Allan Shivers

Robert Allan Shivers (born October 5, 1907 in Lufkin , Texas , † January 14, 1985 in Austin , Texas) was an American politician and governor of the state of Texas from 1949 to 1957 .

Early years and political advancement

Allan Shivers attended the public schools in his home country and worked in a sawmill in the evenings. He later studied at the University of Texas , where he took his law exam in 1933. After that he worked for a short time in his new profession. Shivers was a member of the Democratic Party and was elected to the Texas Senate in 1934 . His time on this body was interrupted by World War II, in which Shivers participated as an officer in the US Army in the European theater of war. By the end of the war he had attained the rank of major.

Texas Governor

After the end of the war, Shivers became the manager of his father-in-law's companies, which were involved in fruit growing, livestock and banking, and continued his political career in Texas. In 1947 he was elected lieutenant governor of that state. After the death of Governor Beauford H. Jester on July 11, 1949, he had to end the term of office as his deputy in accordance with the state constitution. In 1950, 1952 and 1954 he was confirmed by the electorate, so that he could rule as governor between July 11, 1949 and January 15, 1957. In the 1952 election he was even supported by the opposition Republicans . During his tenure, the budget for the hospitals was increased. A Higher Education Commission was also created to coordinate work between the state's colleges and universities. Public service pensions were raised and the road network expanded. On the other hand, this was financed with the help of tax increases.

At the federal level, he fell out with his party and President Harry S. Truman . In the 1952 presidential election , he made sure that the Texas electoral vote went to Republican candidate Dwight D. Eisenhower . In return, the claims of the state of Texas to the so-called Tidelands , an oil production area, were recognized. It was precisely at this point that the break with President Truman, who refused to recognize the Texan claims. As a result, he was embroiled in a scandal in Texas over the embezzlement of funds in the Committee on Land Allocation to Veterans, which seriously damaged his reputation. In 1956 Shivers declined to run again.

Another résumé

After the end of his governorship, Shivers withdrew from politics. He settled in mission and ran his own business. He was on the board of directors and supervisory boards of numerous companies and banks. In the meantime, he headed the US Chamber of Commerce. He also supported the University of Texas through private fundraising initiatives. Ex-Governor Shivers died suddenly of heart failure in January 1985. He had four children with his wife, Marialice Shary.

Web links

• Allan Shivers in the National Governors Association (English)
• Allan Shivers in the Handbook of Texas (English)
• Allan Shivers in the database of Find a Grave (English)