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A. Bruce Bielaski
A. Bruce Bielaski - NARA 45531183.jpg
Chief of the Bureau of Investigation
In office
April 30, 1912 – February 10, 1919
President William Howard Taft
Woodrow Wilson
Preceded by Stanley Finch
Succeeded by William E. Allen (acting)
Personal details
Born (1883-04-02)April 2, 1883
Montgomery County, Maryland, United States
Died February 19, 1964(1964-02-19) (aged 80)
Kings Point, New York, U.S.
Relations Alexander Bielaski (grandfather)
Oscar Bielaski (uncle)
Ruth Shipley (sister)
Education George Washington University (LLB)

Alexander Bruce Bielaski (April 2, 1883 – February 19, 1964) was an American lawyer and government official. He was the head of the Bureau of Investigation (which is now called the Federal Bureau of Investigation) from 1912 to 1919.

Early Life and Education

Bielaski was born in Montgomery County, Maryland. His father, Alexander Bielaski, was a Methodist minister. His grandfather, also named Alexander Bielaski, was a Captain during the American Civil War. His uncle, Oscar Bielaski, was the first Polish American to play in Major League Baseball. Alexander Bruce Bielaski's sister, Ruth Shipley, later led the Passport Division for the United States Department of State for 27 years.

In 1904, Bielaski earned a law degree from The George Washington University Law School. While there, he helped start the Gamma Eta chapter of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

Career in Government and Law

After finishing law school in 1904, Bielaski joined the Department of Justice. He worked his way up, just like his boss before him, Stanley Finch.

Bielaski worked as a special examiner in Oklahoma. He helped organize court records and the court system when Oklahoma Territory became a state. Later, he moved to Washington and joined the Bureau of Investigation. He became Stanley Finch's assistant, managing the Bureau's daily operations. In April 1912, Attorney General George W. Wickersham chose Bielaski to lead the Bureau. As its Chief, Bielaski helped the Bureau grow. It received more resources and took on more important tasks.

After leaving the Bureau in 1919, Bielaski started his own law practice. He was very active in the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He served as its international president from 1919 to 1925. In 1924, he was chosen to be the Chairman of the National Interfraternity Conference. This group is now known as the North American Interfraternity Conference.

From 1929 to 1959, Bielaski led a team of arson investigators for the National Board of Fire Underwriters. This team investigated fires that were set on purpose. In 1938, he was the President of the Society of Former Special Agents. Alexander Bruce Bielaski passed away on February 19, 1964, at the age of 80.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Alexander Bruce Bielaski para niños

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