Alben W. Barkley

Alben W. Barkley

Alben William Barkley (November 24, 1877 – April 30, 1956) was an American lawyer and politician from Kentucky who served as the 35th Vice President of the United States from 1949 to 1953, under President Harry S. Truman. Prior to his vice presidency, Barkley served in both houses of the United States Congress, representing Kentucky.

Early Life and Education

Alben W. Barkley was born on a small farm in Graves County, Kentucky, to John Wilson Barkley and Electra Eliza Smith. He was the eldest of eight children. Barkley attended local schools and later enrolled at Marvin College in Clinton, Kentucky. He graduated in 1897 and went on to study law at the University of Virginia School of Law.

Political Career

Early Political Involvement

Barkley began his political career as the prosecuting attorney for McCracken County, Kentucky, from 1905 to 1909. He then served as a judge of the county court from 1909 to 1913.

U.S. House of Representatives

In 1912, Barkley was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Democrat, representing Kentucky's 1st congressional district. He served in the House from 1913 to 1927, where he was known for his support of President Woodrow Wilson's policies, including the League of Nations.

U.S. Senate

Barkley was elected to the United States Senate in 1926, where he served until 1949. During his tenure, he became a prominent figure in the Democratic Party and was known for his oratory skills. He served as the Senate Majority Leader from 1937 to 1947, playing a key role in the passage of New Deal legislation.

Vice Presidency

In 1948, Barkley was selected as the running mate for President Harry S. Truman. The Truman-Barkley ticket won the election, and Barkley served as Vice President from 1949 to 1953. As Vice President, Barkley was known for his humor and was affectionately nicknamed "The Veep." He was an active participant in the administration, often acting as a liaison between the White House and Congress.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving the vice presidency, Barkley returned to the Senate in 1955, serving until his death in 1956. He died of a heart attack while giving a speech at the Washington and Lee Mock Convention in Lexington, Virginia.

Barkley's legacy is remembered for his dedication to public service and his ability to work across party lines. His contributions to American politics, particularly during the New Deal era, have left a lasting impact.

References

• "Alben W. Barkley: A Political Biography" by James K. Libbey
• "The Man from Kentucky: Alben W. Barkley" by Polly Ann Davis

External Links

• U.S. Senate Biography
• Truman Library