William Brockman Bankhead (April 12, 1874 – September 15, 1940) was an American politician from Alabama and the father of noted actress Tallulah Bankhead. William followed his father's footsteps and went into politics following a brief career as a lawyer. As a young man he was known as a brilliant public speaker and for his fun-loving personality. While attending the the University of Alabama he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and ...
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William Brockman Bankhead (April 12, 1874 – September 15, 1940) was an American politician from Alabama and the father of noted actress Tallulah Bankhead. William followed his father's footsteps and went into politics following a brief career as a lawyer. As a young man he was known as a brilliant public speaker and for his fun-loving personality. While attending the the University of Alabama he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and the school's inaugural football team. He served in the United States House of Representatives from 1917 until his death and as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1936 until his death. Bankhead was the only person ever elected to Alabama's 10th congressional district. The district was eliminated after apportionment based on the 1910 census. John Abercrombie had been elected at large but Bankhead was directly elected to the office. He was a member of the Democratic Party.
Bankhead, due to his position as the House Speaker...
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