John H. Bankhead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John H. Bankhead
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| United States Senator from Alabama |
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| In office June 18, 1907 – March 1, 1920 |
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| Preceded by | John T. Morgan |
| Succeeded by | B. B. Comer |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 6th district |
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| In office March 4, 1887 – March 3, 1907 |
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| Preceded by | John Mason Martin |
| Succeeded by | Richmond P. Hobson |
| Member of the Alabama Senate | |
| In office 1876-1877 |
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| Member of the Alabama House of Representatives | |
| In office 1865-1867 1880-1881 |
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| Personal details | |
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John Hollis Bankhead
September 13, 1842 Moscow, near the present day town of Sulligent, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | March 1, 1920 (aged 77) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Signature |  |
John Hollis Bankhead (born September 13, 1842, died March 1, 1920) was an important American politician. He was a Democratic U.S. Senator for Alabama. He served in the Senate from 1907 until his death in 1920.
Contents
Early Life and Family
John Hollis Bankhead was born on September 13, 1842. His birthplace was near what is now Sulligent, in Lamar County, Alabama. He went to local schools for his education.
During the American Civil War, he joined the Confederate Army. He fought for Alabama and rose to the rank of captain. He was part of the Alabama 16th Infantry, Company K.
He married Tallulah James Brockman. Her family had a history of serving in the American Revolution. John and Tallulah had several children. Their sons, John Hollis Bankhead II and William Brockman Bankhead, became successful lawyers. Their daughter, Marie, married a historian named Thomas McAdory Owen.
Political Career
John H. Bankhead had a long career in politics. He started by serving in the Alabama House of Representatives. He was a member from 1865 to 1867, and again from 1880 to 1881.
Later, he became a member of the State Senate. This was in 1876 and 1877.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
In 1887, Bankhead was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented Alabama's 6th congressional district. He served in the House for many years, until 1907.
Becoming a U.S. Senator
When he was 65 years old, John H. Bankhead became a U.S. Senator. He was first appointed to fill a vacant seat. Then, he was elected twice to serve full terms. He served as a Senator from June 18, 1907, until his death on March 1, 1920. After he passed away, B. B. Comer, a former governor of Alabama, was appointed to finish his term.
Key Achievements
Senator Bankhead was known for his work on important projects. In 1907, he became a member of the Inland Waterways Commission. This group worked on improving rivers and canals for transportation.
Federal Aid Road Act
One of his biggest achievements was helping to create the Federal Aid Road Act of 1916. This law was very important because it was the first time the U.S. government provided money to build highways. This helped connect different parts of the country with better roads. He also wrote books about post roads, which were routes for mail delivery.
Legacy and Family
John H. Bankhead's family continued to be involved in public service. His son, John H. Bankhead II, also became a U.S. Senator. Another son, William Brockman Bankhead, became the Speaker of the House. His granddaughter, Tallulah Bankhead, became a famous actress.
Several places are named after John H. Bankhead. The cross-country Bankhead Highway was named in his honor. Bankhead Lake on the Black Warrior River in Alabama also carries his name. Additionally, the Bankhead Tunnel in Mobile, Alabama, is named after him.
Images for kids
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Tallulah James Brockman, wife of John Hollis Bankhead.
