Name Edward Barrett | Role Illinois politician | |
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Edward J. Barrett (March 10, 1900 – April 4, 1977) was an American politician.
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 and was 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 in the South Pacific during World War II. In 1944, Barrett was elected Illinois Secretary of State and served until his defeat in 1952.
In 1955, Barrett was appointed Cook County, Illinois Clerk to replace Richard J. Daley who was elected Mayor of Chicago. In 1973, Barrett was convicted of bribery, mail fraud, and income tax evasion. He was sentenced to house arrest because of ill health. Barrett died at Veterans Administration Hospital Lakeside, in Chicago, Illinois.