Texas Governors and Their Times
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Cartoon depicting “O’Daniel and his Hillbilly Band,” 1937. Governor W. Lee O’Daniel collection 2017/096-01.
The first decades of the twentieth century brought the challenges of industrialization, world wars, and economic depression to the nation. The Progressive Era, which had begun in the late 1800s, continued to produce reforms to laws to protect women, industry workers, farmers, and minority groups. Women won the right to vote as part of these efforts. Texas and other states in the southern plains experienced the devastating drought and resulting disaster known as the Dust Bowl in the 1930s. The governorship in Texas made history during this time. James “Pa” Ferguson was the first Texas governor to be impeached, and his wife Miriam “Ma” Ferguson subsequently became the first woman to hold the office. Ultimately, World War II brought the U.S. out of the economic depression of the 1930s and into an era of prosperity in the 1940s.
| List of Governors | |
| Ferguson, James E. | January 19, 1915 – August 25, 1917 |
| Hobby, William Pettus | August 25, 1917 – January 18, 1921 |
| Neff, Pat Morris | January 18, 1921 – January 20, 1925 |
| Ferguson, Miriam A. (Ma) | January 20, 1925 – January 17, 1927 |
| Allred, James V. | January 15, 1935 – January 17, 1939 |
| O’ Daniel, W. Lee | January 17, 1939 – August 4, 1941 |
| Stevenson, Coke R. | August 4, 1941 – January 21, 1947 |
Carbon copy of letter from Ghent Sanderford, secretary to the governor, to Mrs. J. Riley Green, April 10, 1925. Subject files, first administration, Texas Governor Miriam Amanda Ferguson records, Box 301-419. Click or tap on image to view larger version.
This letter is in response to correspondence from Mrs. Green to the governor concerning the number of pardons reported in the news. Sanderford stresses that the newspapers have exaggerated the numbers and that the pardons issued have been very deserving cases. He also notes that the previous governor, Pat Neff, gave very few pardons. This letter exemplifies the widespread concern over the number of pardons issued by Governor Ferguson.
Carbon copy of letter from Ghent Sanderford, secretary to the governor, to H. E. Martin, April 10, 1925. Subject files, first administration, Texas Governor Miriam Amanda Ferguson records, Box 301-419. Click or tap on image to view larger version.
This letter is in response to H.E. Martin’s letter concerning the number of pardons issued by Governor Ferguson. Sanderford argues that the rumor that four hundred pardons were issued within the first four months of her term is “just a big lie,” and that she issued so many pardons because previous governors had issued so few. He does not specifically address the accusation that a person can pay to be pardoned. This letter exemplifies the widespread concern over the number of pardons issued by Governor Ferguson.
“Pardons Average Four Per Day: Seven More Granted Wednesday; Record Shows Ne_ Freed 199,” undated, Subject files, first administration, Texas Governor Miriam Amanda Ferguson records, Box 301-419. Click or tap on image to view larger version.
The sender of the clipping notes, “This does not encourage law enforcement very much,” demonstrating how many in the public were concerned that the number of pardons issued by the governor was encouraging criminals to repeat offenses and discouraging law enforcement from acting. This clipping was included with mail sent to the governor concerning this issue.
Letter from “Your Supporter” to Governor Miriam A. Ferguson, May 2, 1925. Subject files, first administration, Texas Governor Miriam Amanda Ferguson records, Box 301-419. Click or tap on image to view larger version.
Charley Mims was convicted of multiple offenses, including killing a fellow inmate at the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville in 1923. After Huntsville, he served time working on the Ferguson farm. Mims was issued a conditional pardon on May 14, 1915, so that he could care for his father. Several Texans wrote to Governor Ferguson expressing concern over the possible release of Mims and his potential to commit more murders.
Charley C. Mims, convicted many times, pardoned,” undated. Subject files, first administration, Texas Governor Miriam Amanda Ferguson records, Box 301-419. Click or tap on image to view larger version.
Charley Mims was convicted of multiple offenses, including killing a fellow inmate in the Huntsville penitentiary in 1923. After Huntsville, he served time working on the Ferguson farm. Mims was issued a conditional pardon on May 14, 1915, so that he could care for his father. Several Texans wrote to Governor Ferguson expressing concern over Mims’ possible release and his potential to commit more murders. This clipping was included with mail to the governor.
Telegram from J.R. Jordan to Governor Miriam A. Ferguson, February 28, 1925. Subject files, first administration, Texas Governor Miriam Amanda Ferguson records, Box 301-419. Click or tap on image to view larger version.
Jim Hunter was granted a full pardon for the felony of lying under oath on February 27, 1925, because of “his splendid prison record.” However, after issuing this pardon the governor received this telegram informing her that Hunter had escaped from the Huntsville penitentiary on February 13, two weeks before he would have been pardoned, and had been recaptured in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The Ferguson Forum was a weekly newspaper created and published by former governor Jim Ferguson. Ferguson Forum, Volume XV, no. 41, p. 1 January 13, 1933. Newspaper collection, 2-5/542.
Page one of letter from H.E. Martin to Governor Miriam A. Ferguson, March 26, 1925. Subject files, first administration, Texas Governor Miriam Amanda Ferguson records, Box 301-419. Click or tap on image to view larger version.
This letter concerns the number of pardons issued by Governor “Ma” Ferguson. The author expresses doubt over claims that the governor will pardon anyone within six months to two years if they pay enough money. The letter was written after a conversation he had with residents of Dallas about the possible pardon of Frank Collier for the murder of his son-in-law the month before.
Letter from T.O. Walton to Gov. O’Daniel, May 22, 1940. Anti-American activities files, Texas Governor W. Lee O'Daniel records, Box 2001/138-61. Click or tap on image to view larger version.
One of the many letters Governor O’Daniel received about supposed “un-American activities” in Texas accused the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University) of being “honeycombed with German sympathizers.” In this letter, the president of the college T.O. Walton asks Gov. O’Daniel to have these charges thoroughly investigated to prevent harm to the school.
Letter from T.G. Durham to Gov. O’Daniel, October 31, 1938. Subject files, Texas Governor W. Lee O'Daniel records, Box 2001/138-127. Click or tap on image to view larger version.
Instead of the formal balls given by his predecessors, O’Daniel celebrated his inauguration with an enormous party on the Governor’s Mansion grounds. In this letter Mr. Durham, principal of Pine Top Colored School in Oakwood, Texas, inquires if African American Texans could attend the event “without being insulted or embarrassed.” The note in the corner adds that there will be a section for African American guests.
W. Lee O’Daniel campaign poster. Governor W. Lee O’Daniel collection, Box 2017/096-1.
This hand-drawn campaign poster from O’Daniel’s first campaign shows how closely he was identified with “Beautiful Texas,” the song he wrote in 1933 for his adopted state.
Sheet music for “Beautiful Texas” by W. Lee O’Daniel, 1933. Patriotic songs, Vocal music, Texas sheet music collection, Box 2015/083-7. Front cover, back cover. Click or tap on images and links to view larger version.
Although he was born in Ohio, Wilbert Lee “Pappy” O’Daniel loved his adopted state of Texas, where he moved in 1925. He wrote his best-known song, “Beautiful Texas,” in 1933 and recorded it with his band the Light Crust Doughboys. The song was a fixture at O’Daniel’s campaign rallies and at events during his term as governor.