Price Daniel

Price Daniel was a prominent American politician and jurist who served as the 38th Governor of Texas and as a United States Senator from the state. A member of the Democratic Party, his career in public service spanned over three decades, including roles as Attorney General of Texas and later as a justice on the Supreme Court of Texas. He is remembered for his advocacy of states' rights, his work on tidelands legislation, and his influence on the Texas judicial system.

Early life and education

Born in Dayton, Texas, he was raised in Liberty, Texas, where his father was a local merchant and banker. He attended Baylor University, graduating with a degree in journalism before earning his law degree from Baylor Law School. During his time at Baylor University, he was active in debate and student government, laying the groundwork for his future career. After being admitted to the State Bar of Texas, he began practicing law in Liberty, Texas and served as the Liberty County attorney prior to World War II.

Political career

His political career began in earnest when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1939, representing Liberty County. Following service in the Judge Advocate General's Corps during World War II, he was elected as the Attorney General of Texas in 1946. In this role, he gained national attention for his fierce legal defense of Texas's claim to its tidelands against the federal government. He was elected to the United States Senate in 1952, where he continued to champion the tidelands issue, culminating in the passage of the Submerged Lands Act in 1953. He resigned from the United States Senate in 1957 after being elected Governor of Texas, serving two terms focused on issues like industrial development, water resources, and establishing the Texas Water Development Board.

Judicial service

After leaving the governor's office, he returned to private law practice but remained active in public service. In 1971, Governor Preston Smith appointed him as an Associate Justice to the Supreme Court of Texas. He was subsequently elected to full terms on the court in 1972 and 1978, serving until his retirement in 1985. On the Supreme Court of Texas, he was known for his careful, conservative jurisprudence and authored opinions on significant matters involving state constitutional law and property rights.

Personal life and legacy

He married Jean Houston Baldwin in 1940, and the couple had four children, including future State Representative and Secretary of State Price Daniel Jr.. The family made their home in Liberty, Texas, where he was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church. His legacy includes the Price Daniel Sr. Public Policy Internship Program at Baylor University and the naming of the Price Daniel Building in Austin, Texas, which houses the Texas State Archives. He passed away in Liberty, Texas in 1988 and is buried in the city's Fairlawn Cemetery.

Electoral history

In the 1952 Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, he defeated incumbent Tom Connally. He won the general election against Republican O. H. "Ike" Harris. He was elected Governor of Texas in 1956, defeating Republican Thad Hutcheson, and was re-elected in 1958 against Republican W. Lee O'Daniel. In 1972, he won election to the Supreme Court of Texas, defeating Joe R. Greenhill, and was re-elected in 1978.

Category:1910 births Category:1988 deaths Category:Governors of Texas Category:Texas Democrats Category:United States senators from Texas