William Aloysius Barrett

Democrat Representative of Pennsylvania's 1st district

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 1, 1896 (80 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1976

Death

Served as a U.S. Representative for over 30 years
Born to Irish immigrants and was one of fourteen children
Worked as an apprentice boilermaker and welder before pursuing education in law and real estate
Married with four children and fifteen grandchildren at the time of his death
Began his political career with local politics, including unsuccessful bids for Philadelphia City Council and a legislative aide role
Elected to Congress after initially losing, served from 1945 to 1947 and then from 1949 until his death in 1976
Known as a mainstream liberal Democrat
Became chairman of the Housing Subcommittee of the Banking, Currency and Housing, contributing significantly to housing legislation
Supported civil rights, voting for several Civil Rights Acts and introduced legislation to designate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday as a public holiday
Opposed abortion, introducing a constitutional amendment to outlaw it
Renowned for his devotion to constituents, often flying back to Philadelphia daily to meet with them
Built a strong political organization in Philadelphia, making it difficult for Republicans to challenge him
Received a vote for the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 1972 despite not seeking the office
Died in office from pneumonia, was posthumously renominated by Philadelphia voters for reelection
Buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon, Pennsylvania