SAM RAYBURN
HERITAGE
Sam Rayburn Middle School was named in honor of Sam T.
Rayburn (1882-1961). Mr. Rayburn was a lawyer from Bonham,
Texas who served for forty-five years as Representative (D) to the
U.S. Congress. He presided over the House of Representatives for
seventeen years, more than twice as long as any House Speaker in
American history. In his position as Speaker, he exercised great
influence and was responsible for the formulation and support of
many progressive social and economic laws and policies.
“Mr. Sam”, as he was called, was known and loved by many.
He was closely associated with Lyndon B. Johnson, whose name
he placed in nomination against that of John F. Kennedy in 1960.
Johnson lost the race for presidency, but gained the second spot on
the winning ticket and became the U.S. Vice President
Sam Rayburn died of cancer at age seventy-nine. He is
remembered as a Master of parliamentary tactics.
*http://www.famoustexans.com/samrayburn.htm