Sam Ervin

Date of Birth: September 27, 1896

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: April 23, 1985

Biography

Samuel James Ervin Jr., widely known as Sam Ervin, was a prominent American politician and lawyer from North Carolina. Born in Morganton, North Carolina, Ervin gained national fame for his role as the chairman of the Senate Watergate Committee during the Watergate scandal that ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. A Democrat, Ervin served as a United States Senator from North Carolina from 1954 to 1974. Known for his wit, legal acumen, and staunch defense of the U.S. Constitution, Ervin was a significant figure in 20th-century American politics. Before his Senate career, he served as a judge and was a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. A decorated World War I veteran, Ervin’s legal and political career spanned several decades, during which he was known for his opposition to civil rights legislation, though he later became a fierce advocate for civil liberties.

5 Interesting Facts about Sam Ervin

1. Ervin was a decorated World War I veteran, earning the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, and two Purple Hearts.

2. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Harvard Law School.

3. Sam Ervin was known for his folksy demeanor and often described himself as “just an ol’ country lawyer.”

4. He played a crucial role in the censure of Senator Joseph McCarthy in 1954.

5. Ervin authored several books, including “Preserving the Constitution” and “Humor of a Country Lawyer.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sam Ervin

1. “I’m just an ol’ country lawyer from North Carolina.”

2. “If the many allegations made to this date are true, then the burglars who broke into the Democratic National Committee Headquarters at the Watergate were, in effect, breaking into the home of every citizen of the United States.”

3. “A government that is big enough to give you everything you want is also big enough to take away everything you have.”

4. “The Constitution was not written in the sands to be washed away by each wave of new judges blown in by each successive political wind.”

5. “When I was a boy, I was told that anybody could become President; I’m beginning to believe it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Sam Ervin’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as he was known more for his public service than personal wealth. However, his net worth was estimated to be modest, in line with his reputation as a humble public servant.

Children

Sam Ervin had three children with his wife, Margaret Bruce Bell: 1. Samuel J. Ervin III – Became a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. 2. Laura Powe Ervin – Details about her life are less publicly documented. 3. Margaret Ervin Brown – Details about her life are less publicly documented.