Fred J. Smith
Fred J. Smith | |
|---|---|
Smith, circa 1971 | |
| Member of the Illinois Senate | |
| In office 1956–1979 | |
| Constituency | 3rd district (1955–1963) 11th district (1963–1971) 22nd district (1971–1979) |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 3rd district | |
| In office 1943–1955 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Chattanooga, Tennessee or Kosse, Texas |
| Died | October 19, 1988 Chicago, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Margaret |
| Residence(s) | Chicago, Illinois |
| Alma mater | Roger Williams University Fisk University |
Fred J. Smith (July 4, 1899 – October 19, 1988) was an American state legislator in Illinois. He served numerous terms in the Illinois House and them the Illinois Senate.[1]
Early life
His date and place of birth are contended. According to his obituary Smith was born Chattanooga, Tennessee and born circa 1898 or 1899 being aged 89 at his death in 1988.[2] Another source claims that he was born April 14, 1892 on a farm near Kosse, Texas and both of his parents were enslaved.[3] The Journal of the Senate in 1989 says he was born in Chattanooga but on July 4, 1893.[4] The 1971 Illinois Blue Book listed his birth as being on July 4, 1899 in Chattanooga.[5]
Smith was educated in public schools in Chattanooga. He was further educated at the Christian Institute at Roger Williams University and at Fisk University.[5]
In 1930, he became a deputy clerk of the Municipal Court of Chicago, a job that he would hold through the 1970s.[5]
Political career
A Democrat, Smith was first elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1942 to serve the 3rd district and served from 1943 to 1955.[6]
He was elected to the Illinois Senate in 1954 serving from 1955 to 1979 representing the 3rd, then 11th and finally the 22nd districts.[6]
Personal life and death
Fisk was a catholic.[5] He was married to Margaret Smith who was also a member of the Illinois Senate.[2]
Smith died at his home in Illinois, on October 19, 1988, at the age of 89.[2]
References
- ^ Hebel, Jennifer (September 27, 2019). "African American Legislators in Illinois, 1876-2019" (PDF). Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Fred J Smith Obituary (October 22, 1988)". Chicago Tribune. October 22, 1988. p. 6. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
- ^ Williams, Erma Brooks (2008). Political Empowerment of Illinois' African-American State Lawmakers from 1877 to 2005. University Press of America. p. 18-19. ISBN 978-0-7618-4018-3. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
- ^ Senate, Illinois General Assembly (1989). "Journal of the Senate". General Assembly. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "Illinois Blue Book". State of Illinois. 1971. p. 151. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- ^ a b "African American Legislators in Illinois 1876-2005" (PDF). Illinois General Assembly Legislative Research Unit. February 2006. Retrieved July 28, 2023.