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George W. Collins
George Washington Collins.jpg
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Illinois's 6th district
In office
November 3, 1970 – December 8, 1972
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(1972-12-08) (aged 47)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Resting place Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia
Political party Democratic
Spouse
(m. 1958⁠–⁠1972)
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.

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

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