Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Sam Rayburn

Role / Field:

Long-serving American politician and three-time Speaker of the U.S. House.

Born:

1882-01-06

Died:

1961-11-16

Century / Era:

1882s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Samuel Taliaferro Rayburn (January 6, 1882 – November 16, 1961) was an American politician who served as the 43rd speaker of the United States House of Representatives. He was a three-time House speaker, former House majority leader, two-time House minority leader, and a 25-term congressman, representing Texas's 4th congressional district as a Democrat from 1913 to 1961. He holds the record for the longest tenure as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, serving for over 17 years (among his three separate tenures). Born in Roane County, Tennessee, Rayburn moved with his family to Windom, Texas, in 1887.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Sam T. Rayburn graduated from East Texas Normal College, Class of 1903. After a period as a school teacher, Rayburn won election to the Texas House of Representatives and graduated from the University of Texas School of Law. He won election to the United States House of Representatives in 1912 and continuously won re-election until his death in 1961, serving a total of 25 terms. Rayburn was a protégé of John Nance Garner and a mentor to Lyndon B.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Johnson. Rayburn was elected House Majority Leader in 1937 and was elevated to the position of Speaker of the House after the...

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• 1882 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1882
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sam Rayburn