Thomas Durwood Manford Jr.
American attorney and Texas legislator
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thomas Durwood Manford Jr. (1917 - 1988) was an American lawyer and politician from the State of Texas. He served as the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives for the 51st Texas Legislature.[2]
Thomas Durwood Manford Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives | |
| In office January 11, 1949 – January 9, 1951 | |
| Preceded by | William O. Reed |
| Succeeded by | Reuben E. Senterfitt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Thomas Durwood Manford Jr. Smiley, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | March 24, 1988 (aged 71) |
| Party | Conservative Democrat |
| [1] | |
Early life and education
Thomas Durwood Manford Jr. was born on March 13, 1917 in Smiley, Texas.[3] He attended Southwestern University and the University of Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and also studied law.[3]
Career
Manford was an attorney by trade after learning the profession in a law office.[2] Manford was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1940, running as a Conservative Democrat.[3] He served five consecutive terms and was the author of the Manford Act of 1943. Manford also established the Legislative Budget Board and the Legislative Council[4] and served as the Speaker of the House in 1949.[3]
After his work in the legislature, Manford became a rancher and helped with his family's retail business. He also served on numerous boards, including the Texas Board of State Hospitals and Special Schools and the Texas Insurance Board.[3]
Personal life
Manford died on March 24, 1988.[3]