Edwin L. Agnew (December 4, 1855—February 16, 1919) was a Texas politician and lawyer who served in the Texas Senate representing district 3 and the Texas House of Representatives for the 22nd district. At the time, both districts were composed of Fannin and Lamar County

Edwin L. Agnew
Member of the Texas Senate
from the 3rd district
In office
January 10, 1893 – October 21, 1896
Preceded byWilliam Henry Pope
Succeeded byRobert L. Ross
Member of the Texas House of Representatives
from the 22nd district
In office
January 13, 1891 – January 10, 1893
Preceded byThomas Henry Hayes
Succeeded byJonathon Davenport Rudd
Personal details
Born(1855-12-04)December 4, 1855
Fannin County, Texas, U.S.
DiedFebruary 16, 1919(1919-02-16) (aged 63)
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse
Belle Evans
(m. 1880)
Children1
Alma materCarlton College
Trinity University, Tehuacana[a]
Occupation
  • Politician
  • lawyer

Early life and career

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Edwin L. Agnew was born on December 4, 1855, in Fannin County, Texas to Allen and Permelia (née Smith) Agnew. His father, a planter by trade, is a native of South Carolina and his mother is from Mississippi. He was the sixth of seven children. Agnew was educated at Carlton College in Bonham, Texas, and graduated from the law department of Trinity University at Tehuacana in 1877 (Trinity University no longer has a campus in Tehuacana). Agnew had a successful law practice in Bonham.[1][2]

In 1878, Agnew was elected to be a magistrate for a six-year term. He was mayor of Bonham, having been elected in 1886 and re-elected in 1887.[1][2]

Texas legislature

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Agnew was a Democrat.[3] He represented district 22 of the Texas House of Representatives during the twenty-second Texas legislature. His predecessor was Thomas Henry Hayes and he took office on January 13, 1891, serving until January 10, 1893, when he was succeeded by Jonathon Davenport Rudd.[3][4]

During the twenty-third and twenty-fourth Texas legislature, Agnew represented district 3 of the Texas Senate. He took office on January 10, 1993,[3] succeeding William Henry Pope.[4] Agnew resigned on October 21, 1896, and was succeeded by Robert L. Ross.[3][4]

Both the 22nd House district and the 3rd Senate district were composed of Fannin County and Lamar County at the time.

Personal life

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Throughout his life, Agnew lived in the Fannin County.[1][2] In 1880, he married Belle Evans, the daughter of W. A. Evans. The couple had one child, Ilene, together. Agnew was a member of Knights of Honor, and was an active member of a Christian church with his wife.[1] Agnew had a good reputation and was well liked.[2][1]

After struggling with a two-year-long illness, Agnew died on the morning of February 16, 1919 at the age of 63.[2][5]

Notes

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  1. ^ Trinity University no longer has a branch in Tehuacana.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Biographical Souvenir of the State of Texas" (PDF). F. A. BATTEY & COMPANY. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e Lowry, J. H. (21 February 1919). "Honey Grove Signal (Honey Grove, Tex.), Vol. 29, No. 3, Ed. 1 Friday, February 21, 1919". The Portal to Texas History. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d "Legislative Reference Library | Legislators and Leaders | Member profile". lrl.texas.gov. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  4. ^ a b c "Legislative Reference Library | Legislators and Leaders | Texas Legislators: Past & Present". lrl.texas.gov. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  5. ^ "Texas Legislators: Past & Present - Mobile". lrl.texas.gov. Retrieved 1 August 2023.