William Arvis Blakley

Democrat Senator of Texas

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1898 (78 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1976

Death

Served twice as an interim United States Senator from Texas, first in 1957 and again in 1961.
Was a conservative member of the Texas Democratic Party.
Lost two Senate election campaigns, one in 1958 to Ralph Yarborough and another in 1961 to John Tower, the first Republican popularly elected from Texas.
Born in Missouri and moved to Oklahoma as a child; later worked as a ranch hand and earned the nickname “Cowboy Bill.”
Served in the United States Army during World War I.
Became a successful businessman in law, real estate, ranching, banking, and insurance, with an estimated net worth of $300 million by 1957.
Supported Dwight Eisenhower over the national Democratic Party candidates in the 1952 and 1956 presidential elections.
Did not seek election for a full term after his first interim Senate appointment, stepping down with a statement about returning to his “boots and saddle.”
Ran as a conservative “Shivercrat” in the 1958 primary against Ralph Yarborough but lost.
Opposed John F. Kennedy’s “New Frontier” legislation, aligning with Texas conservatives.
After leaving politics, returned to his business interests.
Died in Dallas, Texas, and is buried in Restland Memorial Park.
Contributed significantly to the University of Dallas through the Blakley Braniff Foundation, with a library named in his honor.