hospital was commenced during his tenure and the post of Commissioner of Insurance and Revenue was created. He was not reelected in 1926 and returned to private law practice in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Thomas Terral is buried at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Little Rock.