John Ben Shepperd
Gladewater, Gregg County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(October 19, 1915 - March 8, 1990) A native of Gladewater, John Ben Shepperd began a law practice in Longview soon after his graduation from the University of Texas Law School in 1941. After service in World War II, he gained prominence as national president of the Jaycees. His public service career began in 1946, when he was appointed to fill his father's unexpired term as county commissioner. Governor Allan shivers appointed Shepperd secretary of state in 1950. He was elected attorney general in 1952 and was reelected in 1954. As attorney general, he attacked political corruption in Duval county and the misuse of state veterans land funds. After retiring from public office in 1957, Shepperd moved to Odessa where he practiced law and supported numerous civic and charitable endeavors. He was appointed to a number of state and national boards and commissions, including the Texas State Historical Survey Committee (now Texas Historical Commission). He was the driving force in the growth and development of the Historical Marker Program, which became nationally recognized during his term as chairman. He renovated his Gladewater boyhood home and farm after his retirement. He is buried in the family cemetery south of town.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A native of Gladewater, John Ben Shepperd (1915–1990) practiced law in Longview, served in World War II, and won national prominence as president of the Jaycees before entering Texas public life as secretary of state and then attorney general in the 1950s. As attorney general he took on political corruption in Duval County and the misuse of veterans' land funds — and later, as a preservation leader, became the driving force behind the state's nationally recognized Historical Marker Program.
Why it matters
Shepperd shaped how Texas remembers itself, building the very marker program that lines its roadsides — a lasting monument to the value of public memory.
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Related people
- · John Ben Shepperd
- · Gov. Allan Shivers
Themes & tags
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