Large certificate with black lettering and border, and red lines. Certificate was awarded to James K. Chelos by the Governor of Illinois, Adlai E. Stevenson, certifying Chelos "was duly elected an Associate Judge of the Municipal Court of Chicago and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfill the duties of taht office according to law." On December 2, 1952, the gold seal of the State of Illinois was affixed to the certificate and was signed by the Edward Barrett (Secretary of State) and Adlai E. Stevenson (Governor of Illinois).

Born in Tripolis, Greece. Attended grammar and high school there and immigrate to the US in 1912. He graduated from the Chicago Law School, in Chicago, IL and was admitted to the Bar in June 1932 and engaged in the general practice of law in Chicago.

In 1933 he was appointed Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago and held that position for over 19 years. He was elected an Associate Judge of the Municipal Court of Chicago in Nov. 1952 and 1958. He was elected an Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County in 1964. He was not only the first Greek-American judge, but the first Greek-American to be elected to public office.

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