Byrns Joseph Wellington

Joseph Wellington Byrns (1869-1936), a Nashville lawyer who became Speaker of the House of Representatives, spent six years in the Tennessee legislature before resigning to run an unsuccessful campaign for district attorney of Davidson County. In 1908, he unseated Nashville's incumbent congressman by promising to secure a dam and a lock for the Cumberland River. Once he entered the House, he secured the necessary funds and, thanks to diligent and kind constituent service, did not face a challenger until 1932 (whom he defeated by a 5-to-1 margin).

In 1910, Byrns gained a seat on the Appropriations Committee, where he gained the nickname "Work Horse Joe" for his commitment and expertise on budgetary matters. A staunch critic of high tariffs, he escalated his attack on Republican policies by chairing the 1928 Democratic National Congressional Committee. Three years later, when the Democrats regained control of the House, Byrns chaired the Appropriations Committee where, to save money, he proposed merging the army and the navy and successfully defeated legislation calling for a federal sales tax, declaring "My party had always stood for taxing those who can pay." When heart problems weakened his stamina and the election of 1932 increased Democratic majorities, Bryns relinquished the Appropriations chair and accepted the less-taxing position of House majority leader.

Byrns loyally supported FDR, championing every bill but the Economy Act (which he vote for after refusing to sponsor) and sponsoring the Civilian Conservation Corp legislation. In 1935, Byrns, despite FDR's preference for other candidates, was elected Speaker of the House and quickly appointed 15 deputies whips to keep him apprised of his members' actions and preferences. He died suddenly from a stroke, shortly after chairing a session of the House In June 1936. His funeral was held in the House of Representatives and FDR attended his funeral as well as his burial in Nashville, with his train following the train carrying Byrn's casket.