Henry F. Ashurst

Date of Birth: September 13, 1874

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: May 31, 1962

Biography

Henry Fountain Ashurst was an American politician who served as one of the first two U.S. Senators from Arizona. Born in a log cabin in Winnemucca, Nevada, Ashurst moved to Arizona Territory with his family at a young age. He became interested in law and politics early in life, attending the Stockton Business College in California and later studying law at the University of Michigan. Ashurst began his political career by serving in the Arizona Territorial House of Representatives and later the Territorial Senate. Upon Arizona’s admission to the Union in 1912, Ashurst was elected as one of its first two U.S. Senators, a position he held from 1912 to 1941. Known for his eloquence and wit, Ashurst was a staunch supporter of President Woodrow Wilson’s New Freedom program and later, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. After his defeat in the 1940 election, Ashurst was appointed by President Roosevelt to the Board of Immigration Appeals, where he served until his retirement.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry F. Ashurst

1. Henry F. Ashurst was nicknamed the “Silver-Tongued Orator of the Senate” because of his eloquent speeches.

2. He was the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee from 1933 to 1941.

3. Ashurst was one of the key proponents of the Grand Canyon becoming a National Park.

4. He was known for his humorous and self-deprecating remarks, often poking fun at his own long-winded speeches.

5. Ashurst’s tenure in the Senate spanned nearly three decades, making him one of the longest-serving Senators of his time.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry F. Ashurst

1. “No man could be eloquent indeed who is not honest.”

2. “I have supported this bill, and I would not have supported it if it had not been for the fact that I was compelled to do so by my convictions.”

3. “Politics is like life; you don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate.”

4. “When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President. I’m beginning to believe it.”

5. “All my life, I have always said, ‘Sweep everything before me, but leave me my sense of humor.’”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Henry F. Ashurst’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a career politician, his wealth was primarily derived from his salary and benefits as a U.S. Senator.