Harris Rowe

Frederick Harris Rowe (November 10, 1923 – September 8, 2013) was an American politician, businessman, and lawyer who served as a Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives. In 1966, he ran unsuccessfully as his party's nominee for Illinois state treasurer.

Harris Rowe
official portrait, 1961
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 49th district
In office 1961–1967
Jacksonville, Illinois Alderman
In office ???
Personal details
Born	(1923-11-10)November 10, 1923 Jacksonville, Illinois, U.S.
Died	September 8, 2013(2013-09-08) (aged 89) Jacksonville, Illinois, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Alice Mary Crabtree ​ ​ (m. 1954; died 2012)​
Parent	Richard Yates Rowe (father)
Alma mater	Illinois College Northwestern University School of Law
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	Army Air Forces
Battles/wars	World War II

Early life, military service, education, and career

Rowe was born in 1923^[1] in Jacksonville, Illinois. His father was Richard Yates Rowe who served as Illinois state treasurer and Illinois secretary of state and who unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for governor in 1952. Rowe graduated from Jacksonville High School. He then served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He thereafter received his bachelor's degree from Illinois College and his law degree from Northwestern University School of Law.^[2]

Rowe was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1950, practicing law in Jacksonville as well as working for his family's insurance company. He became an executive at the company. He also was president of the local Kiwanis Club, chairman of the Morgan County Polio Foundation.^[1]

Political career

A Republican, he entered politics and served as an alderman (city councilor) on the Jacksonville City Council for eight years,^[1][2] and became chairman of the Morgan County Republican Central Committee. He also was president of the local Kiwanis Club, chairman of the Morgan County Polio Foundation.^[1]

Rowe served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1961 to 1967,^[2] being one of three representatives from Illinois' 49th district.^[1]

Rowe was the Republican candidate for Illinois state treasurer in 1966, narrowly losing to Adlai Stevenson III by 39,655 votes out of 3.7 million votes cast.

Personal life and death

Rowe married his wife, Alice Mary Crabtree, on December 22, 1954.^[2] They both had four daughters, Sally, Mary, Millie, and Julie.^[2]

Rowe was a member of Jacksonville's First Presbyterian Church. He was a freemason, as well as a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, American Legion, and AMVETS.^[1]

Rowe died in Jacksonville, Illinois, at the age of 89.^[2]