111th Congress, 2nd Session
Speaker of the House John Carlisle of Kentucky
September 05, 1834
Born on this date in Campbell (now Kenton) County, Kentucky, Speaker of the House John Carlisle devoted his career to public service. First elected to the 45th Congress (1877–1879) in 1876, Carlisle gained notoriety in the House by spearheading amendments to repeal Reconstruction legislation. Carlisle quickly rose in the House leadership earning a place on the powerful Committee on Ways and Means, where he championed tariff reduction. Congressman Abram Hewitt of New York reflected on Carlisle, stating, “He is an intellectual slot machine. Drop a problem in and instantly, its solutions come forth.” When Democrats gained control of the chamber in the 48th Congress (1883–1885), the House elected Carlisle Speaker. After the House changed party control in the 51st Congress (1889–1891), the Kentucky state legislature elected Carlisle to a vacancy in the U.S. Senate. He resigned from the House and served nearly three years in the Senate before leaving to become Secretary of the Treasury.
Related Highlight Subjects
Cite this Highlight
Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/highlights.html?action=view&intID=60, (December 07, 2010).For Additional Information
Office of History and Preservation(202) 226-1300
history@mail.house.gov
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Speaker of the House John Carlisle standing at the Speakers rostrum
Harper’s Weekly, June 2, 1888, 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.
