Everett Dirksen was born in Perkin, Tazewell County, Illinois, on 4th January, 1896. During the First World War Dirksen served on the Western Front. By the end of the war Dirksen had reached the rank of second lieutenant of the Field Artillery.

After the war Dirksen worked as general manager of a dredging company. He also studied law and after qualifying he commenced practice in Perking, Illinois.

A member of the Republican Party, Dirksen was elected to Congress in March, 1933. He was Republican whip (1957-1959) and minority leader (1959-1969).

Everett Dirksen died on 9th September, 1969.