Rufus E. Lester facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rufus Ezekiel Lester
Rufus Ezekiel Lester taken by C. M. Bell Studios
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 1st district
In office March 4, 1889 – June 16, 1906
Preceded by	Thomas M. Norwood
Succeeded by	James W. Overstreet
40th Mayor of Savannah, Georgia
In office 1883–1889
Preceded by	John Wheaton
Succeeded by	John Schwarz
Personal details
Born	(1837-12-12)December 12, 1837 Near Waynesboro, Georgia, U.S.
Died	June 16, 1906(1906-06-16) (aged 68) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Cause of death	Falling through skylight
Resting place	Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Education	Mercer University
Occupation	Attorney

Rufus Ezekiel Lester (born December 12, 1837 – died June 16, 1906) was an important American politician. He served as a U.S. Representative for the state of Georgia. He also held the position of Mayor of Savannah, Georgia, before going to Congress.

Early Life and Career

Rufus Ezekiel Lester was born near Waynesboro, Georgia, in 1837. He went to college at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and graduated in 1857. After college, he decided to study law.

He became a lawyer in Savannah, Georgia, in 1859 and started his own law practice. When the American Civil War began in 1861, he joined the military and served throughout the war. After the war ended, he returned to Savannah and continued his work as a lawyer.

Public Service in Georgia

Lester became involved in politics in his home state. From 1870 to 1879, he was a member of the Georgia State Senate. For the last three years of his time there, he was chosen to be the president of the Senate.

Later, he served as the mayor of Savannah. He was mayor from 1883 until 1889, helping to lead the city.

Serving in the U.S. Congress

In 1889, Rufus Ezekiel Lester was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served in Congress for many years, from March 4, 1889, until his death in 1906.

During his time in Congress, he was the chairman of a special group called the Committee on Expenditures in the Department of State. This committee looked at how money was spent by the U.S. Department of State.

His Passing

Rufus Ezekiel Lester died on June 16, 1906, in Washington, D.C.. His death was due to an accident. He was at his apartment building, called The Cairo, and went to the roof to look for his two young grandchildren.

Sadly, he lost his balance and fell about 30 feet through a skylight. He landed on the eleventh floor of the building. He broke both of his legs and had other serious injuries that led to his death.

He was buried in Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia.

Images for kids

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  Headstone at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah

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  Frontispiece of 1907's Rufus Ezekiel Lester, Late a Representative.