Clarence E. Kilburn
Clarence Evans Kilburn | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Malone, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 20, 1975 (aged 82) Malone, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, businessman, military officer |
| Known for | U.S. Representative from New York |
Clarence Evans Kilburn (April 13, 1893 – May 20, 1975) served as a Republican representative in the United States House of Representatives representing New York.
Kilburn was a native of Malone, New York, and completed his education at Cornell University in 1916. During World War I, he enlisted and underwent officer training at Madison Barracks, New York, receiving a commission as a second lieutenant in the Infantry. He was assigned to the 26th Infantry Regiment within the 1st Infantry Division in France. After his overseas service, Kilburn returned to the United States and took on the role of trench mortar instructor before being discharged with the rank of captain in 1919.
Following his military career, Kilburn initially engaged in business with a Malone-based ice cream and candy wholesale firm, subsequently shifting his focus to banking. By 1930, he had ascended to the presidency of the People's Trust Co. located in Malone and held a position on the board of directors for Marine Midland Trust Company of Northern New York.
Kilburn entered Congress in 1940 via a special election to fill a vacancy and maintained his seat until 1965. Known as one of the more conservative figures among New York's Republican congressional delegation, he endorsed foreign aid initiatives but opposed significant civil rights legislation. Notably, he voted against both the Civil Rights Acts of 1957 and 1964—the latter vote distinguishing him from other New York representatives. He abstained from voting on the Civil Rights Act of 1960 as well as on the ratification of the Twenty-fourth Amendment.
He passed away in Malone and was interred at Morningside Cemetery. Clarence Kilburn was the son of Frederick D. Kilburn, who served as a New York State Senator.