William David Allred Papers

Collection

Identifier: 1969-002

Staff Only

The William David Allred Papers consist of 105 boxes of material dating from 1966 to 1985 that document Allred’s service in the Texas State House of Representatives and as Assistant Attorney General. A Political Files series comprises the bulk of this collection, containing correspondence, publications, notes, and other materials pertaining to a variety of individuals and topics that Allred dealt with over the course of his 14-year political career. This series is arranged according to Allred’s original alphabetical filing system and provides rich insight into Allred’s role as an elected representative and myriad economic, social, and political aspects of the history of Texas. Reports and Publications and a Press Files series round out the collection, documenting Allred’s work through official congressional reports and outside media coverage.

Dates

1966-1985

Conditions Governing Access

Open for Research.

Conditions Governing Use

Special Collections owns the physical items in our collections, but copyright normally belongs to the creator of the materials or their heirs. The researcher has full responsibility for determining copyright status, obtaining permission to publish from copyright holders, and abiding by current copyright laws when publishing or displaying copies of Special Collections material in print or electronic form. For more information, consult the appropriate librarian. Reproduction decisions will be made by Special Collections staff on a case-by-case basis.

Extent

105 linear feet

Additional Description

Abstract

Democratic representative of District 13 in the Texas State House of Representatives, 1966-1980. Collection includes correspondence, publications, notes, and other materials pertaining to a variety of individuals and subjects from across Allred's political career.

Biographical Information

William David Allred was born in Austin, Texas on November 27, 1933 to Governor James V. Allred and Joe Betsy Miller. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and English from Texas Christian University in 1955, Allred enlisted in the United States Army. During his two year stint, Allred served as a Public Relations Officer at Forts Eustis and Story. He was discharged from active duty as a second lieutenant in 1957, remaining active in the Army Reserves for more than twenty years.

Following his military service, Allred received his Master of Arts in Journalism from Columbia University in 1961. Allred immediately began work as a reporter, working as a Washington DC correspondent for media outlets such as the Wichita Falls Times and Record-News, the Houston Post, and the Associated Press. During this period, Allred also served in public relations for numerous Congressional offices.

After returning to Wichita Falls, Texas, Allred was elected to represent District 13 in the Texas State House of Representatives in 1966. In his 14 years of service, Allred championed causes related to ethics reform and served on the House Appropriations Committee, the Health and Welfare Commission, the Committee on Business and Industry, the Committee on Social Services, and more. Allred’s commitment to public service over self is often noted; Allred was known to live in his congressional office in order to save on rent costs and make ends meet. Allred remained active in other pursuits during his terms in office, managing the press for Dolph Briscoe’s 1968 run for governor, practicing as a licensed minister, and becoming a certified attorney in 1978.

Following the conclusion of his legislative career, Allred followed up on his other pursuits, serving as an Assistant Attorney General under Jim Mattox, continuing work as a minister, and eventually serving as a professor of journalism at the University of Texas at Austin, Hampton University, and Radford University. Allred died on September 8, 1996 at the age of 62.

67th Texas State Legislature. House. Resolutions – Congratulatory and Honorary. H.C.R. No. 48. 1991. https://lrl.texas.gov/scanned/members/honorary/67/Allred_Dave_HCR48.pdf 75th Texas State Legislature. House. Resolutions – Memorial. H.R. No. 25. March 20, 1997. https://lrl.texas.gov/scanned/members/memorial/75/75_Allred_hr25.pdf “William David Allred.” Texas State Cemetery. https://cemetery.tspb.texas.gov/pub/user_form.asp?pers_id=3236