George W. Collins
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (March 2013) |
George W. Collins | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 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 (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 (March 5, 1925 – December 8, 1972) was an American politician. Collins was a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois. Collins served from November 1970 until he was killed in a plane crash on December 8, 1972, in Chicago, Illinois at age 47.
Biography
[edit]Early life and career
[edit]Collins was born in Chicago, grew up on the near-north side, and attended Waller High School (now known as Lincoln Park High School).[1] After high school, Collins served with the Army engineers in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war, Collins held positions with the Cook County sheriff's department, the Municipal Court system, and the Board of Health, and as administrative assistant to health commissioner prior to being sent to Congress. Collins studied business law at Northwestern University before entering into politics. From 1964 to 1970, Collins served as a member of the Chicago city council, becoming an alderman in the 24th ward to replace the murdered Benjamin F. Lewis. Collins was then elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of U.S. Rep. Daniel J. Ronan and reelected to the succeeding Congress and served until his death.
Death and legacy
[edit]Collins died on December 8, 1972, when United Airlines Flight 553 crashed on approach to Chicago Midway International Airport. Collins was a passenger on the flight. His wife Cardiss Collins was elected to his seat (which had been redistricted to the 7th district) shortly thereafter. Cardiss Collins was the first African American woman to represent a Midwestern district in Congress, and served in the House of Representatives from 1973 until her retirement in 1997, a tenure of over 23 years. In April 1976, The Chicago Public Schools opened Collins Academy High School, a public neighborhood high school in Chicago's Lawndale neighborhood in his honor.[2]
See also
[edit]- List of African-American United States representatives
- List of United States Congress members who died in office (1950–99)
References
[edit]External links
[edit]- United States Congress. "George W. Collins (id: C000637)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| People | |
| Other | |
- 1925 births
- 1972 deaths
- United States Army personnel of World War II
- African Americans in World War II
- African-American state legislators in Illinois
- Burials at Arlington National Cemetery
- Chicago City Council members
- African-American members of the United States House of Representatives
- Military personnel from Illinois
- Accidental deaths in Illinois
- United States Army soldiers
- Democratic Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Illinois
- 20th-century American legislators
- Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in 1972
- Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in the United States
- 20th-century African-American politicians
- African-American men in politics
- African-American United States Army personnel
- 20th-century Illinois politicians
- Northwestern University alumni