Details for Stevenson, Coke R., Texas Statesman
Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5267005118
Data
| Marker Number | 5118 |
| Atlas Number | 5267005118 |
| Marker Title | Stevenson, Coke R., Texas Statesman |
| Index Entry | Stevenson, Coke R. |
| Address | |
| City | Junction |
| County | Kimble |
| UTM Zone | 14 |
| UTM Easting | 426290 |
| UTM Northing | 3373320 |
| Subject Codes | governors |
| Marker Year | 1966 |
| Recorded Texas Historic Landmark | No |
| Marker Location | Courthouse grounds (corner of Main and 6th.), Junction |
| Private Property | No |
| Marker Condition | In Situ |
| Marker Size | 27" x 42" |
| Marker Text | First Texas governor to serve more than two terms (1941-1947). First speaker of the house to succeed himself (1935-1937). Lieutenant Governor, 1939-1941. Was first to hold the three highest state offices. As governor, placed state on a cash basis without curtailment of services to the people and without a tax increase. Changed 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. 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. |