Tom Bevill

Tom Donald Fike Bevill (March 27, 1921 – March 28, 2005) was a Democratic fifteen-term U.S. congressman who represented Alabama's 4th Congressional District and Alabama's 7th congressional district from 1967 to 1997.[1]

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	Tom Donald Fike Bevill March 27, 1921 Townley, Alabama, U.S.
Died	March 28, 2005(2005-03-28) (aged 84) Jasper, Alabama, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	University of Alabama

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.[2]

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.[3] 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.[2] Bevill is also credited with answering the world's very first 911 emergency call.[4]

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.[2]

His son Don Bevill ran for his old seat in 1998.[5] He lost 56%-44% to his father's Republican successor Robert Aderholt.

References

1. "Little River Canyon has $16 million economic impact on Alabama" Alabama NewsCenter. Retrieved 2017-02-02.
2. Estrada, Louie (March 31, 2005). "Rep. Tom Bevill, 84; Alabama Democrat". Washington Post. Retrieved January 18, 2011.
3. "Conversation leads to I-22 back story" Daily Mountain Eagle. Retrieved 2017-02-02.
4. "Town Marks E-911 Anniversary". TimesDaily. February 17, 1993. Retrieved January 18, 2011.
5. "House Races to Watch, and Why". The Washington Post. June 8, 1998.

External links

• United States Congress. "Tom Bevill (id: B000431)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• Appearances on C-SPAN

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by James D. Martin	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 7th congressional district 1967–1973	Succeeded by Walter Flowers
Preceded by Bill Nichols	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 4th congressional district 1973–1997	Succeeded by Robert Aderholt