Adelard L. Brault

Adelard Lionel "Abe" Brault (April 6, 1909 – February 13, 2007) was an attorney, member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and Virginia State Senator.[1]

Early life and education

One of five children of Ernest and Mary R. Brault, Brault was born in Winsted, Connecticut and attended Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., graduating on June 17, 1927.[2] He then attended Columbus University, graduating in 1933 with a Bachelor of Laws degree, and was admitted to the bar that same year.[3][4]

Brault married the former Clarice L. Covington and the couple would have three children: son Adelard Jr. and daughters Nancy and Mary.

Career

Brault practiced law in Washington for nine years before joining the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following the war, Brault practiced briefly in Richmond before moving to Fairfax.

In 1952, Brault set up practice as a sole practitioner in Fairfax. For a time he was partners with John C. Wood and John C. Testerman. The firm he founded is now known as Brault Palmer Grove Steinhilber & Robbins.

In 1962, Brault was elected president of the Fairfax Bar Association.

That same year, Brault was appointed supervisor for the Providence District by Judge Paul E. Brown when James Keith left the board to seek election to the recently incorporated Fairfax City Council.[5]

Brault next sought election to the Virginia State Senate, declaring his candidacy on December 7, 1964.[6] Brault joined State Senator Omer L. Hirst on the Democratic slate of candidates following the July 1965 primary.[7]

Initially appearing to lose his Senate bid to Republican William L. Scott by a 35-vote margin in the November 2 election, Brault requested a recount, which resulted instead in his 21-vote victory over Scott.[8][9]

Awards and Honors

Brault was named the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce's "Man of the Year" in 1975.

The Brault Building on the Annandale campus of Northern Virginia Community College was named in his honor.

In 1991, the Dulles Toll Road was renamed the Omer L. Hirst – Adelard L. Brault Expressway.

References

  1. ↑ Bernstein, Adam. "Adelard L. 'Abe' Brault, 97; Influential N.Va. Senator." Washington Post. The Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2007. Web. 15 May 2014.
  2. ↑ "53 GIVEN DIPLOMAS AT GONZAGA SCHOOL GRADUATION RITES." The Washington Post (1923-1954): 20. Jun 18 1927. ProQuest. Web. 15 May 2014.
  3. ↑ "DEGREES GIVEN 108 FROM COLUMBUS U." The Washington Post (1923-1954): 5. Jun 08 1933. ProQuest. Web. 15 May 2014
  4. ↑ "District Bar Examination is Passed by 356." The Washington Post (1923-1954): 21. Sep 01 1933. ProQuest. Web. 15 May 2014.
  5. ↑ "Adelard L. Brault is Appointed County Supervisor in Fairfax." The Washington Post, Times Herald (1959-1973): 1. Jun 01 1962. ProQuest. Web. 15 May 2014.
  6. ↑ Tuck, Lon. "Brault is First to Seek Seat in North Virginia." The Washington Post, Times Herald (1959-1973): 1. Dec 08 1964. ProQuest. Web. 15 May 2014.
  7. ↑ Carper, Elsie. "Hirst Gets Commanding Lead in Democratic Senate Contest." The Washington Post, Times Herald (1959-1973): 1. Jul 14 1965. ProQuest. Web. 15 May 2014.
  8. ↑ "Brault Seeks Recount in Fairfax Senate Vote." The Washington Post, Times Herald (1959-1973): 1. Nov 13 1965. ProQuest. Web. 15 May 2014.
  9. ↑ Boyd, Kenneth M. "Brault Wins Seat in Vote Recount." The Washington Post, Times Herald (1959-1973): 1. Dec 19 1965. ProQuest. Web. 15 May 2014.
Preceded by
James Keith
Supervisor from the Providence District
1962 – 1964
Succeeded by
John L. Beerman