Bernard E. Epton papers

Biography/Profile

Born in the early 1920s, Bernard Epton grew up in Chicago, attending Northwestern, the University of Chicago and DePaul University Law School. During World War II, Epton joined the United States Air Forces, a division of the U.S. Army, rising to rank of captain and flying 25 missions over Europe. For his service in the war, Epton recieved twelve awards, including two Distinguished Flying Crosses. After returning from the war, Epton became a senior member of the law firm Epton, Mullin, Segal & Druth.

Epton also became involved in Illinois politics, serving as a State Representative for the 24th District for 14 years. As a legislator, he was named "Best Legislator" by the Independent Voters of Illinois. In 1983, Epton ran for the mayoralty of Chicago as a Republican. In the general election he faced Democrat Harold Washington, a leading African-American politician. When the Democratic Machine of Richard J. Daley broke ranks and supported the white Epton over his black Democratic opponent, the campaign became mired in racial controversy. Despite the white-backlash vote, however, Washington managed to win the election and became the first African-American mayor in Chicago history.

In addition to politics, Epton was involved in a number of local and charitable organizations, including the Jane Dent Home for the Aged, the American Cancer Society, the Illinois Hospital Association, the President's Council of St. Xavier College, the VFW, and the South Shore Lions Club.