George French Ecton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George French Ecton
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Ecton in 1887
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| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives | |
| In office 1888–1890 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1846 Winchester, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | September 19, 1929 (aged 82–83) Chicago, Illinois |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Patti R. Allen
(m. 1877) |
| Occupation | Waiter, politician |
George French Ecton (1846 – September 19, 1929) was an important leader for civil rights. He was the second African American to serve as a state legislator in Illinois. This means he helped make laws for the state.
George Ecton was born into slavery in Winchester, Kentucky, in 1846. His parents were Antonio Ecton and Martha George. After the American Civil War ended in 1865, slavery was abolished. George and a friend received papers that said they were free. They then left Kentucky.
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Early Life and Freedom
George Ecton and his friend traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio. There, they found work as deck hands on a steam packet boat. This boat was named Sherman. It traveled between Cincinnati and Wheeling, West Virginia.
After working on the boat, George stayed in Cincinnati. He worked at several hotels, including the Broadway House and the Walnut Street House. While working, he became sick with smallpox. Luckily, he recovered from the illness. George also started going to night school. His teacher was Luella Brown. It is believed that he later graduated from college.
Moving to Chicago and Politics
On October 28, 1873, George Ecton moved to Chicago, Illinois. He took charge of the dining room at the Hotel Woodruff. In 1877, he married Patti R. Allen. She was also from Winchester, Kentucky.
In Chicago, George Ecton became very active in the Republican Party. He kept his job as a waiter for many years. Then, he was elected to the Illinois General Assembly. This is the law-making body for the state of Illinois.
Serving in the Illinois House
George Ecton served in the Illinois General Assembly from 1887 to 1889. He was elected from the third district to the Illinois House of Representatives. He took the place of John W. E. Thomas. Thomas was Illinois' first black state representative.
As a legislator, Ecton worked to protect former slaves. He introduced laws that helped them. After his term in office, he became the owner of a baseball league. He continued to be a strong leader in Chicago's Republican politics into the 1910s.
Later Life and Legacy
In Chicago, George Ecton was a member of Bethesda Baptist Church. He was also a freemason. This is a member of a fraternal organization.
George French Ecton passed away on September 19, 1929, in Chicago. He is remembered for his work as a civil rights activist. He was also a pioneering African American politician in Illinois.
