George K. Favrot

George Kent Favrot (November 26, 1868 – December 26, 1934) was a U.S. Representative from Louisiana.

George K. Favrot
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 6th district
In office March 4, 1907 – March 3, 1909
Preceded by	Samuel Matthews Robertson
Succeeded by	Robert Charles Wickliffe
In office March 4, 1921 – March 3, 1925
Preceded by	Jared Young Sanders
Succeeded by	Bolivar E. Kemp
Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives
In office 1912=1916
Personal details
Born	November 26, 1868 Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Died	December 26, 1934 (aged 66) Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Political party	Democratic

Born in Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, Favrot attended the public schools and was graduated from Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge in 1888 and from the law department of Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1890. He was admitted to the bar in 1890 and commenced practice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He served as district attorney of the twenty-second judicial district of Louisiana 1892-1896. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1896. He served as delegate at large to the State constitutional convention in 1898. He again served as district attorney 1900-1904. He served as district judge 1904-1906.

Favrot was elected as a Democrat to the Sixtieth Congress (March 4, 1907 – March 3, 1909). He was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1908. He served as member of the State house of representatives 1912-1916. He resumed the practice of law in Baton Rouge.

Favrot was elected to the Sixty-seventh and Sixty-eighth Congresses (March 4, 1921 – March 3, 1925). He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1924 to the Sixty-ninth Congress. He returned to the practice of law in Baton Rouge.

Favrot was elected judge of division B of the nineteenth judicial district court in 1926 and served until his death in Baton Rouge December 26, 1934. He was interred in Roselawn Memorial Park.

Killing of Dr. R. H. Aldrich

On the evening of November 6, 1906, in Baton Rouge, George K. Favrot fatally shot Dr. Robert H. Aldrich, who had been a "lifelong friend".[1] Dr. Aldrich had purportedly slandered Favrot’s wife at a party to celebrate Favrot's election to Congress.[1][2] Favrot ambushed his quarry as the doctor was entering the lobby of the Raymond Building, where Dr. Aldrich maintained his offices. Favrot fired three shots, killing Dr. Aldrich.

Favrot turned himself in to his friends Deputy Sheriff Milligan and his running-mate and current District Attorney Hubert Wax. Favrot was placed in jail for five months while two separate Grand Juries debated the charges against him, however, he was released after both Grand Juries refused to indict.[3] He was being represented by his friend and fellow Judge Thomas J. Kernan. His defense was purported to be based on an ‘unwritten law’ about the slandering of one’s wife and had been presented by his lawyer at the last annual meeting of the American Bar Association, who argued in favor of recognition of this ‘principle’. While Favrot served five months in jail awaiting the Grand Jury’s determination, Congress kept his seat open.[4]

References

1. "George K. Favrot Leaves His Cell", Los Angeles Herald, Los Angeles, Associated Press, 34 (193), p. 1, 12 April 1907
2. "Congressman-elect To Be Tried For Murder", Brooklyn Daily Eagle, p. 21, 11 February 1907
3. "Congressman Favrot Free", New York Times, New York, LVI (17975), p. 1, 12 April 1907
4. "Congressman-elect Kills a Physician", New York Times, LVI, p. 6, 8 November 1906

• United States Congress. "George K. Favrot (id: F000048)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.