John W. Byrnes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John W. Byrnes
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circa 1956
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin's 8th district |
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| In office January 3, 1945 – January 3, 1973 |
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| Preceded by | LaVern Dilweg |
| Succeeded by | Harold Vernon Froehlich |
| Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 2nd district |
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| In office 1941–1945 |
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| Preceded by | Michael F. Kresky, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Harold A. Lytie |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John William Byrnes
June 12, 1913 Green Bay, Wisconsin |
| Died | January 12, 1985 (aged 71) Marshfield, Wisconsin |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Barbara Preston Byrnes |
| Children | 6 (3 sons, 3 daughters) |
| Alma mater | University of Wisconsin |
| Occupation | Attorney |
John William Byrnes (born June 12, 1913 – died January 12, 1985) was an important American politician. He served as a U.S. representative for Wisconsin. This means he was elected by people in Wisconsin to speak for them in the U.S. Congress.
Byrnes represented Wisconsin's 8th district in the U.S. House from 1945 to 1973. During this time, he led the House Republican Policy Committee. He was also a top member of the Committee on Ways and Means.
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About John Byrnes: His Life and Work
John Byrnes was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin. When he was very young, he got polio. This was a serious illness that could affect how people moved.
He went to the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He earned his first degree there in 1936. After that, he studied law at the same university.
Early Career and State Politics
After finishing law school, Byrnes worked as a lawyer in Green Bay. From 1938 to 1941, he worked for the state's banking department.
He then served in the state senate from 1941 to 1945. This meant he helped make laws for Wisconsin. He represented the 2nd District.
Serving in the U.S. Congress
In 1944, Byrnes was elected as a Republican to the U.S. Congress. He represented Wisconsin's 8th district. He won against LaVern Dilweg, who was a famous football player.
Byrnes was reelected many times. He served for 28 years, from January 1945 to January 1973. This made him the longest-serving representative for Wisconsin's 8th district.
In 1964, some people wanted Byrnes to run for president. However, he decided not to, and let others choose their own candidates. He chose not to run for Congress again in 1972.
Important Votes in Congress
During his time in Congress, Byrnes voted for several important laws. These included the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960, 1964, and 1968. These laws helped protect the rights of all Americans.
He also voted for the 24th Amendment. This amendment made sure people didn't have to pay a tax to vote. He also supported the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This law helped make sure everyone could vote fairly.
Later Life
After leaving Congress, John Byrnes continued to work as a lawyer. He lived in Arlington, Virginia.
In 1985, he was traveling to Wisconsin for a medical check-up. He became very ill at the Central Wisconsin Airport. He passed away a few days later in Marshfield on January 12, 1985. He was buried in Green Bay.
