Katharine Byron facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Katharine Edgar Byron
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Maryland's 6th district |
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| In office May 27, 1941 – January 3, 1943 |
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| Preceded by | William D. Byron |
| Succeeded by | James Glenn Beall |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Katharine Edgar
October 25, 1903 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | December 28, 1976 (aged 73) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Resting place | Riverview Cemetery Williamsport, Maryland, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses |
William D. Byron
(m. 1922; died 1941)Samuel Bynum Riddick
(m. 1947) |
| Children | 5, including Goodloe Byron |
| Relatives | Louis E. McComas (grandfather) |
Katharine Byron (born Katharine Edgar; October 25, 1903 – December 28, 1976) was an important American politician. She was a member of the Democratic Party. She served as a U.S. Congresswoman for Maryland. She represented the 6th congressional district from May 27, 1941, to January 3, 1943. Katharine Byron made history as the first woman ever elected to Congress from Maryland.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Katharine Edgar was born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 25, 1903. Her parents were Mary (née McComas) and Brigadier General Clinton Goodloe Edgar. As a young person, she went to private schools. These included the Liggett School in Detroit. She also attended the Westover School in Connecticut and the Holton-Arms School in Maryland.
In 1922, she moved to Williamsport, Maryland. Her family, the Byrons, were members of Saint John's Church. Katharine Byron was the granddaughter of U.S. Senator Louis E. McComas. He also represented Maryland's 6th congressional district.
Her Marriages and Children
Katharine married William D. Byron in 1922. They had five sons together:
- William Devereux Byron III (1925–1990)
- James “Jamie” Edgar Byron (1927-2011)
- Goodloe Edgar Byron (1929–1978) – He later became a representative for the same district.
- David Wilson Byron (1932–1964)
- Louis McComas Byron (1938–2011)
After William D. Byron passed away, Katharine married Samuel Bynum Riddick in 1947.
Her Time in Congress
Katharine Byron was elected to Congress in a special election. This election happened on May 27, 1941. She ran to take the place of her husband, Representative William D. Byron. He had sadly died in an airplane crash near Atlanta, Georgia, on February 27, 1941.
Important Work During World War II
During World War II, Katharine Byron spoke out about important issues. She supported changing the Neutrality Act. This act had limited how the U.S. could help countries at war.
On December 8, 1941, she gave a speech. She was one of five people who spoke in favor of President Franklin Roosevelt's declaration of war on Japan. This was a very important moment in American history.
She decided not to run for re-election in 1942. She then retired in Washington, D.C..
Later Life and Passing
Katharine Byron passed away at Georgetown University Hospital on December 28, 1976. She was buried in Riverview Cemetery in Williamsport, Maryland.
See also
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
