John Nance Garner
Uvalde, Uvalde County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Vice President of U.S. 1933-1941. Began career as Uvalde County Judge 1893-1896. Served in Texas Legislature 1898-1902; in U.S. Congress 1904-1932, where he was, in last term, Speaker of House of Representatives. Also an able trial lawyer, rancher, banker, and benefactor of Southwest Texas Junior College. Married Ettie Rheiner. Had a son, Tully; one grandchild, Genevieve G. Currie. Known as "Cactus Jack" for his unique western individualism. Recorded--1968.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
John Nance Garner, the Uvalde lawyer and rancher nicknamed "Cactus Jack," climbed from county judge in the 1890s through the Texas Legislature and nearly three decades in Congress, where he became Speaker of the House, to serve as Vice President of the United States from 1933 to 1941. A banker and benefactor of Southwest Texas Junior College, he married Ettie Rheiner and remained a fixture of his hometown throughout a long political life.
Why it matters
Garner was one of the most powerful Texans in national politics in the first half of the 20th century, and his rise from a county courthouse to the vice presidency embodies the era's Southern Democratic ascendancy.
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Related people
- · John Nance Garner
- · Ettie Rheiner Garner
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Nicolas Street School
Uvalde, TX
Built in 1938, the Nicolas Street School is the last surviving school telling the story of African American education in Uvalde. Its creation owed much to teacher Susie Harris, who — after the school board reneged on promised new facilities for Black students — wrote directly to Uvalde resident and U.S. Vice President John Nance Garner for help, and won a new campus. In an era of "separate but seldom equal" schooling, two teachers taught eight grades here, and the school served the community until 1965, a full decade after the district voted to integrate.
Judge John Nance Garner
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Before he reached Washington, John Nance Garner made his mark on Uvalde County as an able trial lawyer, rancher, banker, and its county judge. This tribute from the City of Uvalde honors his local leadership and philanthropy, including his support of Southwest Texas Junior College. It remembers the wit and wisdom for which the future Speaker and vice president was cherished at home.
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