Gladewater in Gregg County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

John Ben Shepperd

(October 19, 1915 - March 8, 1990)

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 1, 2019

1. John Ben Shepperd Marker

Inscription. A native of Gladewater, John Ben Shepperd began a law practice in Longview soon after his graduation from the University of Texas Law School in 1941. After service in World War II, he gained prominence as national president of the Jaycees. His public service career began in 1946, when he was appointed to fill his father's unexpired term as county commissioner.

Governor Allan shivers appointed Shepperd secretary of state in 1950. He was elected attorney general in 1952 and was reelected in 1954. As attorney general, he attacked political corruption in Duval county and the misuse of state veterans land funds.

After retiring from public office in 1957, Shepperd moved to Odessa where he practiced law and supported numerous civic and charitable endeavors. He was appointed to a number of state and national boards and commissions, including the Texas State Historical Survey Committee (now Texas Historical Commission). He was the driving force in the growth and development of the Historical Marker Program, which became nationally recognized during his term as chairman. He renovated his Gladewater boyhood home and farm after his retirement. He is buried in the family cemetery south of town.

Erected 1992 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 9996.)

Topics. This historical

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marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.

Location. 32° 32.12′ N, 94° 56.69′ W. Marker is in Gladewater, Texas, in Gregg County. Marker is at the intersection of East Quitman Avenue and North Main Street (U.S. 271), on the left when traveling east on East Quitman Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 East Quitman Avenue, Gladewater TX 75647, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Franchised Motor Bus Line in Texas (here, next to this marker); Gladewater Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Rosendale Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp's Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); Development of Gladewater (within shouting distance of this marker); The Notorious Bonnie & Clyde (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gladewater Discovery Well (within shouting distance of this marker); Gladewater (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gladewater.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 18, 2021

2. John Ben Shepperd Marker

New location of marker in front of Gladewater Museum

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 1, 2019

3. John Ben Shepperd Marker

Photographed By James Hulse, August 18, 2021

4. John Ben Shepperd Marker

New location of marker in front of the Gladewater Museum

Credits. This page was last revised on August 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 241 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 7, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 2. submitted on August 18, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 3. submitted on September 7, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 4. submitted on August 18, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.