Edward J. Barrett (politician)

Edward J. Barrett (March 10, 1900 – April 4, 1977) was an American politician.

Not to be confused with Edward J. Barrett.
Edward J. Barrett
Cook County Clerk
In office
1955–1973
Preceded byRichard J. Daley
Succeeded byStanley Kusper
Illinois Secretary of State
In office
1945–1953
GovernorDwight H. Green
Adlai Stevenson II
Preceded byRichard Yates Rowe
Succeeded byCharles F. Carpentier
Illinois Auditor of Public Accounts
In office
1933–1941
Preceded byOscar Nelson
Succeeded byArthur C. Lueder
Illinois Treasurer
In office
1931–1933
GovernorLouis L. Emmerson
Henry Horner
Preceded byOmer N. Custer
Succeeded byJohn C. Martin
Personal details
Born(1900-03-10)March 10, 1900
Chicago, Illinois
DiedApril 4, 1977(1977-04-04) (aged 77)
Veterans Administration Hospital Lakeside, Chicago, Illinois
Political partyDemocratic
Alma materMayo College of Commerce
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceArmy
Years of service1917–1920
Battles/warsWorld War I

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Barrett served in the United States Army during World War I in Europe from 1917 to 1920. He then went to Spaulding Institute and then received his bachelor's degree from Mayo College of Commerce. He worked in advertising and sales and was involved in organized labor in Chicago.

In 1932, he was elected Illinois Treasurer as a Democrat. In 1934, Barrett was elected Illinois Auditor of Public Accounts and served until 1940.

In 1941, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served as Sergeant in the South Pacific during World War II.[1]

In 1942, he ran unsuccessfully for Illinois Treasurer. In 1944, Barrett was elected Illinois Secretary of State. Reelected in 1948, he served until after his defeat in 1952.[1]

In 1955, Barrett was appointed Cook County Clerk to replace Richard J. Daley who was elected Mayor of Chicago. Barrett served until 1973, when was convicted of bribery, mail fraud, and income tax evasion. He was sentenced to three years in prison and fined $15,000 dollars, but was allowed house arrest because of ill health. Barrett died at Veterans Administration Hospital Lakeside, in Chicago, Illinois at age 77.[2][3][4]

Notes
  1. "Illinois Voters Elect Sergeant Secy. Of State - Marine Corps Chevron, 18 November 1944, page 3". historicperiodicals.princeton.edu. Marine Corps Chevron – Princeton University Library. Retrieved 7 January 2017.
  2. Illinois Blue Book 1951-1952, Biographical Sketch of Edward J. Barrett, pg. 125
  3. Edward Barrett, longtime Democratic power, dies", Chicago Tribune, April 5, 1977, pg. 1-2
  4. Court Lister: United States vs. Edward J. Barrett


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