Tom Bevill

Tom Bevill
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Alabama's 4th district
In office
January 3, 1973  January 3, 1997
Preceded by Bill Nichols
Succeeded by Robert Aderholt
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Alabama's 7th district
In office
January 3, 1967  January 3, 1973
Preceded by James D. Martin
Succeeded by Walter Flowers
Member of the Alabama Legislature
In office
1958–1966
Personal details
Born March 27, 1921
Townley, Alabama
Died March 28, 2005(2005-03-28) (aged 84)
Jasper, Alabama
Political party Democratic

Tom Bevill (March 27, 1921 – March 28, 2005), a Democratic fifteen-term U.S. congressman who represented Alabama's 4th Congressional District and Alabama's 7th congressional district from 1967 to 1997.

Early years and education

Bevill was born in Townley, Alabama, on March 27, 1921. He attended Walker County High School, the University of Alabama School of Commerce and Business Administration, and the University of Alabama School of Law. Bevill was an initiate of the Gamma Alpha Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha at UA. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He also privately practiced law.[1]

Political career

In 1958 Bevill was elected to the Alabama Legislature, serving there until his election to Congress in 1966. In Congress, Bevill was known for securing federal money and development projects for his district. This earned him the nickname "The King of Pork", a term which he actually turned into a positive. After fifteen terms in Congress, he retired in 1997.[1] Bevill is also credited with answering the world's very first 911 emergency call.[2]

Personal life

Bevill died on March 28, 2005 in Jasper, Alabama, the day after his 84th birthday. He had been in declining health for several years due to heart problems.[1]

His son Don Bevill ran for his old seat in 1998.[3] He lost 56%-44% to Republican successor Robert Aderholt.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Estrada, Louie (March 31, 2005). "Rep. Tom Bevill, 84; Alabama Democrat". Washington Post. Retrieved January 18, 2011.
  2. "Town Marks E-911 Anniversary". TimesDaily. February 17, 1993. Retrieved January 18, 2011.
  3. "House Races to Watch, and Why". The Washington Post. June 8, 1998.
United States House of Representatives
Preceded by
James D. Martin
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Alabama's 7th congressional district

19671973
Succeeded by
Walter Flowers
Preceded by
Bill Nichols
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Alabama's 4th congressional district

19731997
Succeeded by
Robert Aderholt
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