Texas Governor. He earned a bachelor's degree at Baylor University in 1894, a law degree from the University of Texas in 1897, and a master's degree from Baylor in 1898. He served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1899 to 1905 and was Speaker from 1903 to 1905. From 1906 to 1912 he was McLennan County Attorney. In 1920 he ran for Governor, finishing second to former US Senator Joseph W. Bailey in the Democratic primary, defeating him in the runoff, and easily winning the general election. Neff served two terms, 1921 to 1925, and his successes included increased funding to rural and vocational schools, establishment of Texas Technological College and Texas State Teachers College, and creation of the state park system. In 1929 he was appointed to the Texas Railroad Commission, serving until 1932, when he resigned to become President of Baylor University. He was responsible for retiring Baylor's debt and leading it into a period of extensive growth that saw enrollment jump from 1,200 to 4,000 and the campus double in size. Neff retired in 1947 and was named President Emeritus. Baylor's main administration building is named for him, as is a middle school in San Antonio and an elementary school in Houston. The first state park in Texas was created on land donated by the Neff family, and is called Mother Neff State Park in honor of Governor Neff's mother Isabelle.
Texas Governor. He earned a bachelor's degree at Baylor University in 1894, a law degree from the University of Texas in 1897, and a master's degree from Baylor in 1898. He served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1899 to 1905 and was Speaker from 1903 to 1905. From 1906 to 1912 he was McLennan County Attorney. In 1920 he ran for Governor, finishing second to former US Senator Joseph W. Bailey in the Democratic primary, defeating him in the runoff, and easily winning the general election. Neff served two terms, 1921 to 1925, and his successes included increased funding to rural and vocational schools, establishment of Texas Technological College and Texas State Teachers College, and creation of the state park system. In 1929 he was appointed to the Texas Railroad Commission, serving until 1932, when he resigned to become President of Baylor University. He was responsible for retiring Baylor's debt and leading it into a period of extensive growth that saw enrollment jump from 1,200 to 4,000 and the campus double in size. Neff retired in 1947 and was named President Emeritus. Baylor's main administration building is named for him, as is a middle school in San Antonio and an elementary school in Houston. The first state park in Texas was created on land donated by the Neff family, and is called Mother Neff State Park in honor of Governor Neff's mother Isabelle.
Bio by: Bill McKern
Family Members
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See more Neff memorials in:
Records on Ancestry
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