Waco in McLennan County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Governor Patrick Morris Neff

(Nov. 26, 1871 - Jan. 20, 1952)

Photographed by Brian Anderson, April 9, 2023

1. Governor Patrick Morris Neff Marker

Inscription. Born at nearby McGregor, Texas, Pat M. Neff was the ninth child of Noah and Isabella (Shepherd) Neff. He was educated at Baylor University and the University of Texas Law School. As a young Waco lawyer, Neff was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, where he served three terms, 1899-1903, the last as Speaker of the House. He later held the office of McLennan County Attorney, 1906-12.

He was elected as Texas' 27th governor in 1920 and inaugurated on Jan. 18, 1921. Gov. Neff supported improved roads and educational and prison reform. He appointed the first state park board to begin a park system. In 1922 he won a second term in the governor's office.

In 1927 Neff was appointed to the Federal Railway Mediation Board and in 1928 was named chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission. He resigned that post in 1932 to become president of Baylor University, where he had been a trustee for 29 years. He presided over the growing institution until 1947.

Neff was a prominent Baptist and Mason. He was married in 1899 to Myrtle Mainer (d. 1953) and had two children: Hallie Maude (Mrs. Frank Wilcox) and Pat M. Neff, Jr. Gov. Neff died in 1952 and was buried in Waco's Oakwood Cemetery.

Erected 1975 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2234.)

Topics. This

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historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is January 18, 1921.

Location. 31° 32.732′ N, 97° 7.266′ W. Marker is in Waco, Texas, in McLennan County. It is on South 7th Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1320 South 7th Street, Waco TX 76706, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

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: George W. Carroll Science Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Main (about 400 feet away); Burleson Quadrangle (about 500 feet away); Georgia Burleson and Early Female Education at Baylor (about 500 feet away); R. E. B. Baylor (about 600 feet away); The Texas Collection (about 600 feet away); Baylor University (about 600 feet away); Carroll Library (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waco.

Also see . . . Neff, Pat Morris (1871–1952) - The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on June 13, 2023, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.)

Photographed by Brian Anderson, April 9, 2023

2. Governor Patrick Morris Neff Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2023, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 296 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 13, 2023, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.