Longworth, Nicholas

Longworth, Nicholas, 1869–1931, American legislator, b. Cincinnati. A lawyer, he practiced in Cincinnati, where his family had long been prominent. He served (1899–1903) in the Ohio legislature and, with the support of George B. Cox, was elected (1903) to the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1906 he married Alice Lee Roosevelt, the daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, in a wedding that took place at the White House. As a Representative (1903–13, 1915–31), Longworth was (1925–31) Speaker of the House and became recognized as a master of congressional procedure.

Bibliography

See A. R. Longworth, Crowded Hours (1933).

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Longworth, Nicholas (1869–1931) U.S. representative; born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Son of a wealthy, prominent Cincinnati family, he graduated from Harvard University and the University of Cincinnati Law School. He entered Republican politics, serving in the Ohio house (1899–1901) and senate (1901–03) before going to Congress (Rep., Ohio; 1903–13 and 1915–31). In 1906 he made a brilliant match when he married Alice Lee Roosevelt, daughter of Theodore Roosevelt, in the White House. He studied parliamentary procedures and was Republican floor leader before being elected Speaker (1925–31). He advocated strong leadership, adherence to House rules, and cooperation. His fairness endeared him to Democrats and he eliminated the use of personal invective in congressional debates. A natural mediator, he did not hesitate to oppose his father-in-law when he supported Taft's presidential bid in 1912. A talented musician, he and his wife were much admired in Washington, D.C., society.