Bailey, Joseph Weldon
Gainesville, Cooke County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(October 6, 1863-April 13, 1929) Democrat Joseph Weldon Bailey served in the U.S. House of Representatives (1891-1901) and in the U.S. Senate (1901-1913). A colorful and controversial politician, he was known for his superb oratorical skills and his fiery temper. His career was damaged by his involvement in the notorious Waters-Pierce Company anti-trust case, but in the 1920 Democratic Gubernatorial Primary runoff election he placed second to Pat Neff. He moved his law practice to Dallas in 1921. Recorded - 1994.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Joseph Weldon Bailey was one of the most electric—and divisive—figures in Texas politics, rising through the U.S. House in the 1890s to the Senate in 1901 on the strength of a famous silver tongue and a famously short fuse. His career was clouded by the Waters-Pierce oil anti-trust scandal, yet he remained a force in Democratic politics into the 1920s, mounting a near-miss run for governor. He closed his life practicing law in Dallas.
Why it matters
Bailey embodies the turbulent, personality-driven politics of the Progressive Era South, when trust-busting and old-guard machine power collided.
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Related people
- · Joseph Weldon Bailey
- · Pat Neff
Related events
- · Waters-Pierce anti-trust case
Themes & tags
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