Bennett Stewart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bennett Stewart
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 1st district |
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| In office January 3, 1979 – January 3, 1981 |
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| Preceded by | Ralph Metcalfe |
| Succeeded by | Harold Washington |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 6, 1912 Huntsville, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | April 26, 1988 (aged 75) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Pattye Crittenden
(m. 1938) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Miles College |
Bennett McVey Stewart (born August 6, 1912 – died April 26, 1988) was an American politician. He was a member of the Democratic party. He served as a U.S. Representative for Illinois from January 3, 1979, to January 3, 1981. This means he was elected to help make laws for the country.
Contents
Biography of Bennett Stewart
Early Life and Education
Bennett Stewart was born in Huntsville, Alabama. His parents were Bennett Stewart Sr. and Cathleen Jones. He went to public schools in Huntsville and Birmingham.
In 1936, he earned a college degree (a B.A.) from Miles College in Birmingham. After college, he worked as an assistant principal at Irondale High School in 1936.
Career Highlights
In 1938, Stewart became a professor at Miles College. He taught sociology, which is the study of how people live together in groups.
Later, in 1940, he started working in the insurance business. By 1950, he was the Illinois director for Atlanta Life Insurance Co. In 1951, Stewart and his family moved to Chicago, Illinois. This was because the insurance company opened a new branch there.
After 17 years in insurance, Stewart started working for the city of Chicago. In 1968, he became an inspector for the Chicago Building Department. He also worked as a specialist for the Chicago Department of Urban Renewal.
Political Journey
Stewart began his political career in Chicago. In 1971, he was elected to the Chicago City Council. He served as an alderman for the 21st Ward. An alderman is like a city council member who helps run the city.
In 1972, he was also elected as a Democratic ward committeeman for the same ward. He was reelected to both positions in 1975 and 1976.
Stewart was an important delegate at state and national political meetings. He attended the Illinois State Democratic conventions from 1971 to 1978. He was also a delegate at the Democratic National Conventions in 1972 and 1976.
In 1978, Stewart was elected to the 96th United States Congress. He served as a U.S. Representative for Illinois. However, he did not win reelection in 1980. After his time in Congress, he worked for Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne from 1981 to 1983.
Personal Life and Legacy
Bennett Stewart was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He was married to Pattye Crittenden starting in 1938. They had two sons, Bennett Jr. and Ronald, and a daughter, Miriam Stewart Early.
Stewart passed away on April 26, 1988, at the age of 75. He died at the University of Chicago Hospital. His funeral services were held in Chicago.
See also
