James V. Allred scrapbook and papers

Born in Bowie, Texas, in 1899, James V. Allred studied at Rice University before leaving school to work for the U.S. Immigration Service and then enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War I. At war’s end he earned a law degree from Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, and moved back to Texas to practice law in Wichita Falls.

Governor Pat Neff appointed Allred to serve as district attorney for the 30th Texas District in 1923, and he earned a reputation as a fierce fighter, particularly in his opposition to the Ku Klux Klan. In 1930 he successfully ran for Texas State Attorney General and worked to root out monopolies and rein in exploitive policies that favored big corporations. As the state faced the Great Depression Allred’s policies struck a chord with voters and he won the governorship in 1934, defeating Tom F. Hunter and Charles C. McDonald.

A staunch supporter of President Franklin Roosevelt’s national recovery programs, Allred easily won reelection in 1936. Late in his second term he was nominated to the federal district court by President Roosevelt and assumed the position upon leaving the governor’s office. He later returned to private practice before returning to the federal court system again in 1949 at the request of President Harry Truman. Allred remained in this position until his death in 1959. (adapted from The Handbook of Texas)