Texas Stateman Coke R. Steveson
Marker Text: Strong resourceful conservative Governor. Placed Texas on a cash basis with no increase in taxes nor curtailment of services to the people-changing a $34, 000, 000 deficit to a $35, 000, 000 surplus.
Lifetime resident, Kimble County. Son of pioneer settlers, R.M. and Virginia Hurley Stevenson. Born March 20, 1888. In school only 22 months; studied throughout his life. At 10 got a ranch job, at 16 owned and operated Junction-Brady Freight Line; at 18, entered banking as a janitor, advancing to president. Studied law and was licensed in 1913
County Attorney, County Judge; Legislator, 1929-1939. While he was Speaker, State House of Representatives, landmark legislation included first driver's license law; municipal indebtedness reporting Law; creation of state auditor's office; Lower Colorado River Authority; Highway Department pay-as-you-go plan.
First Texan to hold the three highest executive posts: speaker of the house (1933-1937), lieutenant governor (1939-1941), governor (1941-1947). Also first to have more than two terms as governor.
Over 50 years a Methodist, lawyer, Mason, rancher. Married in 1912, Fay Wright (deceased 1942); in 1954, Mrs. Marguerite King Heap. Children; Coke, Jr. and Jane. (1966)
Lifetime resident, Kimble County. Son of pioneer settlers, R.M. and Virginia Hurley Stevenson. Born March 20, 1888. In school only 22 months; studied throughout his life. At 10 got a ranch job, at 16 owned and operated Junction-Brady Freight Line; at 18, entered banking as a janitor, advancing to president. Studied law and was licensed in 1913
County Attorney, County Judge; Legislator, 1929-1939. While he was Speaker, State House of Representatives, landmark legislation included first driver's license law; municipal indebtedness reporting Law; creation of state auditor's office; Lower Colorado River Authority; Highway Department pay-as-you-go plan.
First Texan to hold the three highest executive posts: speaker of the house (1933-1937), lieutenant governor (1939-1941), governor (1941-1947). Also first to have more than two terms as governor.
Over 50 years a Methodist, lawyer, Mason, rancher. Married in 1912, Fay Wright (deceased 1942); in 1954, Mrs. Marguerite King Heap. Children; Coke, Jr. and Jane. (1966)
Marker No: 5118
Aluminum 27 x 42 Subject Marker
Geographic: 30.489874,-99.768036
Location: Courthouse grounds (corner of Main and 6th Streets), Junction