Famous Citizens:

Clyde Barrow
Born in Teleco, Texas and half of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo, Clyde “Champion ” Barrow assisted his partner, Bonnie Parker, in a nationwide crime spree that lasted from 1932 until their deaths in 1934. The two met in West Dallas, Texas in January 1930, and after Clyde's parole from burglary charges in 1932 they began a nationwide campaign of crime. Together the pair committed 13 murders, numerous kidnappings, and several burglaries and robberies. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies engaged in one of the largest manhunts the United States had seen up to that time, capturing national attention. With most of their accomplices already dead or captured, Bonnie and Clyde were ambushed and killed instantly by a posse of lawmen on May 23, 1934.

 

 

Dwight D. Eisenhower
The 34th U.S. President; born in Denison, Texas. Before becoming President, Eisenhower commanded Allied Forces in North Africa during World War II, served as President of Columbia University, and then served as Supreme Commander of NATO forces in 1951.

 

 

Buddy Holly
Considered one of the fathers of rock 'n roll; Buddy Holly was born Charles Hardin Holley in Lubbock, Texas. Holly was first noticed by Decca Records as part of an opening act for Bill Haley and the Comets. Eventually, Holly formed his own band “The Crickets.” His promising career was cut short when he was touring with Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson (“The Big Bopper”) and a small plane carrying the group crashed in Iowa, killing all aboard. This incident is widely believed to be the event referred to as “The Day the Music Died” in Don McLean’s song “American Pie.”

 

 

Lyndon B. Johnson
The 36th U.S. President (1963-1969); born in Stonewall, Texas. Prior to becoming President, Johnson had served in World War II, and served six terms in the House of Representatives. In 1948 he was elected to the Senate, and in 1953 became the youngest Minority Leader in history. When the Democrats gained control of the Senate, he became Majority leader. He served as Vice-President under John F. Kennedy, and then was elevated to the Presidency after the assassination of Kennedy. He successfully ran for President in the next election and is credited with initiating a program of social reforms he called the Great Society.

 

 

Sandra Day O'Connor
U.S. Supreme Court justice; born in El Paso, Texas. O’Connor, the first woman appointed to the US Supreme Court, grew up on 198,000 acre ranch in Texas. After practicing law, O’Connor was elected to the state Senate in Arizona. She also served on the Arizona Court of Appeals. She was encouraged to run for governor, but declined. President Ronald Reagan appointed her to the Supreme Court in 1981.