When I googled "September 16" "today in history," one of the hits was:
My first thought was Sam Rayburn. I clicked on the link and that's who it was. Sam Rayburn became Speaker of the House on September 16, 1940, following the death of William Bankhead (Tallulah's father). Rayburn served as Speaker 17 years (not consecutive) and was holding the office when he died of pancreatic cancer on November 16, 1961.
September 16 is the 259th day of the year (260th in leap years) in the ... widely regarded as the most effective Speaker of the House in American history. ..."most effective Speaker of the House in American history."
My first thought was Sam Rayburn. I clicked on the link and that's who it was. Sam Rayburn became Speaker of the House on September 16, 1940, following the death of William Bankhead (Tallulah's father). Rayburn served as Speaker 17 years (not consecutive) and was holding the office when he died of pancreatic cancer on November 16, 1961.