James V. Allred

James V. Allred was an American politician and jurist who served as the 33rd Governor of Texas from 1935 to 1939. A progressive New Deal Democrat, his administration was marked by significant social welfare reforms, anti-corruption efforts, and support for Franklin D. Roosevelt's federal programs. He later served as a United States district judge and as a United States Attorney.

Early life and education

James Burr V Allred was born in Bowie, Texas, to Renne Allred and Mary Jane Allred. His family moved to Wichita Falls during his youth. He briefly served in the United States Navy during World War I before being honorably discharged. Allred then worked as a Western Union telegraph operator to fund his education, attending Cumberland School of Law in Lebanon, Tennessee, where he earned his Bachelor of Laws degree.

Legal and early political career

After being admitted to the State Bar of Texas, Allred began practicing law in Wichita Falls. His political career began with his election as Wichita County Attorney. In 1927, President Calvin Coolidge appointed him United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, a position he held until 1931. He gained a reputation as a vigorous prosecutor, particularly against Ku Klux Klan activities and bootlegging operations in the region.

Governorship of Texas

Elected governor in 1934, Allred took office during the Great Depression and became a staunch ally of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. His administration created the Texas Unemployment Compensation Commission and significantly increased funding for public schools and the University of Texas. He established the Texas Department of Public Safety to professionalize law enforcement and combat political corruption. Allred also oversaw the expansion of the Texas Highway Department and supported New Deal agencies like the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Federal judicial service

In 1939, after completing his second term as governor, Allred was nominated by President Roosevelt to a seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Confirmed by the United States Senate, he served as a federal judge from 1939 to 1942. His judicial tenure was interrupted when he took a leave of absence to return to active duty in the United States Navy following the attack on Pearl Harbor and during World War II.

Later life and death

After the war, Allred resumed his private law practice in Corpus Christi, Texas. He remained active in Democratic Party politics and was considered a potential candidate for the United States Senate on several occasions. He died suddenly of a heart attack in Corpus Christi in 1959. He is interred at Rose Hill Memorial Park. The James V. Allred Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is named in his honor.

Category:1899 births Category:1959 deaths Category:Governors of Texas Category:Texas Democrats Category:United States district court judges in Texas