15 Facts About Eugene Sawyer

Eugene Sawyer served for the remainder of the term, from December 2,1987 until April 24,1989.

Eugene Sawyer attended Alabama State University, where he joined the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

Eugene Sawyer graduated from Alabama State in 1956 with bachelor's degree in chemistry.

Eugene Sawyer had a brief stint as a chemistry and mathematics teacher in Prentiss, Mississippi, before moving to Chicago to do laboratory work in 1957.

Shortly after moving to Chicago, Eugene Sawyer took a job in Chicago's Department of Water, where he worked from 1959 until 1971.

In February 1971, Eugene Sawyer was elected Alderman of Chicago's 6th ward.

In January 1988, Eugene Sawyer was able to get the council to approve legislation that broke the taxi monopoly in the city, something which Washington had been unable to do.

Eugene Sawyer helped spur private development of land surrounding O'Hare International Airport.

Eugene Sawyer reached an unprecedented four-year agreement with the firemen's union.

Eugene Sawyer was an active member of the Vernon Park Church of God in Chicago's Pill Hill neighborhood.

Eugene Sawyer was thanked in the 1989 movie Uncle Buck, which was filmed during the final months of his administration.

Eugene Sawyer died at age 73 on Saturday, January 19,2008, at approximately 11 PM after a series of strokes and other health setbacks over the previous month.

Eugene Sawyer was married to Veronica Smith-Eugene Sawyer from September 7,1996 until his death.

From 1955 until 1984, Eugene Sawyer was married to Eleanor Taylor.

In 2011, Roderick Eugene Sawyer was elected as 6th ward alderman, the same post which his father had held.