Sam Rayburn

Politician

Birthday January 6, 1882

Birth Sign Capricorn

Birthplace Texas

DEATH DATE Nov 16, 1961 (79)

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About

Democratic lawmaker from Texas who served as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives for 17 years, the longest tenure in U.S. history. He represented Texas in the House from 1913 to 1961, which was almost 24 full terms.

Before Fame

He worked as a teacher and lawyer before joining the Texas House of Representatives in 1909.

Trivia

He coined the term "Sun Belt" while strongly supporting the construction of Route 66.

Family Life

He briefly married to Metze Jones, sister of Texas congressman Marvin Jones.

Associated With

He was good friends with President Lyndon B. Johnson and acted as his mentor while in office.