A. Andrew Torrence

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A. Andrew Torrence (June 8, 1902 – April 8, 1940) was an American lawyer and politician.[1]

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Torrence went to University of Detroit, Central YMCA College, Northwestern University School of Law, and University of Chicago Law School. He practiced law in Chicago, Illinois and taught public speaking at the University of Chicago Law School. Torrence was an African-American and a Republican. From 1939 until his death in 1940, Torrence served in the Illinois House of Representatives. Torrence was stabbed and shot by Cecil Woodward, an African-American, in a campaign headquarters the day before the Illinois Primary Election. Woodward was upset about losing a precinct captain position. Woodward later died suddenly while being questioned in the state's attorney's office.[2][3]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Williams, Erma Brooks (2008). Political Empowerment of Illinois' African-American State Lawmakers from 1877 to 2005. ISBN 9780761840183.
  2. ^ 'Illinois Blue Book 1939-1940,' Biographical Sketch of A. Andrew Torrence, pg. 151
  3. ^ 'Chicagoan Dies After Killing of Negro Legislator,' Daily Hawk Eye Gazette (Burlington, Iowa), April 8, 1940, pg. 12