George J. Bates

Who was George J. Bates?

George Joseph Bates was a member of the United States House of Representatives from the state of Massachusetts. Born in Salem, Massachusetts, he served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives 1918-1924. Bates was then elected Mayor of Salem in 1924 at the age of 33. He served as mayor until 1937, at which time he was sworn in as a Republican member of the House in the 75th Congress. He was re-elected six times.

Bates died in the crash of Eastern Air Lines Flight 537 in Washington, D.C. in 1949. He was replaced in the House by his son, William Henry Bates. He was buried at St. Mary's Cemetery in Salem. Bates Elementary School in Salem is named after George J. Bates and his son.