Everett Dirksen

About

Republican who represented Illinois from 1951 to 1969 in the Senate. He notably helped write the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Open Housing Act of 1968.

Before Fame

He rose from the life of abean farmer to a University of Minnesota Law School student, and later became a World War I military man.

Trivia

He was a strong supporter of the Vietnam War, and his oratorical style earned him the nickname 'The Wizard of Ooze.'

Family Life

His son-in-law is Senator Howard Baker of Tennessee.

Associated With

He played a prominent role in aiding the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.