Rayburn was the longest - serving Speaker in history , holding office from 1940 to 1947 , 1949 to 1953 , and 1955 to 1961 .
One of the most influential Speakers in history was Democrat Sam Rayburn .
Sam Rayburn was the longest - serving Sam Rayburn in history , holding office from 1940 to 1947 , 1949 to 1953 , and 1955 to 1961 .
One of the most influential Speakers in history was Democrat Sam Rayburn .