111th Congress, 2nd Session
Speaker of the House Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. of Connecticut
October 24, 1791
On this date, the House chose Connecticut Representative Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. as Speaker of the House. The eldest son of Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull Sr., Trumbull was destined for politics. Elected to the Connecticut legislature before the Revolutionary War, he served as General George Washington’s aide-de-camp during the war. Though he served in the first three Congresses, little is known about his election contest to become Speaker of the House in the 2nd Congress (1791–1793). Once elected Trumbull made one of his few floor speeches, “Gentlemen: I find my self unable to express to you the full sense I have of the distinguished honor you have done me in the choice of your Speaker...I shall enter on its duties, with full assurances...that I shall endeavor to conduct myself with that impartiality, integrity, and assiduity, which become the conspicuous station in which you have been pleased to place me.” Elected to the U.S. Senate in the 4th Congress (1795–1797), Trumbull later resigned to serve as Governor of Connecticut.
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=346, (December 07, 2010).For Additional Information
Office of History and Preservation(202) 226-1300
history@mail.house.gov
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Speaker Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. of Connecticut served three terms in the House before resigning to serve in the Senate and eventually as Connecticut governor.
Oil on canvas, Harry Ives Thompson, 1880, 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.
