Alben W. Barkley

Alben W. Barkley

Alben W. Barkley as Vice President

Alben William Barkley (November 24, 1877 – April 30, 1956) was an American 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 was a prominent member of the United States Senate, serving as both the Senate Majority Leader and Minority Leader.

Early Life and Education

Alben Barkley was born in a log cabin near Lowes, Kentucky. He attended local schools and later graduated from Marvin College in Clinton, Kentucky. Barkley went on to study law at the University of Virginia School of Law, where he earned his degree in 1900.

Political Career

Early Career

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.

Alben Barkley in 1913

U.S. House of Representatives

In 1912, Barkley was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served from 1913 to 1927. During his tenure, he was a strong supporter of President Woodrow Wilson's policies, including the League of Nations.

U.S. Senate

Barkley was elected to the United States Senate in 1926. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the Senate Majority Leader in 1937. As Majority Leader, Barkley was instrumental in the passage of many of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs.

J. Campbell Cantrill, a contemporary of Barkley

Richard P. Ernst, another Kentucky politician

Joseph T. Robinson, Senate Majority Leader before Barkley

Vice Presidency

Barkley was elected Vice President of the United States in 1948, serving under President Harry S. Truman. As Vice President, Barkley was known for his oratory skills and his ability to work with both parties in Congress.

Barkley with John Nance Garner, former Vice President

Later Career

After his term as Vice President, Barkley returned to the Senate in 1955, where he served until his death in 1956.

Personal Life

Barkley was married twice. His first wife, Dorothy Brower, passed away in 1947. He later married Jane Hadley in 1949.

Dorothy Brower Barkley

Legacy

Barkley is remembered for his dedication to public service and his ability to navigate the complexities of American politics during a transformative period in U.S. history.

Related Pages

• Harry S. Truman
• New Deal
• Vice President of the United States
• United States Senate

Gallery

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  Happy Chandler, another Kentucky politician

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  Barkley at his desk

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  Barkley showing the Vice President's seal to Ali Khan

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  Barkley with President Truman