Richard J. Barr
Headshot of Barr from The Broad Ax
Member of the Illinois State Senate from the 41st district
In office
1903–1951
Preceded byDistrict created
Succeeded byLottie Holman O'Neill
Personal details
Born
Richard James Barr

(1865-11-28)November 28, 1865
Wilton Center, Illinois
DiedJune 11, 1951(1951-06-11) (aged 85)
Joliet, Illinois
Political partyRepublican
ChildrenWilliam G. Barr
Education
OccupationLawyer, politician

Richard James Barr (November 28, 1865 – June 11, 1951) was an American politician and lawyer.

Biography

Born in Wilton Center, Will County, Illinois, Barr went to University of Illinois and then received his law degree from University of Michigan Law School. He was admitted to the Illinois bar and practiced law in Joliet, Illinois. He served as Joliet city attorney and was mayor of Joliet.

The 41st district was created by the 1901 reapportionment process and included DuPage and Will counties. Barr was elected to represent this district in the 1902 general election. From 1903 until 1951, Barr served in the Illinois State Senate and was a Republican. As the legislature was never reapportioned during his time, Barr would represent this district as-is for his entire tenure.[1][2] Previously, Will County was in the 25th district.[3]

In the 1903 Joliet mayoral election, Democratic candidate William C. Crollus defeated Barr's reelection effort.[4] He served as the president pro tempore of the Illinois Senate during the 53rd, 54th, and 55th General Assemblies.[5] Barr died in a hospital in Joliet, Illinois.[6] He died in June 11, 1951.[7] His son William G. Barr also served in the Illinois General Assembly.[8]

References

  1. ^ James Langland, M.A. (1920). The Chicago Daily News Almanac and Year-Book for 1921. Chicago: The Chicago Daily News Company.
  2. ^ Devine, Michael J. "State Politics". Encyclopedia of Chicago.
  3. ^ "Senatorial District Maps". Illinois Blue Book 1897-1898. Springfield, Illinois: Illinois Secretary of State. p. 304. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  4. ^ "ILLINOIS TOWN ELECTIONS.: Municipal Tickets Chosen on Variety of Issues Throughout State Yesterday". Chicago Tribune. April 22, 1903. p. 3.
  5. ^ White, Jesse (ed.). "Roster of Government Officials". Illinois Blue Book 2021-2022 (PDF). p. 369. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 17, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  6. ^ Illinois Blue Book 1949-1950, Biographical Sketch of Richard J. Barr, pg. 215
  7. ^ "Services Held in Joliet Today For Richard J. Barr". The Farmers Weekly Review. June 13, 1951. p. 1. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  8. ^ Heise, Kenan (February 27, 1987). "Lawmaker, Real Estate Developer William Barr". Chicago Tribune. p. 30. Retrieved July 5, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.


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