111th Congress, 2nd Session
The shortest period of service for a Speaker on record
March 03, 1869
On the final day of the 40th Congress, Theodore Pomeroy of New York became Speaker of the House for one day—the shortest period of service for a Speaker on record. When House Speaker Schuyler Colfax of Indiana resigned to become Vice President in the incoming Ulysses S. Grant administration, the House chose Pomeroy, who was retiring the following day, to succeed Colfax. Henry Dawes of Massachusetts introduced the motion to elect Pomeroy and, after it passed without dissent, administered the oath of office. During his eight years in the House (1861–1869) Pomeroy served as chairman of the Committee on Expenditures in the Post Office Department and the Committee on Banking and Currency. Affable and well-liked by Representatives from both parties, Pomeroy gave a brief speech thanking the Members “for the kind personal consideration which is involved in my unanimous election to this most honorable position.”
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Cite this Highlight
Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/highlights.html?action=view&intID=282, (December 07, 2010).For Additional Information
Office of History and Preservation(202) 226-1300
history@mail.house.gov
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Representative Theodore Pomeroy served only four terms in the House. In that short amount of time he managed to chair two committees and become Speaker of the House.
Painting by George L. Clough, 1921, Collection of U.S. House of Representatives
Teaching Tip
Wielding the Gavel
Ask students to locate three stories pertaining to Speakers of the House. Have students select and conduct research on one of the Speakers using historical highlights and the Biographical Directory bibliography.
