Taylor in Williamson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Birthplace of Governor Dan Moody
(June 1, 1893-May 22, 1966)
Photographed by Keith Peterson, June 28, 2007
1. Birthplace of Governor Dan Moody Marker
A crusader for integrity in public office. Born in Taylor, Williamson County; son of Daniel and Nancy Elizabeth Robertson Moody. At 16 entered University of Texas, where he completed law school. After World War I service, won election to the office of county attorney, then an appointment by Governor Pat Neff to District Attorney, Travis and Williamson counties.
Won statewide notice for prosecutions of Ku Klux Klansmen in notorious flogging cases, and was urged by friends to run for Attorney General of Texas.
He won this office, and served 1925–1927 in an era of alleged corruption. Moving to halt kickbacks on highway contracts, he recovered for Texas hundreds of thousands of dollars. In 1926 ran for governor on his record as Attorney General, and was elected.
Inaugurated when he was 33, he was youngest man ever to take oath for that office. During his terms, 1927–1931, Texans faith in their state government was restored. Great reforms were made in the State Highway Department and state penitentiary system.
After retirement from the governors office, he practiced law, and was appointed by the President of the United States to prosecute tax evaders.
He married Mildred Paxton; they had two children.
Erected 1968 by State
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.
Location. 30° 34.519′ N, 97° 24.671′ W. Marker is in Taylor, Texas, in Williamson County. It is on West 9th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 114 W 9th St, Taylor TX 76574, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Texas and in the Austin Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Daniel James (Dan'l) Moody (a few steps from this marker); The Taylor Public Schools (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Christian Church of Taylor (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Presbyterian Church of Taylor (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Tenth Street United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. James Church (approx. Ό mile away); Bill Pickett (approx. 0.3 miles away); City of Taylor (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Taylor.
Also see . . .
1. Governor Dan Moody. Handbook of Texas website entry (Submitted on September 11, 2007, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas.)
2. Dan Moody. Williamson County Texas History website entry (Submitted on September 15, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional keywords. hate
via Handbook of Texas, unknown
2. Daniel James Moody, Jr.
Photographed by Keith Peterson, June 28, 2007
3. Birthplace of Governor Dan Moody
The marker is to the far left in this view, with a portion visible.
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 17, 2025
4. Birthplace of Governor Dan Moody Marker
Marker is to the left; Daniel James (Dan'l) Moody (22790) is on the right
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2007, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,828 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on March 24, 2018, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on September 11, 2007, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. 2. submitted on September 15, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on September 11, 2007, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. 4. submitted on October 21, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
