William Stratton
William Grant Stratton (February 26, 1914 – March 2, 2001),[3][4] known as "Billy the Kid", was the 32nd Governor of Illinois from 1953 to 1961, succeeding Adlai Stevenson II in that office.
William Grant Stratton | |
---|---|
![]() | |
32nd Governor of Illinois | |
In office January 12, 1953[1] – January 9, 1961 | |
Lieutenant | John William Chapman |
Preceded by | Adlai E. Stevenson II |
Succeeded by | Otto Kerner, Jr. |
Illinois State Treasurer | |
In office January 8, 1951 – January 12, 1953 | |
Preceded by | Ora Smith |
Succeeded by | Elmer J. Hoffman |
In office January 11, 1943 – January 8, 1945 | |
Preceded by | Warren E. Wright |
Succeeded by | Conrad F. Becker |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's at-large district | |
In office January 3, 1947 – January 3, 1949 | |
Preceded by | Emily Taft Douglas |
Succeeded by | At-large seat abolished |
In office January 3, 1941 – January 3, 1943 | |
Preceded by | John C. Martin & Thomas V. Smith |
Succeeded by | Stephen A. Day |
Personal details | |
Born | Ingleside, Illinois | February 26, 1914
Died | March 2, 2001 Chicago, Illinois | (aged 87)
Resting place | Rosehill Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse(s) | Shirley Stratton |
Residence | Chicago, Illinois |
Alma mater | University of Arizona |
Occupation | Politician |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Branch/service | United States Navy |
Years of service | 1945–46[2] |
Rank | Lieutenant |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Stratton was born on February 26, 1914 in Ingleside, Lake County, Illinois.
He won the Republican nomination for Governor in 1952, then defeated Lt. Governor Sherwood Dixon to become the youngest governor in America at that time.
Stratton was re-elected Governor in 1956. In 1960 he ran for an unprecedented third consecutive term, but was defeated by Democrat Otto Kerner, Jr.
Stratton was acquitted on charges of tax evasion in 1965.[5] In 1968, he ran in the Republican primary for Governor and was defeated by Richard B. Ogilvie.
Stratton died on March 2, 2001 from natural causes in Chicago, Illinois from natural causes, aged 87.
References
change- ↑ Illinois Blue Book 1959–60. Springfield, Illinois: Illinois Secretary of State.[permanent dead link]
- ↑ "STRATTON, William Grant, (1914–2001)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
- ↑ "William G. Stratton, 87, Illinois' 32nd governor..." Chicago Tribune. March 11, 2001. Retrieved June 29, 2011.
- ↑ "William Stratton; Illinois Governor, 87". The New York Times. March 5, 2001. Retrieved June 29, 2011.
- ↑ Stratton cleared of tax dodge