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DeutschErnest O. Thompson
Ernest O. Thompson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Texas Railroad Commissioner | |
| In office 1932–1965 | |
| 12th Mayor of Amarillo | |
| In office April 1929 – May 31, 1932 | |
| Preceded by | Lee Bivins |
| Succeeded by | Ross D. Rogers |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Ernest Othmer Thompson March 24, 1892 Alvord, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | June 28, 1966 (aged 74) |
| Resting place | Texas State Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | May Esther Peterson (m. 1924; died 1952) |
| Parent(s) | Lewis Oliver Thompson Flora Lee Agnes Murray |
| Education | University of Texas (LLB) |
| Occupation | Politician, lawyer, railroad commissioner |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Rank | General[1] |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
Ernest Othmer Thompson (March 24, 1892 – June 28, 1966) was an American politician, lawyer, and businessman who served as the 12th mayor of Amarillo from 1929 to 1932 as a member of the Democratic Party. He subsequently served on the Texas Railroad Commission from 1932 to 1965.
Early life and education
[edit]Thompson was born in Alvord, Texas, on March 24, 1892, to Lewis Oliver and Flora Lee Agnes (née Murray) Thompson. He was a third generation Texan.[1] In 1902, Thompson's family moved to Amarillo, where his father ran a drugstore.
Thompson graduated from the University of Texas in 1917 with a Bachelor of Laws. He joined the United States Army during World War I, serving in the infantry. Thompson was promoted to lieutenant colonel before he returned to Amarillo in 1919 to practice law.[2][3]
Career
[edit]Thompson, a Democrat, was elected mayor of Amarillo in 1928 on a platform of cutting utility rates. He delivered on this promise by leading a consumer boycott of telephones, thereby achieving a reduction in telephone rates.[4]
Thompson's tenure as mayor began in April 1929 and concluded on May 31, 1932. He was preceded in office by Lee Bivins and succeeded by Ross D. Rogers.
In 1932, Governor Ross S. Sterling appointed Thompson to the Texas Railroad Commission. For his efforts on the commission, Thompson was appointed a colonel in the Texas National Guard by Governor James V. Allred in 1936. The following year, President Franklin D. Roosevelt sent Thompson as an American delegate to the World Petroleum Conference in France.[3]
Thompson was an unsuccessful candidate for governor of Texas in 1938; he was defeated by radio host and businessman W. Lee O'Daniel in the Democratic primary.[5] Thompson was also an unsuccessful candidate for governor in 1940, placing second to O'Daniel again.[6]
When World War II erupted, Thompson rejoined the U.S. Army. Due to the Allies's need for a steady supply of fuel, Thompson was sent back to Texas to fulfill his duties on the Railroad Commission.
Thompson was elected to three additional terms on the Railroad Commission after the war. Additionally, he was appointed a general of the National Guard by Governor Allan Shivers in 1952.[3]
Thompson resigned from the Texas Railroad Commission in January 1965.[2] He had served on the Railroad Commission for 33 years, making his tenure on the commission the longest in the state's history.[3]
Thompson also served as a member and chairman of the Interstate Oil Compact Commission from 1935 to 1965.[7]
Awards and honors
[edit]Thompson was awarded the American Petroleum Institute Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement.[1]
Personal life and death
[edit]Thompson married opera singer May Esther Peterson on June 9, 1924.[2] On October 1, 1952, May Thompson suffered a cerebral hemorrhage at their summer house in Estes Park, Colorado, and lapsed into a coma. She was flown back to Austin, Texas, though never regained consciousness and died at Seton Infirmary on October 8, the day after her 72nd birthday. She was buried in the Texas State Cemetery, located in Austin.[8]
Thompson died at the age of 74 on June 28, 1966.[2] He was buried at the Texas State Cemetery the following day.[9]
Legacy
[edit]Amarillo named a park in Thompson's honor, in addition to placing a historical marker in the community.[1] The Austin Daily Tribune Building was renamed the Ernest O. Thompson State Office Building in honor of Thompson.[3][4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Hilton, Mark (December 22, 2019) [September 20, 2015]. "General Ernest O. Thompson". Historical Marker Database. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Green, George N. (December 5, 2022) [1976]. "Thompson, Ernest Othmer (1892–1966)". Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Bridges, Ken (February 3, 2024). "Bridges: Texan Ernest Thompson was WWI veteran, Amarillo Mayor, Railroad Commissioner". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
- ^ a b Warren, Thomas (May 1, 2023). "Amarillo Mayoral Profile: Ernest Thompson". The Amarillo Pioneer. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
- ^ "TX Governor - D Primary". ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
- ^ "TX Governor - D Primary". ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
- ^ "Ernest Othmer Thompson Papers, 1907-1967". Texas Archival Resources Online. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
- ^ Anderson, H. Allen (July 1, 1995). "Thompson, May Esther Peterson (1880–1952)". Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
- ^ "Ernest Othmer Thompson". Texas State Cemetery. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
External links
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