Eastland, James O.

Eastland, James O. (Oliver)

(1904–86) U.S. senator; born in Doddsville, Miss. A wealthy cotton planter, he was originally appointed to the U.S. Senate but was thereafter reelected (Dem., Miss.; 1943–78). A fervid anti-communist, he served as chairman of the Internal Security Subcommittee, attacking alleged subversives in the Civil Rights movement, education, and the arts. As chairman of the Judiciary Committee, he opposed Civil Rights legislation.

The Cambridge Dictionary of American Biography, by John S. Bowman. Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995. Reproduced with permission.