LaFont, Harold M 1998-06-23

Harold LaFont reminisces about his experience as the district attorney of the 64th judicial district.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Harold M. LaFont

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: June 23, 1998

Location: Plainview, Texas

Interviewer: Gene B. Preuss

Length: 49 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Harold La Font, Born: July 1, 1907, in Conran, Missouri, Parents: L. E. F. and Clara LaFont, Father: County Judge in New Maverick County, Missouri, Southeast Missouri State College, Missouri University, Catron, Missouri, Taught a year of school, 90 students in a one-room school, Sawmill town, Steve Blackman, friend, Jobs held during high school and college, Steve Blackman (again), Washington, D. C., George Washington University, Job, Attend law school and teach at the same time, Woodward School for Boys (early 1930s), Taught school, 3 years, Assistant principal, 3rd year, Elected to be principal, but LaFont declined, Completion of Law School, Came to Texas (1930s), LaFont’s sister lived in Texas, Depression era, Plainview, Texas, Began law practice in Plainview, Paton Randolph, partner, County Judge, Hale County (1932), Opponents, Salary, $250 per month, Served four, two-year terms, Democrat, Republican Party, Nonexistent in West Texas (1932), Depression (again), President Herbert Hoover, Opinions, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Plainview, Texas (again), Salary cut, Bank closing, Albert Hinge, Helped bank go back into business after 2 years, District Attorney, 64th Judicial District, Included 6 counties, Opinions, Cases, Littlefield, Texas [rustle noises during this part of interview], Dr. Hunt is shot by Dr. Newsom of Cameron, Texas, Later, Dr. Hunt and his wife are murdered, (1943), Dr. Newsom prosecuted in Hale County, Problems with bribes in Pardon Board.

Tape 1, Side 2: Hunt and Newsom case (continued), Olton, Texas, Jim Thomas, Bootlegger and prisoner, Other cases, State Legislature, State representative for 2 terms (1948), Ran for Senate and was defeated (1952), Gilmer Adkins Law, Opposed, Consolidation of schools, Description of law, Law practice (1950s), Civil cases, Allan Shivers, Texas governor, Opinion, [They’re looking at photos on wall], Marshall (Formby?), Restrictions (?), Hunt and Newsom case (again).

Range Dates: 1907-1998

Bulk Dates: 1940-1952

Access Information

Original Recording Format: audio cassette

Recording Format Notes: digitized October 2017, Audio CD available in Reading Room

Transcript: no

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