Weekly Historical Highlights (August 9 to 15)
Representative Robert Elliott of South Carolina
August 11, 1842
On this date, African-American Representative Robert Elliott of South Carolina was likely born to West Indian parents in Liverpool, England.
President Gerald R. Ford’s first Joint Session of Congress
August 12, 1974
On this date, President Gerald R. Ford addressed a Joint Session of Congress on the House Floor as the 38th President of the United States.
The funeral of Representative Thaddeus Stevens of Pennsylvania
August 13, 1868
On this date, Pennsylvania Representative Thaddeus Stevens was honored with a state funeral in the Capitol Rotunda.
Congressional commentator, Will Rogers
August 15, 1935
On this date, comedian and congressional commentator, Will Rogers, died in an airplane crash near Point Barrow, Alaska.
