William Brockman Bankhead was an American politician who served as the 42nd speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1936 to 1940, representing Alabama's 10th and later 7th congressional districts as a Democrat from 1917 to 1940. Bankhead was a strong liberal and a prominent supporter of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal of pro-labor union legislation, thus clashing with most other Southern Democrats in Congress at the time. Bankhead described himself as proud to be a politician, by which he meant that he did not neglect matters that concerned his district or reelection. He was the father of actress Tallulah Bankhead.
William B. Bankhead, American lawyer and politician, 47th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives (born 1874)
On September 15, in the year 1940, William B. Bankhead, American lawyer and politician, 47th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives (born 1874). This event is recorded as a Notable Deaths event in the history of September 15, one of 447 recorded events on this date across all of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including William B. Bankhead. Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on September 15, 1940 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Deaths event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 2 Wikipedia articles.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 17 July 2026.
On This Date in History 447
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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