Edwards Barham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Erle Edwards Barham
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| Louisiana State Senate District 33 (East Carroll, Morehouse, Richland, and West Carroll parishes) | |
| In office 1976–1980 |
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| Preceded by | Charles M. Brown |
| Succeeded by | David "Bo" Ginn |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 10, 1937 |
| Died | October 17, 2014 (aged 77) Shreveport, Louisiana |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Bennie Fay Berry Barham (born 1935) |
| Children | Robert Berry Barham (born 1957) Erle West Barham (born 1964) |
| Occupation | Farmer |
Erle Edwards Barham (July 10, 1937 – October 17, 2014) was an American farmer and someone who worked to protect nature. He made history by becoming the first Republican elected to the Louisiana State Senate since the time of Reconstruction. He won this election by a very small margin of just 29 votes.
Barham represented District 33, which was mostly farming land, from 1976 to 1980. He lost his re-election in 1979 to David "Bo" Ginn, a Democrat from Bastrop. Ginn then held the seat until 1988.
Erle Edwards Barham passed away on October 17, 2014, due to an accident.
Contents
Who Was Erle Edwards Barham?
Erle Edwards Barham was born on July 10, 1937. He grew up to be a farmer, which means he worked with land and crops. He was also known as a conservationist. This means he cared about protecting the environment and natural resources.
Early Life and Interests
Barham was interested in the land and its care from a young age. His work as a farmer showed his connection to nature. He believed in taking care of the environment for future generations.
Making History in Louisiana Politics
In 1976, Erle Edwards Barham ran for a seat in the Louisiana State Senate. This is a part of the state government that makes laws. He ran as a Republican, which was unusual for that time in Louisiana.
He won his election by a very close vote. This was a big deal because he was the first Republican to win a State Senate seat since the Reconstruction era. Reconstruction was a period after the American Civil War.
Serving the People
As a state senator, Barham represented District 33. This area included several parishes, which are like counties. He worked for the people of East Carroll, Morehouse, Richland, and West Carroll parishes. His term in office lasted from 1976 to 1980.
During his time as a senator, he focused on issues important to his farming community. He worked to help farmers and protect the natural areas of Louisiana.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time in the State Senate, Erle Edwards Barham continued his work as a farmer. He remained an important figure in his community. He passed away on October 17, 2014.
Barham is remembered for his dedication to public service. He is also remembered for his historic election win. He showed that a Republican could win in Louisiana politics during a time when it was very difficult.
