Randall, Samuel Jackson

Randall, Samuel Jackson, 1828–90, American politician, b. Philadelphia. A Democrat, he was a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania from 1863 until his death. As speaker (1876–81), he presided over the sessions dealing with the disputed presidential election of 1876 and helped codify the House's rules of procedure. He was also chairman (1883–87) of the powerful appropriations committee. Because of Pennsylvania's industrial interests, Randall always opposed his party's traditional stand for a low tariff. He fell out (1887) with President Cleveland on this issue and thereafter lost most of his influence.

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Randall, Samuel Jackson (1828–90) U.S. representative; born in Philadelphia. From a prominent family, he owned an iron and coal company before serving on the city council (1852–56) and in the state senate. In the U.S. House of Representatives (Dem., Pa.; 1863–90) he supported high tariffs and fought against Reconstruction measures like the Civil Rights and Force Bills of 1875. Elected Speaker of the House (1876–81), he codified House rules, but eventually lost Democratic support because of his adherence to high tariffs.