George W. Collins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George W. Collins
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 6th district |
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| In office November 3, 1970 – December 8, 1972 |
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| Preceded by | Daniel J. Ronan |
| Succeeded by | Harold R. Collier |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
George Washington Collins
March 5, 1925 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | December 8, 1972 (aged 47) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | |
| Education | Waller High School Northwestern University |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Rank | Private First Class |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
George Washington Collins (born March 5, 1925 – died December 8, 1972) was an important American politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Collins represented Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives. He served from November 1970 until he sadly passed away in a plane crash in Chicago, Illinois on December 8, 1972. He was 47 years old.
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About George W. Collins
His Early Life and Education
George Washington Collins was born in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up on the city's near-north side. He went to Waller High School, which is now called Lincoln Park High School.
After finishing high school, Collins joined the Army engineers. He served in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war, he returned home.
Serving in Government
Before becoming a U.S. Representative, Collins worked in several government jobs. He worked for the Cook County sheriff's department. He also worked for the Municipal Court system. Later, he was an assistant to the health commissioner.
Collins also studied business law at Northwestern University. From 1964 to 1970, he was a member of the Chicago city council. He became an alderman, which is like a city council member, for the 24th ward.
In November 1970, Collins was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He filled a spot that became open after the death of U.S. Representative Daniel J. Ronan. He was reelected to Congress and served until his death.
His Last Days and Lasting Impact
George Collins passed away on December 8, 1972. He was a passenger on United Airlines Flight 553. The plane crashed as it was trying to land at Chicago Midway International Airport.
After his death, his wife, Cardiss Collins, was elected to his seat in Congress. She became the first African American woman to represent a Midwest district in Congress. Cardiss Collins served in the House of Representatives from 1973 until she retired in 1997. She served for more than 23 years.
In April 1976, the Chicago Public Schools opened a new school in his honor. It is called Collins Academy High School. It is a public high school in Chicago's Lawndale neighborhood.
See also
- List of African-American United States representatives
- List of United States Congress members who died in office (1950–99)
