Typed as spelled and written
- Lena Stone Criswell
THE DAILY DEMOCRAT
(Year Missing) - Number 95
Marlin, Texas, August 21, 1931
TEXAS EDUCATOR DIES
AFTER LONG ILLNESS
Public Education Made
Marked Strides in State
During His
Regime
Death ended the career of one of Texas' most noted educators, when W. F.
Doughty, age 58, former state superintendent of public instruction, expired in
Marlin at 9:10 o'clock Thursday night after an extended illness precipitated by
a stroke of paralysis. He had come to Marlin several times at intervals
for treatment, having been here for the last few weeks on what proved to be his
final visit.
Most adrmired perhaps for his
contributions to the advancement of public education in Texas in the high state
office which he held, yet Mr. Doughty remained most loved locally for his work
as superintendent of the Marlin school system. During his residence in
this city, friendships formed that continued through his life, including former
students as well as patrons of the Marlin public schools.
Born in
Mississippi
A native of Mississippi, W. F. Doughty was born in Attala county of that state
July 22, 1873. With his family, he later moved to Arkansas and there
began his school teaching career, to which he devoted his entire life. To
him, education was a passion, his whole life being spent in teaching and
studying.
Coming to Texas a young man, he continued
pursuit of his profession. He attended the University of Texas at Austin
and the University of Chicago at Chicago, Ill., being a graduate of both of
these institutions. Starting out as a teacher in rural schools, he also
taught in county normals, in Baylor University normal at Waco and Southwest
Texas State Teachers College normal at San Marcos.
Early in the present century, Mr. Doughty
became superintendent of schools at McGregor, a position to which he was
(e)lected for a third term. In 1906, (he) came to Marlin (missing)
(supe(rintendent (missing) schools. During (missing........) (Mar)lin
schools made marked strides of progress under his direction. He also
served as president of the Falls county board of trustees.
Called to State Postion.
It was in 1913 while still head of the Marlin schools, that Mr. Doughty was
called to the post of state superintendent of public instruction in Austin by
appointment of the Gov. Colquitt.
A man who knew the Texas public
educational system in all of its phases, he quickly utilized his vast
store of knowledge on this subject and his splendid executive and
administrative ability for constant betterment and improvement.
Such notable contributions to the state
educational system as state aid for rural schools, compulsory attendance and
the free text book came about during the six years that he held this post.
In 1919, when the federal government felt
itself confronted with the task of rehabilitating thousands of men who had
become incapacitated during the world war, it called upon Mr. Doughty to assume
the direction of the southwestern district for vocational training of disabled
veterans.
With headquarters at Dallas, he devoted five fruitful years of his life to this
work.
Goes to Hillsboro.
In 1924, Mr. Doughty was elected superintendent of the Hillsboro public school
system, a position in which he continued active until June of this year.
As founder of the Hillsboro Junior College, he made a notable contirubution to
the public school system of that city.
Another forward step to his credit in
connection with administration of the Hillsboro school system was installation
of what is known as the "5-4-4" course of study plan.
He was a member of the Presbyterian church
and a Mason.
Mr. Doughty was married in 1897 to Miss
Ettie M. Adler of Terrell, who survive(s) him; also a son, Walter Doughty of
Dallas; a daughter, Mrs. Lucile Allen of Lynchburg, Va.; and four brothers, W.
E. Doughty of Waco, H. T. Doughty of Chicago, Ill., Dr. D. A. Doughty of Hot
Springs, Ark., and A. C. Doughty of San Francisco, Calif.
Funeral Services Sunday.
Funeral services have
been tentatively announced for 4:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon in Marlin,
contingent on arrival of the daughter of deceased from Virginia. Last
rites will be conducted in the funeral chapel by Dr. Henry Austin of the
First Presbyterian church of Hillsboro, pastor of deceased, with burial in
Calvary cemetery.
Royal Arch Masons will accord honors of
the order at the grave.
Mrs. E. C. Work, a sister of Mrs. Doughty,
of Pensacola, Fla., and Mrs. Allen, a daughter, will arrive in Marlin Sunday
morning, it was stated this afternoon.
Many telegrams of condolence from friends
in and out of the state were received today.
Honorary pall bearers announced include C.
E. Evans, president of the Southwest Texas State Teachers College, San Marcos;
S. H. Whitley of East Texas State Teachers College, Commerce; A. W. Birdwell,
president of Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College, Nacgdoches; H. F.
Estill, president of Sam Houston State Teachers College, Huntsville; E. G.
Grafton, Dallas; Dr. J. F. Kimball, vice president of Baylor University; A. C.
Ferguson, dean of East Texas State Teachers College, Commerce; Dr. L. W. Payne
of University ooof Texas, Austin; Dr. H. Y. Benedict, president of University
of Texas; Austin; B. B. Cobb, superintendent of city schools, Waco; Norman
Crozier, superintendent of city schools, Dallas, C. A. Jay, Dallas; C. A.
Murray of West Texas State Teachers College, Canyon; L. V. Stockard of Dallas,
Walker King of Denton; Dr. P. W. Horn of Texas Technological Institute.
Lubbock; R. B. Binion Nashville, Tenn; Dr. John G. Read, A. M. Frazier, G. L.
White, E. P. Allen and J. R. Holt, Hillsboro; B.B. Harris, Denton; C. B.
Spencer, Tyler; Julius F. McDonald, Lubbock; S. M. Sewell, San Marcos; T. H.
Shelby, University of Texas, Austin; W. H. Butler, of Dallas.
J. L. Long and W. O. Rothwell, Dallas; R.
C. Ellis, Fort Worth; T. E. Battle, Judge W. E. Hunnicutt, J. M. Kennedy,
Marlin; W. S. Fleming, Pittsburgh; Dr. O. S. Cooper, Abilene.
----------
Copyright permission granted to Theresa Carhart and her volunteers for
printing by
The Democrat, Marlin, Falls Co., Texas.