Briscoe, Dolph, Sr., 1890-1954

The son of Judge Lee Adolphus and Lucy (Wade) Briscoe, Dolph Briscoe, Sr. was born in Fulshear, Texas, in 1890. Rather than attend university as his father wished, Briscoe turned to ranching, expanding his operation to Arkansas and Missouri. Economic downturns in 1921 and 1932 bankrupted Briscoe, though he continued to ranch in south Texas, eventually becoming the state’s largest landholders, controlling about a million acres worth an estimated $40 million. Briscoe earned recognition among ranchers for his successful crossbreeding programs, and, at the age of 41, became the youngest president-elect of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. During his tenure, he pushed for lower commissions and more field inspectors as well as protesting the weigh of cattle for intrastate shipments.

Briscoe married his cousin Georgie Briscoe in 1913; their son, Dolph Briscoe, Jr., served as governor of Texas from 1971 to 1979. Briscoe, Sr., passed away in 1954.

Source:

Lackman, Howard. "Briscoe, Dolph, Sr." Handbook of Texas Online Accessed January 27, 2012

From the guide to the Dolph Briscoe, Sr. Papers 2011-407., 1933-1954, (Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin)

The son of Judge Lee Adolphus and Lucy (Wade) Briscoe, Dolph Briscoe, Sr. was born in Fulshear, Texas, in 1890.

Rather than attend university as his father wished, Briscoe turned to ranching, expanding his operation to Arkansas and Missouri. Economic downturns in 1921 and 1932 bankrupted Briscoe, though he continued to ranch in south Texas, eventually becoming the state's largest landholders, controlling about a million acres worth an estimated $40 million. Briscoe earned recognition among ranchers for his successful crossbreeding programs, and, at the age of 41, became the youngest president-elect of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. During his tenure, he pushed for lower commissions and more field inspectors as well as protesting the weigh of cattle for intrastate shipments.

Briscoe married his cousin Georgie Briscoe in 1913; their son, Dolph Briscoe, Jr., served as governor of Texas from 1971 to 1979. Briscoe, Sr., passed away in 1954.

From the description of Dolph Briscoe, Sr. Papers, 1933-1954 (University of Texas Libraries). WorldCat record id: 778082931