Adlai Stevenson II

Profession: US Governor and Presidential Candidate

Nationality:

Biography: Adlai Ewing Stevenson II was an American politician and diplomat who served as United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 1961 until his death in 1965. As a Democrat, he also served as the governor of Illinois and ran for the presidency twice, being bested on both occasions by Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was the grandson of Adlai Stevenson I, the 23rd vice president of the United States.

Stevenson grew up in Bloomington, Illinois, where he began his lifelong affiliation with the Democratic Party. In the 1930s and 1940s, Stevenson worked in several federal government roles, including the Agricultural Adjustment Administration, Federal Alcohol Administration, Department of the Navy, and the State Department. He was instrumental in the formation of the United Nations in 1945.

In his role as governor of Illinois from 1949 to 1953, Stevenson focused on state police reform, anti-gambling measures, and infrastructure improvements. He championed efforts to cleanse the state government of corruption and advocated for constitutional reform but was often met with resistance from the state legislature.

Although Stevenson was unsuccessful in his presidential bids in 1952 and 1956, these elections elevated his profile nationally. Noted for his intellect, eloquence, and sharp wit, he also sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1960 but was not selected.

President John F. Kennedy, however, would subsequently appoint him U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, a position he held through major international crises, including the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis, until his death in London in 1965 from a heart attack at the age of 65.

Before his political ascent, Stevenson pursued a career in law, earning his degree from Princeton University and a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law. He practiced in Chicago, engaging in various civic activities. He married Ellen Borden, with whom he had three sons, but the couple divorced in 1949.

Born: February 5, 1900
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA

Generation: Lost Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Aquarius

Died: July 14, 1965 (aged 65)
Cause of Death: Heart failure