Texas Statesman Allan Shivers
Woodville, Tyler County, Texas
Marker Inscription
One of Texas' strongest governors, a progressive, colorful, dynamic leader. Administration (1949-1957) -- longest in state's history -- was marked by winning fight for restoration of the tidelands to Texas. In state Senate, 1935, where he was youngest man ever seated up to that time, he was author of Texas old-age pension and unemployment compensation laws. In 1947-1949 he served as lieutenant governor. As governor he made reforms in state hospitals, prisons, schools for deaf and exceptional children; created agencies for higher education, historical preservation, water resources, studies of alcoholism. In his administration highway mileage doubled. He had a moderate tax policy and a balanced budget. He was chairman, national and southern governors conferences, and Interstate Oil Compact Commission; president of the Council of State Governments. Born Oct. 5, 1907, in Lufkin, of pioneer east Texas family. Son of Robert A. and Easter Creasy Shivers. Attended Woodville schools; graduate of Port Arthur High School; University of Texas, B. A., 1931, LL.B., 1933. Married Marialice Shary, 1937. Has four children. Served in Europe in Work War II. Is a Baptist and a Mason; lawyer, rancher, farmer, investor, civic leader.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Allan Shivers grew up in East Texas and entered the state Senate in 1935 as the youngest man ever seated to that point, authoring Texas's old-age pension and unemployment compensation laws. After serving as lieutenant governor, he became one of the state's most powerful governors from 1949 to 1957—then its longest administration—winning the fight to restore the tidelands to Texas and reforming hospitals, prisons, and schools. He also chaired national governors' conferences and led the Council of State Governments.
Why it matters
Shivers's long, forceful governorship shaped mid-20th-century Texas government and gave the state an outsized voice in national politics during the postwar era.
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Related people
- · Allan Shivers
- · Marialice Shary Shivers
Related events
- · Tidelands controversy
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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