Alben W. Barkley

Date of Birth: November 24, 1877

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: April 30, 1956

Biography

Alben William Barkley was an American politician who served as the 35th Vice President of the United States from 1949 to 1953, under President Harry S. Truman. Born in a log cabin in Graves County, Kentucky, Barkley rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure in American politics. He started his career as a lawyer and quickly moved into public service, initially serving as a county attorney and later being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1912. He served in the House until 1927, when he transitioned to the U.S. Senate. Barkley was known for his oratorical skills and played a key role in New Deal legislation during the 1930s. After serving as Vice President, he returned to the Senate in 1955, where he remained active until his death in 1956.

5 Interesting Facts about Alben W. Barkley

1. Alben Barkley was the oldest Vice President to assume office, taking the role at the age of 71.

2. He was often affectionately called “The Veep,” a term coined by his grandson.

3. Barkley was a key advocate for the New Deal policies during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration.

4. He was one of the few politicians to serve in all three branches of the federal government: legislative, executive, and judicial.

5. Barkley died while giving a speech at the Washington and Lee Mock Convention in Lexington, Virginia.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alben W. Barkley

1. “The best audience is intelligent, well-educated, and a little drunk.”

2. “I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion.”

3. “The Vice Presidency isn’t worth a pitcher of warm spit.”

4. “I would rather be a servant in the house of the Lord than to sit in the seats of the mighty.”

5. “Always remember, my son, that any man who has a job has a chance.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Alben W. Barkley’s net worth was estimated to be around $100,000, a considerable amount for his time, largely attributed to his legal practice and investments.