Who was John Nance Garner? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Died At Age: 98

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Mariette Rheiner Garner

Political Leaders American Men

political ideology: Political party - Democratic

Died on: November 7, 1967

place of death: Uvalde

Ideology: Democrats

U.S. State: Texas

More Facts

education: Vanderbilt University

Recommended For You

1

What was John Nance Garner's role during his political career?

John Nance Garner served as the 32nd Vice President of the United States from 1933 to 1941, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
2

What is John Nance Garner best known for?

John Nance Garner is best known for coining the phrase "the vice presidency isn't worth a bucket of warm spit" due to the limited influence and perceived insignificance of the office.
3

How did John Nance Garner contribute to the New Deal?

John Nance Garner played a key role in helping to pass New Deal legislation as Vice President, working closely with President Franklin D. Roosevelt to push for economic recovery during the Great Depression.
4

What was John Nance Garner's stance on the expansion of presidential power?

John Nance Garner was critical of the expansion of presidential power, particularly during the Roosevelt administration, and advocated for a more limited role for the executive branch.
5

What was John Nance Garner's position on isolationism in foreign policy?

John Nance Garner was a supporter of isolationism and opposed U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts, particularly in the lead-up to World War II.

Recommended Lists:

American Political Leaders

Childhood & Early Life

John Nance Garner was born on November 22, 1868, in the village of Detroit, Red River County, Texas, U.S., to farmers, John Nance Garner III, and his wife, Sarah Jane Guest.

After completing high school from Blossom Prairie in Texas, Garner was enrolled at the Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. But, he dropped out after one semester and decided to pursue a legal career.

Thereafter, he studied law and was admitted to the Texas in 1890. Subsequently, he moved to Uvalde County, Texas, and began his legal practice.

Continue Reading Below

Career

Soon after commencing his legal practice, Garner became a member of the popular Democratic Party. In 1893, Garner was elected the Texas State Official Judge from Uvalde County, a capacity in which he served until 1896.

In 1898, he entered the political arena and was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. He was re-elected in 1900 and served two consecutive terms in the state legislature, until 1902.

During this period a new Congressional District was formed and in 1903, Garner was chosen a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from this newly created Texas's 15th district. He was re-elected to the post 14 subsequent times from the district and served as a Congressman for the next 30 years, until 1933.

In 1929, he served as the Democrat minority floor leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, a position he retained until 1931.

Thereafter, he served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 72nd Congress, between 1931 and 1933.

At the 1932 Democratic National Convention, Garner ran for the party’s Presidential nomination. But, upon realizing shortage of the required votes in his favor, Garner released his delegates from Texas and California to ensure Roosevelt’s nomination for presidency.

In turn,Roosevelt rewarded Garner by adding him to the ticket and selected him as his running mate. In November 1932,John Garner was confirmed for vice presidency of the United States.

In March 1933, Garner was inaugurated at the office and became the 32nd Vice President of the United States, in the Democratic administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1936, he was re-elected for vice presidency and served until 1941.

During his first term as Vice President, Garner used his convincing skills and was greatly instrumental in the passage of important Bills. Highly respected by his colleagues in Congress, he was much involved in the passing of 'New Deal’ program.

Continue Reading Below

However, by 1937, after being re-elected as Vice President, Garner had his disagreements with Roosevelt over his efforts to enlarge the Supreme Court and several other political as well as administrative issues. Subsequently, Garner worked to defeat some of the administration’s legislative proposals.

The rift between the President and Vice President led to Garner’s exclusion as Roosevelt’s running mate when the latter decide to run for a consecutive third term. After an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1940, Garner retired from politics at the end of his second term.

Upon retiring from his public life, Garner moved to his home at Uvalde County, where he spent the last 26 years of his life with his family in peace.

Major Works

While serving as a Congressman, Garner had a prominent role in advancing the legislation. He supported the graduated income tax and the Federal Reserve System, and was considered as one of the most influential politicians in Congress.

In 1937, he opposed President Roosevelt’s administration over the issue of enlarging the Supreme Court, and helped defeat it over the fact that it bequeathed too much power to the President.

Personal Life & Legacy

In 1893, during the election for the County Judge of Uvalde County, Garner was opposed by a woman named Mariette Rheiner, a farmer's daughter. Two years later, in November 1895, John married Mariette in Sabinal, Texas. The couple were blessed with a child, Tully Charles Garner.

John Nance Garner died on November 7, 1967, in Uvalde, Texas, U.S., at the age of 98, shortly before his 99th birthday. He still holds the distinction of being the longest-living Vice President or President in the history of United States. Garner was interred in Uvalde Cemetery in Texas.

Facts About John Nance Garner

John Nance Garner, the 32nd Vice President of the United States, was known for his colorful language and sharp wit, often entertaining audiences with his humorous quips and one-liners.

Garner earned the nickname "Cactus Jack" due to his Texas roots and his prickly personality, which sometimes clashed with his political counterparts.

Despite his serious political career, Garner had a playful side and was known to enjoy playing practical jokes on friends and colleagues.

Garner was an avid collector of cowboy memorabilia and often showcased his impressive collection at his ranch in Texas.

In addition to his political accomplishments, Garner had a passion for gardening and spent much of his free time tending to his beloved rose bushes.

John Nance Garner Biography

You wanted to know

What was John Nance Garner's role during his political career?

What is John Nance Garner best known for?

How did John Nance Garner contribute to the New Deal?

What was John Nance Garner's stance on the expansion of presidential power?

What was John Nance Garner's position on isolationism in foreign policy?