WALLER, Thomas McDonald, governor of Connecticut, born in New York city about 1840. He was left an orphan at the age of nine, and was a newsboy for some time, but lie attracted the attention of a citizen of. New London, Connecticut, who adopted him, and whose name he assumed. He studied law, was admitted to the Connecticut, bar in 1861, and attained note as an advocate. He early entered politics, became well known as a public speaker, and served in the legislature in 1867,1868, 1872, and 1876, being chosen as a Democrat. During his last term he was speaker of the house. In 1870 he was secretary of state, and in 1873 he became mayor of New London. He served as state's attorney in 1876-'83, and in 1882 was elected governor of Connecticut, after canvassing the state in his own behalf, contrary to custom. On the expiration of his term he was appointed, in 1885, United States consul-general at London, England.