William Brockman Bankhead (April 12, 1874 – September 15, 1940) was an American politician who served as the 47th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1936 to 1940. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented Alabama's 7th congressional district from 1917 to 1940.
Early Life and Education Born in Moscow (now Sulligent), Lamar County, Alabama, Bankhead was the son of John Hollis Bankhead, a long-serving U.S. Representative and Senator from Alabama, and Tallulah Brockman Bankhead. His brother was John H. Bankhead II, also a U.S. Senator from Alabama, and he was the father of actress Tallulah Bankhead. He attended the University of Alabama, graduating in 1891, and subsequently studied law at Georgetown University Law Center, receiving his degree in 1893. After being admitted to the bar, he began practicing law in Huntsville, Alabama.
Political Career Bankhead's political career began with his service as city attorney for Huntsville from 1898 to 1902. He was also a solicitor for the 14th judicial circuit of Alabama from 1900 to 1903. Following a period where he engaged in private legal practice and managed family business interests, he made a successful bid for Congress. In 1916, Bankhead was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Alabama's 7th congressional district. He took office on March 4, 1917, and served continuously until his death in 1940. As a legislator, he became a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, known for his oratorical skills and his strong support for the New Deal programs of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Speaker of the House Bankhead's influence grew steadily within the House. He served as House Majority Leader from 1934 to 1936. Following the death of Speaker Joseph W. Byrns in 1936, Bankhead was elected Speaker of the House on June 4, 1936. He held this position until his death in 1940. As Speaker during a critical period of American history, he played a crucial role in steering much of the New Deal legislation through Congress, often mediating between the Roosevelt administration and more conservative elements within his own party. He presided over significant debates and votes on major federal programs designed to combat the Great Depression, including various relief, recovery, and reform initiatives.
Personal Life William B. Bankhead was married twice. His first marriage was to Adeline Adelia Sledge, with whom he had two daughters: Adelaide Bankhead and Tallulah Bankhead. Tallulah became a celebrated actress of stage and screen. After Adeline's death, he married Florence Richardson.
Death and Legacy Bankhead died in office on September 15, 1940, in Washington, D.C., at the age of 66. His death occurred just weeks before the 1940 presidential election, in which he had been considered a potential running mate for President Roosevelt. He was interred in Jasper, Alabama. He is remembered as a skilled parliamentarian and a powerful orator who guided the House through a tumultuous period, facilitating the legislative agenda of the New Deal and leaving a lasting mark on American political history. The William B. Bankhead National Forest in northwestern Alabama is named in his honor.