John H. Bankhead II
John Hollis Bankhead II (July 8, 1872 – June 12, 1946) was a U.S. senator from the state of Alabama. Like his father, John H. Bankhead, he was elected three times to the Senate, and like his father, he died in office.
John H. Bankhead II | |
|---|---|
| United States Senator from Alabama | |
| In office March 4, 1931 – June 12, 1946 | |
| Preceded by | J. Thomas Heflin |
| Succeeded by | George R. Swift |
| Personal details | |
| Born | John Hollis Bankhead II July 8, 1872 near Old Moscow, Lamar County, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | June 12, 1946 (aged 73) United States Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Musa Bernice Harkins |
| Children | 3, including Walter |
| Parent |
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| Relatives |
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| Alma mater | University of Alabama Georgetown University |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States National Guard |
| Years of service | 1901–1903 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Alabama |
He served in the Senate from March 4, 1931, to his death on June 12, 1946. He was first elected to the Senate in 1930 by defeating J. Thomas Heflin, the man who succeeded his father. Though Bankhead won the election by 20 points, Heflin challenged the results for over a year. He served as chairman of the Committee on Irrigation and Reclamation. After his death, Bankhead was succeeded by George R. Swift, who was appointed to fill his seat until a successor, John J. Sparkman, could be elected. Bankhead is remembered as a spokesman for farmers and against civil rights for African Americans.