Interview with Alben W. Barkley, July 17, 1953

Interview Summary

Former United States Vice President and Senator Alben W. Barkley describes the origins of his surname "Barkley" and his ancestors. He talks about Sam Rayburn as a member of the House, and his personal relationship with Tom Connally. He recalls the beginning of World War One and being told by President Woodrow Wilson that he was needed in Washington more than in the army. Barkley describes going to Europe during the First World War to investigate military expenditures, and meeting Georges Clemenceau. He remembers his first flight in an airplane.

Barkley also describes members of his family including his parents and grandparents. He explains his family connections to Adlai Stevenson. He describes his childhood home near Lowes and Fancy Farm, Kentucky, and what he learned of the Civil War as a boy. He remembers boyhood fights and going to Paducah with his father to sell the year's crops.

Interview Keyword

Alben Barkley Government politics Public Policy

Interview LC Subject

Barkley, Alben William, 1877-1956 Barkley, Alben William, 1877-1956--Interviews United States--Politics and government

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.