Longworth, Nicholas (1869–1931)

US politician. He entered Republican politics, serving in the Ohio house (1899–1901) and senate (1901–03) before going to Congress as a representative of Ohio (1903–13 and 1915–31). In 1906 he married Alice Lee Roosevelt, daughter of US President Theodore Roosevelt, in the White House. He studied parliamentary procedures and was Republican floor leader before being elected Speaker (1925–31). He advocated strong leadership, adherence to House rules, and cooperation.

The son of a wealthy, prominent Cincinnati family, Longworth was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. he graduated from Harvard University and the University of Cincinnati Law School. His fairness endeared him to Democrats and he eliminated the use of personal invective in congressional debates. A natural mediator, he did not hesitate to oppose his father-in-law when he supported William Taft's presidential bid in 1912. A talented musician, he and his wife were much admired in Washington, DC, society.