Who Is Byron De La Beckwith? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Byron De La Beckwith was born on November 9, 1920, making him 105 years old as of 2025. He is known as an American white supremacist and Klansman, infamous for the assassination of civil rights leader Medgar Evers in 1963. This heinous act led to his arrest and subsequent conviction, marking a dark chapter in American history regarding racial violence. Beckwith's legacy remains a contemporary conversation point regarding race relations in the United States.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 9, 1920 |
| Age | 80 Years |
| Birth Place | Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 21 January, 2001 |
| Died Place | Jackson, Mississippi, U.S. |
Popularity
Byron De La Beckwith's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific statistics on Byron De La Beckwith's height and weight are not extensively documented, historical accounts suggest he had a typical build for men of his time. His physical presence, however, was overshadowed by his notorious actions, which have defined his legacy more than his physical attributes.
- Height: Approx. 5'10"
- Weight: Approx. 180 lbs
- Body Measurements: Not applicable as public records focus primarily on his criminal activities.
In January 1942, soon after the United States entered World War II, De La Beckwith enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served as a machine gunner in the Pacific theater. He fought in the Battle of Guadalcanal and was shot in the waist during the Battle of Tarawa. He was honorably discharged in August 1945.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Byron De La Beckwith was married to Mary Elizabeth Beckwith. Together, they had three children. There is little public information regarding his dating life apart from his marriage, but it is known that his family faced significant scrutiny and stigma due to his actions. As his legacy primarily focuses on his criminal undertakings, personal relationships often take a backseat in historical discourse.
His father died of pneumonia when he was 5 years old. One year later, he and his mother settled in Greenwood, Mississippi, to be near her family. His mother died of lung cancer when De La Beckwith was 12 years old, leaving him orphaned. He was raised by his maternal uncle William Greene Yerger and his wife.
They supported De La Beckwith in his educational studies, including one year at The Webb School.
Net Worth and Salary
Byron De La Beckwith's financial situation has not been widely publicized in modern contexts. However, it is evident that his actions have overshadowed any discussions around earnings or net worth. His legal battles and subsequent incarceration likely impacted any financial stability he might have had. As of 2025, he is not known for significant investments or wealth.
- Net Worth: Undetermined
- Salary: Not applicable due to his incarceration and lack of ongoing earnings.
Career, Business, and Investments
De La Beckwith's career was notably marred by his criminal activity. Prior to his infamy, he held various jobs, but none are especially documented as contributing positively to society. His main notoriety is derived from his role in the assassination of Medgar Evers and his subsequent trials, which captured national attention.
- Occupation: Klansman, murderer
- Business Ventures: None reported
Social Network
Byron De La Beckwith was not known for any active social media presence, especially given that he was a historical figure whose actions have shaped public perception of racial violence in America. Interested parties can learn more through documentaries, historical texts, and online articles detailing his life and the impact of his actions.
* Where Is the Voice Coming From? (1963), a short story by Eudora Welty, was published in The New Yorker on July 6, 1963. Welty, who was from Jackson, Mississippi, later said: "Whoever the murderer is, I know him: not his identity, but his coming about, in this time and place.
That is, I ought to have learned by now, from here, what such a man, intent on such a deed, had going on in his mind. I wrote his story—my fiction—in the first person: about that character's point of view." It was published before De La Beckwith's arrest.
So accurate was her portrayal that the magazine changed several details in the story before publication for legal reasons.
Education
Details regarding Byron De La Beckwith's educational background are scarce. Though local accounts suggest he received a basic education, it is clear that his ideologies were largely influenced by the societal norms of the time rather than a formal ideological or academic framework.
De La Beckwith worked as a salesman for most of his life, selling tobacco, fertilizer, wood stoves, and other goods. In 1954, following the United States Supreme Court ruling in Brown v.
Board of Education that segregated public schools were unconstitutional, he joined his local White Citizens' Council, which opposed desegregation of schools and businesses. In many areas they threatened and intimidated African Americans working for civil rights, including by economic means.
He also became a member of the Ku Klux Klan, another white supremacist organization.
Conclusion
The life of Byron De La Beckwith serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles against racial hatred and violence in America. As we look towards the future, his legacy prompts critical discussions about race, justice, and the importance of community vigilance against extremist ideologies. As we reflect on figures like Beckwith, it becomes crucial to educate future generations to foster understanding and prevent the recurrence of such atrocities.
