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GOVERNOR
THOMAS MITCHELL CAMPBELL
by Archie P. McDonald |
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Many know that Governor
James Stephen Hogg was born in Rusk,
Texas, because once a state park there commemorated Hogg's birthplace. Fewer
know that Governor Thomas Mitchell Campbell also was born in Rusk,
on April 22, 1856.
Campbell attended local schools until leaving to study
law at Trinity University. He operated a legal practice in Longview
in Gregg County until he became involved in managing the International-Great Northern
Railroad, which eventually meant a move to Palestine,
Texas.
Those successful in saving the railroad, Campbell resigned to
reenter the private practice of the law in Palestine,
where he became interested in politics, and in 1906 won the first of two terms
as governor.
Campbell's tenure as Texas' chief executive occurred during
the "Progressive Period" begun by Governor
Hogg and dominated by Colonel Edward M. House, and Campbell's administration
was among the most progressive of the period.
Campbell supported passage
of the Robertson Insurance Law, which required deposits of premiums paid by Texans
in Texas financial institutions rather than being transferred out of state so
they could be accessed by local courts, and other insurance reforms.
Campbell
ended the long standing practice of leasing inmates of Texas penal institutions
to private contractors as laborers, which often led to abuse and mistreatment
of prisoners. His administration witnessed the creation of several new state agencies
and services, including the Department of Insurance and Banking, the Bureau of
Labor Statistics, the State Board of Health, and the Texas State Library.
After returning to the practice of law in Palestine
in 1911, Campbell ran unsuccessful for the U.S. Senate in 1916. He passed away
in Galveston
on April 1, 1923, and was interred in Palestine-not
far from Rusk. |
© Archie P. McDonald
All
Things Historical
>
Feb. 25-Mar. 3 column
This column is provided as a public service by the East
Texas Historical Association. Archie P. McDonald is director of the Association
and author of more than 20 books on Texas. | |
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