Nolte, Eugene Sr. 1869-1933

Eugene Nolte Sr. was born in 1869 in Seguin, Texas. He became a well known businessman in the town, heading several different companies including a bank, retailer, and a cold-storage firm. Mr. Nolte was also a power in the Texas Republican Party. He served as Chairman of the Republican State Executive Committee from 1921 until his death in 1933. Eugene "Mike" Nolte Jr. took over some of the family businesses after his father's death. Mike Nolte was also the Republican candidate for Governor in 1946.

From the description of The Eugene Nolte Family papers, 1886-1964. (University of Texas at San Antonio). WorldCat record id: 56073202

Eugene Nolte, Sr., was born on March 15, 1869, in Seguin, Texas. He was the son of Edward Nolte, a prominent Seguin businessman and banker. Eugene Nolte, Sr., attended Texas A&M. The son of a Democrat, he became active in the Republican Party and he rapidly gained power within the Republican State organization. President Theodore Roosevelt appointed him United States Marshal for west Texas in 1906. He served in this position until his removal by President Taft in 1912, following Nolte's support of Roosevelt and the Bull Moose Party. In 1921, Nolte was named chairman of the State Republican Executive Committee, a post that he would hold until his death on January 6, 1933.

Eugene Nolte, Sr. was also a successful businessman in the community of Seguin. He served as President of both the Merchants Ice and Cold Storage Company and the Seguin Milling and Power Company. He also succeeded his father as head of the banking firm E. Nolte & Sons, one of the earliest banking firms in Seguin. In addition, Nolte helped to form Nolte Bros., a mercantile firm in Seguin. Nolte was also involved in many civic and philanthropic groups as a Shriner, a Mason, a Rotarian and an Elk.

Eugene Nolte, Sr., married Claudia Gallaher on September 2, 1891. They had three children: Eugene Jr., Nelle, and Claudia. Mr. and Mrs. Nolte liked travelling and made many trips around the country and the world. After Mr. Nolte died on January 6, 1933, Mrs. Nolte continued to travel extensively to areas of Russia, the Far East, and Africa. She also remained an active member of the Seguin community. She was Treasurer of the Seguin Milling and Power Company and served as a Vice President and Director of Nolte National Bank of Seguin until her death on August 14, 1956.

Eugene "Mike" Nolte, Jr., like his father, was a powerful voice in the Republican Party and a prosperous businessman. He was a strong supporter of Republican Presidential candidates Wendell Wilke and Thomas Dewey. He and other "old guard" Republicans in Texas tried to nominate Senator Robert Taft of Ohio for President in 1952. Nolte was himself the Republican candidate for Texas Governor in 1946. In business, Nolte followed in his father's footsteps as President of Merchants Ice and Cold Storage Company. He was also a beer distributor and President of Alamo Poultry and Egg Company, as well as a Director of Nolte National Bank of Seguin.

From the guide to the Eugene Nolte Family Papers MS 34., 1886-1964, (University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Special Collections)