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Dedicated to the Honored Memory
of
A Qentleman of the
Old School
William Pinckney McLean
WILLIAM PINCKNEY McLEAN
Was horn August 9, 1836, in Copiah County,
Miss. Son of Allen Ferguson and Anne Rose Mc-
Lean. Moved to Texas in early childhood, reared
in Harrison County. Attended Marshall University,
Marshall, Texas. Graduate of University of North
Carolina School of Law. Elected to Ninth Texas
Legislature from Victoria County in 1861. Resigned
his seat in the House to enter Confederate Army as
a private. Ranked Major at the close of the war be-
tween the States. Elected to the Twelfth Legisla-
ture from Titus and Red River counties. Elected
to the Forty-third Congress in 1872. Named mem-
ber of State Constitutional Convention, 1875. Later
elected Judge of the Fifth Judicial District. Named
member of first Railroad Commission by Governor
Hogg. Moved to Fort Worth in 1893, and con-
tinued his long legal career.
In 1859 married Miss Margaret Batte. Died
March 13, 1925. Survived by widow and four
children, Miss Margaret McLean, W. P. McLean,
Jr. ; Dr. John H. McLean, and Mrs. Bessie Culp.
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2012 with funding from
LYRASIS Members and Sloan Foundation
http://www.archive.org/details/williampinckneymOOscot
William Pinckney McLean
1836 - 1925
His life was gentle and the elements
So mixed in him that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world, "This Was a Man/*
— Shakespeare.
Judge McLean
At the Age of 84
Judge McLean
At the Age of 88
Judge McLean
at the age of 80
Judge McLean
At the Age of 76
Judge McLean
at the time he was a member of the Railroad Com-
mission of the State of Texas, his age being 55 years.
Judge McLean
At the time he was a member of the Constitutional
Convention of the State of Texas in 1875, which
Constitution was recommended to the people and
ratified, and adopted by them in 1876.
Judge McLean
As a member of the Ninth
Texas Legislature in 1861.
qA^oC\jU^ *T, ojjS^JCkisX^ erf C(TojU<q^'
c4Wf^ tsn/OA JZvl erf &fa^/o4A.a
Exact reproduction of the signature of Judge
McLean to the Constitution of the State of Texas,
adopted by the people in 1876, he being a member
of the Constitutional Convention of the State of
Texas in 1875.
"B
A TRIBUTE
To Judge Wm. P. McLean
iEYOND the ken of mortal understanding
there lies a fair land of promised rewards, of
wider opportunities, of greater service.
One of the world's Fine Spirits, Prince of the
Brotherhood of Nature's Noblemen, wrapped about
him the mantle of his venerable years, sought his
couch and lay down to his earned age-long rest.
Men call his sleeping death, and about his bier
the multitudes chant a vast requiem of sorrow. I
say he sleeps — lives — reaps the reward of service,
greets and grasps new opportunities for greater service
in that fairer, greener land whence no man returneth.
He was a man whom men delighted to honor. He
was a man in whom was embodied manhood's finest
qualities. "He was a Man — taken all in all, I shall
not look upon his like again."
His was a big duty, well done, as befitted a Texas
Gentleman. As a Soldier he served the Lost Cause
which shall be forever held sacred in the hearts of
Southern men. As a statesman he poured out the last
full measure of devotion to the State. As a jurist he
was the personification of the trilogy of jurispru-
dence — Truth, Justice, Mercy.
The passing years touched his brow and painted
there a record of their passing. Of the life of Judge
McLean, Time has recorded a myriad legion of rich
memories, and of high endeavors; and out of the vast
storehouse of his character and the good deeds of his
hand and heart the Master Artisan has wrought a
fine mosaic of a life well and nobly lived and left as
a heritage to posterity.
Upon his grave friends heaped friendships fairest
tokens, flowers whose fragrance and abundance bore
testimony of the respect and admiration in which
Judge McLean was held. The flowers have withered
now, yet their fragrance lingers and will linger to
remind us of the kinship of those blossoms and his
own sweet spirit.
He was my partner and my friend, and friendship
was to him a sacred thing, set high about the earthly
cares of commerce, a noble sentiment inspiring con-
fidence and trust, and fusing in its own calm steady
flame respect, affection and a deep regard for his kind
counsel and his helping hand.
He was tender, true, considerate, loyal and abso-
lutely lovable. Modest and unostentatious, he was
likewise generous to a fault; because of these qualities
of mind and heart many of the closest friends of
this great and good man were not aware, as I was,
of his habit of secretly giving liberally of his means
to worthy causes and charitable objects.
He was my friend. No friend of mine but knows
how much he meant, how much his memory means
to me. He was my friend — the staunchest, firmest,
most respected and best loved. I grieve that I shall
touch his hand no more; that I shall not hear his
voice again. Yet the deeds of this man live after
him. He speaks though he be silent. "The dust has
returned to the earth as it was; and the spirit has
returned unto the God who gave it."
Walter B. Scott.
Page Eight
AN APPRECIATION
No living person will ever possess sufficient ability
to measure my appreciation of Judge W. P. McLean.
To his innumerable friends he was a comrade true,
a companion of interest and a safe counselor; to me,
he was that, — and more; he was my source of in-
formation concerning all subjects, when in need; he
was my salvation in a hard fight, for he was always
equipped for legal battle; he was my sympathizer
when I failed; in short' he was "my shelter in the
time of storm."
There may have lived a better man, but I never
knew him; there may have been a more scholarly,
chivalrous man, but history never revealed him; there
may have been created a man more in the image of
our Master, but His disciples never wrote of him,
he was truly a good man, a knightly gentleman and
a brilliant lawyer.
The privilege and pleasure of a partnership with
him is an heritage which I shall proudly hand down
to posterity as a treasured heirloom and by reason
of my very pleasant association with him and the
principles which he inculcated in my heart and mind
I have been made a wiser and better man and I shall
always treasure and hold priceless his memory and
those principles which distinguished him as a great
man and lawyer, even though my hope of emulation
is vain.
His sojourn on earth has made us a better people.
Peace be to his ashes.
Sam R. Sayers.
Page Nine
A MEMORY
In the death of Judge W. P. McLean a great pure
soul has been called to its final reward. Revered,
cherished and loved in this world for his unfailing
kindness to all, his countless good deeds of hand
and heart, his never doing an intentional wrong or
injury to his fellow man, his purity of heart and
uprightness of conduct, bespeak for his tender, sweet,
pure spirit a safe and peaceful home in the haven
prepared for the good.
He was a fearless soldier; a wise law maker; a
just judge; a brilliant lawyer, a true philosopher
and a beloved friend. His pure life and matchless
intellect challenged the admiration, love and respect
of all who knew him. His mental integrity unerr-
ingly led him to correct conclusions and to all his
law partners he was "the Supreme Court." His ad-
vice was almost infallible; his knowledge of the law
superior; his influence for good unlimited.
He was the greatest lawyer I have ever known
and his memory will always be sacred to me. No
one can ever know just how much I loved him and
depended upon him.
Mantled with his venerable years and with his
high honors, obtained both in private and in public
life, he was called from labor to refreshment. With
aching hearts and tear-dimmed eyes, we gently laid
him to sleep in his velvet vault of flowers, deep in
earth's arms, where he awaits the eternal day when
partings will be no more. He is gone; but his spirit
and influence will live forever.
W. W. Alcorn.
Page Ten
CAPPS, CANTEY, HANGER 8 SHORT
Fort Worth, Texas
March 16th, 1925.
Hon. Walter B. Scott,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Dear Walter:
I am just in receipt of the photograph of the floral
tributes to Judge McLean which you were so
thoughtful to send me. For this kindness I thank
you, but T want to add a few words about this great
and good man who has left us to our labors without
his counsel, and the touch of whose gentle and re-
straining hand we will never again feel when impulse
instead of judgment struggles for control.
He, in his own determined way, lived only in high
altitudes; his masterful mind never troubled with
trifles. His life was so lofty that if the shafts of
envy and malice were ever aimed at him, they fell
harmless at his feet. I can not escape thinking of
the company of Immortals among whom he moved
here, and who must have awaited his coming "on
the other shore" — Coke, Maxey, Reagan, Mills,
Hogg and a host of others who with him tore the
reins of the State Government from a tyrant's hand
and delivered them back to the people to whom they
belonged.
What a Treasure House is ours in the knowledge
that we possessed his friendship and enjoyed his trust.
To me this is beyond price, and his memory is sa-
cred.
Your friend,
W. A. Hanger.
Page Eleven
Walter B. Scott,
City.
Dear Walter:
In conversation with you the other day we dis-
cussed Judge McLean, and his wonderful career.
It was my pleasure to know Judge William P.
McLean intimately during a crucial period in the
honorable history of the Democratic party in Texas.
I have read with inspiration and enlightenment
the tributes paid to his memory by friends and asso-
ciates who knew him during his epochal time and
note that through all of them runs the golden
thread of unanimity, in the compliment to his won-
derful accuracy of judgment and wise counsel, in
matters that proclaimed him at once a safe coun-
sellor and adviser to those with whom he was asso-
ciated in the law, as well as^ in all pertinent things
that pertained to the welfare of party, state and
nation.
Instinctively, I shrink from eulogium, because it
has a tendency to detract from that tribute which I
should like to bestow on my friend, whose life it
was my privilege to touch to the point of intimate
contact, and which shall abide with me throughout
all the years to come.
I knew him at a time when the services and teach-
ings of a man skilled in statesmanship and with a
patriotic regard for the welfare of state, nation and
party, were essential to the guidance, along the route
of those capable in the highest degree of pointing
the way to the best civilization which the founders
of this government were ambitious to attain.
From him, I first learned what Adam Smith,
John Knox and their immortal associates meant
Page Twelve
when they taught the imperishable doctrine that
money, stripped of its magic, was a mere com-
modity, possessing no value beyond redeemability
in terms of coin, and having the pledge of govern-
ment squarely behind it, which should make it cir-
culate at par on a basis with money, recognized as
such, by every civilized power in the world.
When Judge McLean was a candidate for con-
gress, just at the time that green-backism, which
was predicated on the unsubstantial heresy of fiatism
and the doctrine that governments could, by their
ipse dixit, create a circulating medium, I heard for
the first time the story of the French assignat when
the nation of France was in desperation over the
distress of the French people at the close of the
Napoleonic wars which had left them hopeless
under the weight of debt and the burdens ensuing
from an accumulation of cruel blunders, that fol-
lowed in the wake of that war no less than they are
following that wonderful nation now, in its efforts
to escape the horrors of the war just ended, and nad
the first lasting philosophy of money as it is taught
by the masters.
From that day it has abided with me and shall so
abide henceforth. Then, later on in this man's il-
lustrious career, when he put the state and nation
in his everlasting debt by the philosophy of the
long and short haul as applied to the transporation
of commodities by common carriers. I again
acknowledged my debt to this unerring teacher in
the real crises that come to one and all governments
sooner or later, and which shall come to them here-
after in their experiences in dealing with the com-
plex and great issues that are the heritage of a
nation from the fathers, and which shall continue
to be the heritage of them all until the best civiliza-
Page Thirteen
tion shall end the experiments that have been con-
ducted and the best and wisest solutions of all prob-
lems shall be the accomplishments of the children
of men.
Louis J. Wortham.
Ft. Worth, Texas.
April 3rd, 1925.
Page Fourteen
Resolutions
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
State of Texas
Austin, Texas, March 13, 1925.
H. C. R. No. 48 By Mr. Rowland
WHEREAS, Word has been received in Austin of
the death of the Honorable W. P. McLean, Sr., at
his home in Fort Worth, and
WHEREAS, for more than half a century Judge
McLean has been one of the outstanding citizens of
Texas, and
WHEREAS, Most of the history of the State has
been enriched by the life and character of the deceased,
he having served as a member of the Constitution
Committee, which wrote the present Constitution of
Texas and having later served with conspicuous abil-
ity as a member of the Railroad Commission of
Texas
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the House
of Representatives and the Senate of the Thirty-ninth
Legislature, that we express our sympathy to the
family and relatives of the deceased, and
^ BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief
Clerk of the House be instructed to send an enrolled
copy of this resolution to the family of the deceased.
LEE SATTERWHITE,
Speaker of the House.
C. L. PHINNEY,
Chief Clerk of the House.
Page Seventeen
RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS
MEMORIAL
To William Pinckney McLean
Railroad Commissioner 1891-1894
Office of the Railroad Commission of Texas
Austin, Texas, March 13th, 1925.
At Fort Worth, Texas, today, death closed the
career of William Pinckney McLean, Confederate
soldier, lawyer, statesman and jurist. To us his
death is of extraordinary interest in that it marked
the passing of one of the three original members
of the Railroad Commission of Texas.
Born August 9, 1836, in the State of Mississippi,
he came to Texas in 1839, with his bereaved mother,
mourning the recent death of her husband, and there
was then linked with this infant State a life largely
dedicated to its service marked with signal honors,
well deserved, and crowned with the benediction of
work well done.
William P. McLean was a member of the Texas
Legislature in 1861 and in 1869; he was a gallant
Confederate soldier, serving with distinction through
the Civil War and retiring a major; he was a mem-
ber of the Forty-third U. S. Congress; was one of
the Constitutional Convention of 1875; a judge of
the Fifth Judicial District of Texas; and in 1891 was
appointed a member of the newly created Railroad
Commission of Texas by Governor James S. Hogg
to serve with John H. Reagan and L. L. Foster.
To the Railroad Commission of Texas he brought
the mastery of his genius, his loyal fidelity, his un-
common qualifications as a lawyer and jurist and
Page Eighteen
the ripe experience of his eminent public career. Here
he served with marked zeal during the early and try-
ing days of this Commission's life when its existence
was on trial and his retirement from this post was
his retirement from public life. Though retired to
private practice of his profession he always retained
a keen interest in civic and State affairs.
The inspiration of all great service is unselfishness
and the glory of service is sacrifice. No man with
the forceful genius which he possessed could have
given over to his State so much of his life without
surrender of self. This grand old Tribune, protect-
ing the life and liberties of his people, brought to
public service that reverent devotion to duty and out-
standing talent which planted influences, living today
and to live tomorrow — inspirations to those who
strive to serve. His voice, though still, will yet
speak; his influence, though bereft of living contact,
will yet live.
In utmost respect and with profound sorrow we
record here today the passing of this masterful,
though gentle man and eminent public servant; and
to the stricken family we extend our deepest sym-
pathy. And as his memory becomes a benediction
let us say to him;
"Silence lulls thee in sweet excess
Of sleep. Sleep thou content!**
RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS,
Clarence E. Gilmore,
Chairman.
C V. Terrell,
Lon A. Smith,
Commissioners,
Page Nineteen
BAR ASSOCIATION
Fort Worth, Texas.
IN MEMORIAM
Judge W. P. McLean, Sr.
Proceedings of the Memorial Service held in the
District Court room of the District Court,
Forty-eighth Judicial District, Tarrant County,
Texas, on the twenty-third day of March,
1925, in memory of Hon. W. P. McLean, Sr.,
of the Fort Worth Bar.
The President: (Mr. W. E. Allen). The Bar
Association will now come to order. I feel that
the Fort Worth Bar has lost its most distinguished
and its most revered member, Judge McLean, and we
meet this morning to honor his memory in a memo-
rial service. We have had a number of memorial
services for distinguished members of our bar in
recent months, and the thought comes to me this
morning that Judge McLean was never too busy to
attend those meetings. You will recall that not more
than a month ago he spoke at the memorial service
held for Mr. George Thompson. I cherish the rec-
ollection of his presiding at the memorial service
held for Mr. Flournoy. As he stood before us in
that meeting and as he pointed out the high ideals
of the profession that he had followed so many
years — that he loved — I felt that from that address
of Judge McLean that we would get more inspira-
tion, that we would learn more about the ethics of
our profession and the high ideals of our profession
than we could get by a year's course in any univer-
sity. It is therefore fit and proper that we come to-
gether this morning, and lay aside our business for a
brief space and pay our respects to Judge McLean.
Judge McLean practiced law in Texas for a long
Page Twenty
time. He had practiced many, many years at the Fort
Worth Bar. I feel that there is no more fit a per-
son to preside over this meeting this morning than the
Chief Justice of our Court of Civil Appeals, and I
am going to ask that Judge Conner now take charge
of this meeting, and if Mr. Penry, Mr. McGinness,
and Mr. Johns will escort Judge Conner to the chair,
I will turn the meeting over to him.
(Whereupon Judge Conner, Chief Justice of the
Court of Civil Appeals at Fort Worth, took the
chair.)
JUDGE Conner: Gentlemen of the Bar: It may
seem strange, but I do not think ever in my life have
I been called on to preside over a meeting, a public
meeting particularly, of such a stately body as I see
before me, and this morning I feel that I am com-
pelled to be a factor, even though it may be slight
and insignificant, in rendering what homage we can
to the memory of our distinguished deceased member.
I feel sad about it, because of the fact that in the
course of events we also have in our city the dead
body of a Senator that I knew when I was a young
man. I was present in the convention when he was
first nominated as Attorney General of the State of
Texas, at Galveston, I believe it was, and I have
known and studied his course ever since. As I say, I
feel sad, but I am glad at the same time to be able
as I am to appear before you to participate in the ex-
ercises in memory of our deceased brother, Judge
McLean. Now, I believe the Program Committee
has a program here, and I believe in the disposal of
the program the first thing will be the presentation
of the resolutions committee, and that is now in
order. The chairman of that committee will now
present that report, and we will be glad to receive it.
MR. BARWISE: Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Conner: Mr. Barwise.
Mr. Barwise: The Committee on Resolutions
Page Twenty-one
has prepared, and we submit the following set of
resolutions:
William Pinckney McLean, Sr., was born in
Copiah County, Mississippi, on August 9, 1836, the
year of Texas' Independence, and his long and event-
ful life was in keeping with the spirit of those great
men who achieved the triumphs of that historic year.
When five years of age his mother, widowed by
the early demise of his father, removed with him and
a brother two years younger, to Harrison County,
Texas, in the schools of which county, and its coun-
ty seat, Marshall, he received his early educational
training, and the inspiration for the ambition which
characterized his whole life.
As he approached young manhood he determined
upon procuring a college education, and to that end
for four years attended the school at Chappel Hill,
North Carolina, which at that time, was the seat
of one of the most widely known and highly reputed
institutions of learning in the South. Graduating
from that institution in the year 1857, he returned
to the State of Texas, began the study of law and
was admitted to the bar and began the practice of his
chosen profession at Victoria, then one of the most
thriving, growing towns in the southern part of the
State.
From this county he was elected before the Civil
War to the State Legislature where he early distin-
guished himself by his brilliancy in debate and the
soundness and sagacity of his counsel.
From Victoria he entered the Confederate Army in
1861 as a private soldier, and gave the four years
which followed in gallant service to a cause which
was destined to be lost, but which was fought by
him and his heroic comrades in defense of a principle
in which they were ready to die, and which, although
determined against them in the arbitrament of arms,
yet still lives in the unvanquished hearts of Southern
patriots.
Page Twenty-two
When the Civil War was ended he had reached the
rank of Major, impoverished, as were all of the sol-
diers of that conflict, the years of toil which he had
spent before its beginning were practically lost and
he had to begin life anew.
He located immediately after the end of the Civil
War, at Mount Pleasant, and began again the prac-
tice of law and the great career, the steady progress
of which was uninterrupted from then until the day
of his death. As a lawyer he became immediately
successful both as an advocate and as a counselor.
In the early seventies, unsought, indeed against
his wishes, a nomination for Congress was tendered
him and he was elected, serving but a single term,
voluntarily retiring at its end for he cared nothing
for political preferment. As a member of the Forty-
third Congress he was the associate of Benjamin H.
Hill of Georgia, L. Q. C. Lamar of Mississippi, Roger
Q. Mills of Texas, Stephen B. Elkins, then a delegate
from the territory of New Mexico, and afterward
United States Senator from West Virginia, George
F. Hoar, then a member of the Lower House of Con-
gress and afterward for many years a United States
Senator from Massachusetts; James A. Garfield, then
a member of the House of Representatives from Ohio,
and afterward President; James G. Blaine of Maine,
then Speaker; Samuel G. Randall of Pennsylvania,
John G. Carlisle of Kentucky, Isham G. Harris of
Tennessee, and a host of others equally prominent,
in truth no greater in intellect or learning or purer
in heart than Judge McLean himself, all of whom
made their names immortal in the history of our
country.
In 1876 he was elected as a member of the Con-
stitutional Convention and his influence was most
potent in the framing of the Constitution finally
submitted by that body to the people and by them
adopted, an instrument which was so wisely framed
and so constructively planned that despite repeated
Page Twenty-three
efforts since to call another convention, all such ef-
forts have failed, and is yet the instrument whose
principles are closest to the hearts of the people of
Texas.
In that convention he served with W. L. Craw-
ford, then of Marion County, later of Dallas, and
one of the great trial lawyers of the South; John L.
Henry, then of Smith County, and afterward a mem-
ber of the Supreme Court; L. S. Ross of McLennan
County, later Governor; C. B. Kilgore of Gregg
County, afterward and for many years a member of
Congress from Texas; J. W. Ferris of Ellis County,
W. P. Ballinger of Galveston County, L. W. Moore
of Fayette County, afterward for many years a mem-
ber of Congress from Texas and later and until his
death an honored District Judge of his district;
Thomas L. Nugent of Erath County, John H. Rea-
gan of Anderson County, before and afterward a
member of Congress, United States Senator and
Chairman of first Railroad Commission of the State.
He served as District Judge at the earnest solicita-
tion of the Bar of his district when the service in-
volved a large pecuniary sacrifice. He was tendered
by Governor Hogg membership on the first Railroad
Commission; he accepted and helped to organize and
put into effect that great and efficient branch of our
State Government; serving on that body with John
H. Reagan and L. L. Foster they became the pioneer
Public Utility Commission, thus pointing the way
for the establishment in all the States of the Union
of similar commissions; he retired from that place
voluntarily in 1893 when he removed to Fort Worth
to add fresh laurels to a career already grown rich in
achievement and adorned by countless successes.
In the more than thirty years that he has been
associated with the members of the Fort Worth Bar,
there can be found none who does not pay genuine
tribute to the uprightness of his character, the sin-
cerity of his purpose and the integrity of his conduct.
Page Twenty-four
In addition to this, his conduct was characterized by
a uniform kindness to all with whom he came in
contact and especially was this true of the younger
members of his profession to whom he at all times
gave aid and encouragement.
Judge McLean was a patriot. The faculties of his
mind and the energies of his body alike were con-
secrated to the service of his country. Before its
good he had no thought, beyond its future he had
no national view. Judge McLean was a leader of
men; his calm insight, his lofty vision, the logic of
his mind, stored with the treasures gathered in a
busy but thoughtful life, compelled others to follow
where he led. He believed in the brotherhood of man
and he always practiced that which he preached. He
trod a highway of hope and not of despair, and he
kept the company of his own self respect.
Therefore, Be It Resolved by the members of the
Fort Worth Bar that in the death of Judge W. P.
McLean they (and the Bar of Texas) have lost
one of their ablest and most distinguished members,
and that in the days to come we shall miss his wise
counsel, his calm and serene judgment and the in-
fluence of his noble life and lofty example.
Be It Further Resolved that we tender to his family
our sympathy in the affliction which they have sus-
tained.
And Be It Further Resolved that a copy of these
Resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the Dis-
trict Court of Tarrant County, of the Court of Civil
Appeals for the Second Supreme Judicial District,
the Supreme Court of Texas and the United States
District Court for the Northern District of Texas,
and another copy be sent to the members of his
family.
J. H. Barwise, Jr. B. B. Stone.
W. A. Hanger. Jesse M. Brown.
T. H. Conner. Max K. Mayer.
Robert McCart. Geo. Thompson, Jr.
W. H. Slay. Bruce Young.
Mr. Barwise: Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of
the Bar: I am sure that the resolutions which the
committee has adopted reflect no doubt the unani-
mous sentiment of every man who knew Judge
McLean. It is obviously impossible within the
limits of propriety which necessarily obtain in the
preparation of such instruments that they can not
enter into the details of all of that which is interest-
ing or that reflects credit on the subject of such reso-
lutions. The committee has intended to be his-
torically accurate, but only has mentioned Judge
McLean's remarkable career in its high points. If it
ever is true that all expressions of such resolutions
do not represent entire sincerity, certainly that is not
the instance here. Perhaps no lawyer among us, per-
haps no character in Texas, occupied a position more
attractive, more inportant or had been concerned in
more matters of interest in Texas history than Judge
McLean. His position in Texas was unique. Of the
many important positions of trust he held, there was
never a whisper or a suggestion that he had not ful-
filled even to the highest measure of the most exact-
ing every requirement, and he did it in a way that
reflected credit on Texas history and constitutes a
worthy example for every officer of Texas today. As
to his personal traits, there was no man in the legal
profession or out of it about whom more attractive
things could be said. One who tried his cases on
the same side with Judge McLean, or on the other
side, could not detect any difference in his kindly,
courteous and gentlemanly treatment, whether the
lawyer associated with him was on the same side or
on the other side of the litigation. At the direction,
therefore, Mr. Chairman, of the Resolutions Com-
mittee, I move the adoption of the resolutions which
have been read.
Page Twenty -six
JUDGE CONNER: Gentlemen of the Bar. A mo-
tion is before you, but before I put that motion by
the Program Committee, I think that it would be
proper to receive expressions from various represen-
tatives of our profession, and the first one on the
program is Judge James C. Wilson. We will now
hear remarks from Judge Wilson, as a representative
of our Federal Court, and if Judge Wilson is present,
we will be glad to hear from him.
ADDRESS OF JUDGE JAMES C. WILSON,
JUDGE UNITED STATES DISTRICT
COURT, NORTHERN DISTRICT
OF TEXAS.
Gentlemen of the Bar Association: These me-
morial meetings are becoming painfully, if not also
alarmingly frequent, but with it all, personally I
experience a sense of pleasure in being here to join
you in giving just a few words of general tribute to
our beloved friend and brother, Judge McLean.
I wish to congratulate the resolutions committee
on its work — upon the beautiful tribute, and so
just in it all, to this man. In other words, they have
stayed within the record — with the truth, — where
facts were involved. And in all of the beautiful con-
clusions presented by them and expressed by them, I
did not find myself dissenting, and I am sure no
other person in the sound of the reader's voice found
himself dissenting in the least from all of those
wonderful expressions about him. He was every-
thing and more than they claim. In fact, while
Judge Barwise was reading that resolution and while
Page Twenty-seven
I could not quote it exactly — this thought came to
me: The cardinal thought of that classic speech
made by Lincoln at Gettysburg; that keynote being
that we are not here to honor these men, but we are
rather honored by being here, and I feel that is true
as applied to all of us, but more particularly as to
those called upon to give any expressions here today
in an effort to do honor to him. To pay just tribute
to this man is out of the question, and I feel that we
are rather honored by being selected to attempt to
do so.
Judge McLean's life was a real contribution to
humanity, and was a real inspiration, I know, to
every man who has had the very great privilege even
of acquaintance, to say nothing of intimate friend-
ship with him. He was in personality as lovable as
a woman and yet at the same time possessed of oak-
like qualities of character, and even at the end showed
very little signs of the many storms through which
he passed during his eighty-nine years of life. He
was the most lovable man from many standpoints I
ever knew; certainly he was the most remarkable old
man. There were outstanding features about him
that possibly none of us have seen. I know I have
seen none like him, and I refer particularly to this,
that although he was eighty-nine years of age there
were no mental signs of that age. He was a youth
mentally. There were not many old age signs on
him even physically, but none mentally. There were
none of the symptoms of old age. He was not
childish; he was the cherished companion of young
people. He had not lived to reach, with his eighty-
nine years, second childhood. He knew but one
childhood, the first. When he appeared before the
judges which continued to the last there was no
faltering of mind like there is ordinarily, or faltering
of step.
In his manner of proceeding, his general court be-
havior, in his logic, his reasoning and presentation,
Page Twenty-eight
and lastly in his judgments he was the living per-
sonification of Justice. That quality being so well-
known joined with the very great affection the courts
held for him, placed him in a position of uncon-
sciously exercising an almost undue influence upon
the courts. He was a type, a spark from another age
and since he has passed we shall see no more.
Judge Barwise in the resolutions mentioned the
elements of patience, fairness, justice, kindness and
courtesy that entered into his make-up. He possess-
ed to a marked degree all of those endearing qualities
of character. Did you ever hear of any person ever
uttering about him a disrespectful thing — anything
other than praise, other than compliment? It was
impossible; at least, it was impossible for any man
who had known him during the years that we have
— for the last twenty-five or thirty.
He was a great lawyer with it all. Ordinarly we
might think that to his firm there was not any great
loss in his passing — a firm composed of a body of
young, strong, active, vigorous men in the practice
of law. I happened to mention to one of them, in
extending to him some of my expressions of sympa-
thy, about their great loss. He said to me, "Judge,
you have no idea, and no one can form any idea of
just the loss our firm has sustained." He said, "When
a matter came up, impulsive, as we are, one of the firm
would go one way and one another, and pull against
each other, and divided — a house against itself — but
Judge McLean would listen to it all and would say,
'Now, boys, handle that matter this way,' and the
whole scene was changed, and everything was ironed
out, and we proceeded with a united front." He
said, "You can not begin to appreciate the loss that
our firm has sustained when you realize that we
have lost that very important element of our firm."
It was a joy indeed to have known Judge McLean,
and to have loved him. It was a compliment to any
man younger than he to have found himself in accord
Page Twenty-nine
with his political views on political questions; at
least I have so thought. Whenever I had any doubt,
since I have known him, as to the right or wrong of
any political question, I considered him as a foun-
tain-head of information and sound judgment.
Others will speak, gentlemen, more of his life.
Of course one could speak indefinitely with reference
to Judge McLean if he had known him as I. You
can see that from the history given in these resolu-
tions, but as to this man, as I said in the beginning,
I only expected to pay a few tributes in a general
way.
I shall never forget the scene down there at the
little Episcopal church where the brief funeral ser-
vices were had, and while I am touching upon that,
as I sat there during those impressive services, this
thought came to me. What about him now? While
I have made no inquiries calculated to give me accurate
information as to whether or not he had any church
affiliations, I did inquire of one of our judges here
this morning, and he told me that he thought he had
none — that he was a Christian believer, but at the
time of his death, he was not a member of any
church. I thought, "Well, whether he did or not,
a man who has lived the life that he has, who has
been to humanity what he has been, who has accom-
plished the good he has accomplished, who has left as
little harm behind him as he has left, there need be
no concern as to his welfare in that great Beyond."
Wherever men of his type are gathered together
from this world, any good man might well be am-
bitious to be there and to join him.
As I looked at those flowers down there at that
little church, the mounds and almost mountains of
flowers, I thought how just it all is, and as he lay
there peacefully sleeping under that canopy of flowers,
I thought, "Well, if I have ever known a man who
deserved to rest at last in peace literally smothered
with the tributes of the people, it is he," and I hearti-
Page Thirty
ly join in the sentiments expressed by our President,
when he said in the beginning, that we have lost
our foremost, our most distinguished and our most
beloved lawyer.
Judge Conner: We will now hear from Mr.
Lassiter in behalf of the older members of the bar.
Mr. N. H. Lassiter: Mr. Chairman.
Judge Conner: Mr. Lassiter.
ADDRESS OF HON. NEWTON H. LASSITER,
OF THE FORT WORTH BAR.
Gentlemen of the Bar: This occasion emphasizes
to some extent the habit of neglect that each of us
should plead guilty to, of waiting until after a
man is dead before we get into that frame of mind
to speak kindly to him or to his friend of what
our estimate of him is. Now, it is one of the supreme
gratifications that I feel personally that I did not
wait until this time to tell Judge McLean what I
thought of him and how I felt towards him, and I
am glad that he was just as candid with me in turn.
It was my good fortune to meet him — I did not
know him prior to that time — on the occasion when
he was going from his home in Mt. Pleasant to Aus-
tin to accept the appointment tendered him on the
Railroad Commission, by Governor Hogg. I had
never met him before, and in the short ride on the
train that day, coming into Fort Worth from a point
east of here, I became acquainted with him, and soon
realized after his reserve and diffidence wore off a little
bit, because he was a very modest man, that he, in
my opinion, was the salt of the earth, that he was
of that character that settled this country, that came
over on the Mayflower, that fought the Revolution
of Independence, that organized society and organiz-
ed government in this country, and I warmed up to
him like a son to a father. It was my pleasure to
Page Thirty-one
hold that sort of relationship with him from then
until the end.
Without speaking about him as a lawyer or as a
statesman or a congressman or as a member of the
Constitutional Convention, about that you all know
and you have all heard, I want to talk about him as
a man. In my opinion, I have never known a man
who had so nicely balanced his sense of duty to him-
self, to his family and to organized society. I never
knew a man who could so completely lay aside his
selfish interests, when the interests of the community
were involved, and there never was a time when he
felt or knew that the interest of the community or
the interest of society was involved that he was not
ready, willing, in spite of time and age or any other
environment to come out and take his stand in the
interest of the public and in the interest of society.
I have never known a man who had more kindly
sympathy or a more complete understanding of all
the relationships that man should sustain in society.
I have never known a man who could practice law
as long as he and yet never have it said about him,
and I don't believe you have heard — I haven't — that
he was ever unkind or took unfair advantage, used
an improper influence, or permitted anything to be
done except to seek absolute justice.
It has not been long ago since I had a conversation
with him. My regret is that I did not have more,
that I did not forego the commercial spirit that we all
have developed to a great extent and spend more of
my time with individual lawyers at the Fort Worth
Bar like he was and get the benefit of that associa-
tion and that fellowship. I had a conversation with
him only a short time ago and he asked me to come
up and see him and visit him, and I told him I would
and I intended to do it, and it is now one of my
serious regrets that I didn't. I have often promised
myself, and probably you have too, that you were
going to devote a little bit less time to the corn-
Page Thirty-two
mercial side of your profession and a little more to
the social side. Take a lesson from this occasion and
resolve to do it.
In my long association now and then over a period
of riore than thirty years with Judge McLean, I
felt all the time from the beginning to the end and
feel now that his life was to me and to the com-
munity and to every individual that he came in con-
tact with both an inspiration and benediction.
JUDGE CONNER: We will now hear from Mr.
Frank Culver, representing the young members of
the Bar.
Mr. Culver: Mr. Chairman.
Judge Conner: Mr. Culver.
ADDRESS OF HON. FRANK P. CULVER, JR.,
OF THE FORT WORTH BAR.
Mr. Chairman and members of the Bar Associa-
tion: I do not feel that I can add very much to
what has been said of the life and character of Judge
McLean, or adequately express on behalf of the
younger members of the Fort Worth Bar the value
of his life, the influence exerted and impression made
upon their lives by his career. I just want to speak
one word as to what I think his influence has meant
to the younger men of the profession.
Every finite thing that the mind can grasp or can
conceive of has its limitations and is hedged about by
those limitations. We can't conceive of anything
that hasn't an end, and yet the influence and the life
of a great and good man like Judge McLean cer-
tainly has no end. His life has left an indelible im-
pression on every young member of this bar and his
life has been an inspiration to them. I believe that
every member of the bar of this county is a better
lawyer, a better man, has a greater love for the things
sacred to his profession by reason of the life of Judge
Page Thirty-three
McLean. I think that we are fortunate in having
practiced our profession here where we could come
in contact with his influence.
It never was my fortune to become closely asso-
ciated with Judge McLean, and yet I know that
unconsciously, and I was reminded of it by what
Judge Wilson said a moment ago, of how uncon-
sciously I relied in making decisions, particularly on
questions affecting morals and politics, how I was
affected and influenced by the stand that Judge Mc-
Lean took; and I remember not so very long ago,
when one important political question presented it-
self to my mind, my decision wasn't made until I
found how Judge McLean stood on that particular
question.
His influence hasn't ended with his death; no
human mind can foretell, can comprehend, or con-
ceive how far that influence will reach, the great
good that it will do; and, whatever Judge McLean
has left in a material way, whatever influence he
might have had on the legislation of our State or
on the decisions which the courts have rendered,
however great that may be, I think that the greatest
heritage he has left, and the reason that Judge
McLean will be remembered the longest, is by reason
and on account of the great influence and the great
shining example he has set and held out to the
young men and to the members of the bar of this
county and of this State.
JUDGE CONNER; Gentlemen, that completes the
program as laid down by the committee, except there
will be an open time now to any individual member
of the bar who feels like he wishes to express his
sentiments and a discussion of the resolutions. You
will now have an opportunity if you desire to do so
to say what you wish.
Judge Hal Lattimore; Mr. Chairman.
Judge Conner; Judge Lattimore.
Page Thirty-four
ADDRESS OF JUDGE HAL LATTIMORE OF
THE DISTRICT COURT, TARRANT COUN-
TY, TEXAS, NINETY-SIXTH JUDICIAL
DISTRICT.
I want to take this opportunity to add my own
feeling of appreciation for Judge McLean. There was
such a wonderful spirit of fairness about Judge Mc-
Lean that he attracted to him every person whose
mind was in doubt as to the propriety of any act
which he was about to do. I remember on one
occasion in this courtroom I participated in a case
in which Judge McLean participated, and may I
digress to pay a tribute to the active mind of
Judge McLean, who was at that time an old man
in years. He prepared a pleading in that case, pages
and pages long, in a very intricate matter, one
which took nearly two weeks to try in this court-
room and that original petition was never amended
and never changed and went through the entire
fire of that case to the end of it. He occasionally
visited me since I have been in the courthouse. I
think Judge McLean was interested in me and
was anxious to see that I in my humble way dis-
charged the duties of my office, and he used to
come to my office and advise with me about mat-
ters that pertained to and concerned him not at
all, but which concerned me. The wonderful in-
fluence of sanity and fairness that he carried with
him as he sat in my office appealed to me, and when
he walked into my office somehow I had a feeling
that I was to receive a message almost divine in its
accuracy, in its decency and in its fairness. Somehow,
when I found myself troubled about some decision
that I had put up to me, some difficult matter of
right and wrong, I found my footsteps would turn
almost involuntarily to his offiice across the street.
I used to walk in there to where he sat in his chair —
Page Thirty -five
he always sat by the window, — and as I sat down
and talked with him as one would sit at the feet of
a great teacher, I received from him words of wisdom
which helped me and the influence of which I shall
never forget. He was the fairest man I think I ever
knew. On my request he has advised me about cases
in which his firm was interested, and advised me
against the contentions of the clients of his own firm
when he thought some position they took unsound
or untenable. I merely want to, in this brief way,
aside from my personal love for him, pay that tribute
to him for whatever it may be worth to those who
have yet paths to trod here that we may learn some-
thing of the wonderful influence of his fair and just
spirit of mind.
Judge Conner: Are there any other gentlemen
who wish to express his views?
Judge R. E. Taylor: Mr. Chairman.
Judge Conner: Mr. Taylor.
ADDRESS OF JUDGE R. E. TAYLOR OF
THE WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS,
BAR ASSOCIATION.
For a short time only I was a member of the
Tarrant County Bar, and when I left here, of
course, my membership ceased, and as I heard
the resolutions read this morning I could not help
but think about the selfishness of great men. That
committee was composed of the very best lawyers
and the very best men, but I could see creeping
out just that little streak of selfishness that fol-
lows in the trail of all men. That was where
they said the Tarrant County Bar had suffered a loss
in the death of this great man. If I had been a
member of that committee, I think I would have
looked into the face of my friend Hanger or my
friend Barwise, and said, "Gentlemen, it seems to
me that the State of Texas has suffered a great loss."
Page Thirty-six
Judge Conner: I think the resolutions so
state, Mr. Taylor.
Judge Taylor: I knew they expressly stated
the Fort Worth Bar and I did not catch the language
that spoke of his greatness over Texas, but I just
want to pay this tribute of respect to that wonderful
man, and that is that not only the Tarrant County
and Fort Worth Bar suffered a loss in the going of
this great character, but the State of Texas likewise,
and in fact, the country as a whole suffered a loss.
No better man ever lived, in my judgment, no greater
lawyer ever lived, and in my judgment no greater
influence was ever thrown out from the life of any
man than from the life of this wonderful character,
Judge McLean. I just want to say that as a visit-
ing member this morning. I feel that that is true
and I feel that the resolutions express in the most
perfect way the life and the character of that great
man, and if they did not include, and I didn't un-
derstand that they did, the fact that the lawyers over
Texas suffered a great loss in his passing, I would
feel like it would at least sound more sweetly to the
lawyers who do not live in Fort Worth had it ex-
pressed that conclusion, because that is true.
Judge Conner: We are glad to hear from Mr.
Taylor, on behalf of the visiting brothers. Gentle-
men, are there any others who wish to have a word
to say?
Others who spoke briefly touching the life of
Judge McLean were Mr. W. H. Slay, Mr. Robert
McCart, A. J. Fires of Childress, Ben M. Terrell
Bruce Young.
Judge Conner: Gentlemen, the time has come
for us to submit the motion. Those who are in
favor of the adoption of the resolutions let it be
known by rising.
(Whereupon all members of the Bar Association
"rose) .
Page Thirty-seven
R. E. LEE CAMP
United Confederate Veterans
Fort Worth, Texas, March 15 th, 1925,
To the Commander and Comrades of R. E. Lee
Camp 158, U. C V.:
Your Committee heretofore appointed to draft resolutions
regarding the death of our deceased comrade, Major W. P.
McLean, beg leave to report, that,
Whereas, the "grim reaper" has again invaded our "thin gray
ranks" and called away a gallant and faithful comrade, who fol-
lowing the example of our noble leader, Robert E. Lee, made
"Duty" his watchword, and whether in peace or war, unhesitat-
ingly answered his Country's call, and in both obtained
distinction.
Comrade McLean enlisted as a private in the Confederate
Army soon after Texas had seceded. He rose to the rank of
Major. When the war had closed he accepted the verdict in good
faith and at once united with his comrades in rehabilitating his
devastated Southland. He exhibited the same devotion to duty
in peace as he did in war. Returning to his chosen profession,
he soon rose to eminence at the bar and on the bench. At the
call of his countrymen he entered the arena of politics and served
his people well in the counsels of the state and the nation. He
died in his eighty-ninth year; therefore, be it
Resolved, that in the death of Comrade McLean, we have lost
a wise counsellor, a true son of the South, and a beloved com-
rade;
Resolved, that we extend to his bereaved wife and children
our sincere sympathy and condolence;
Resolved, that this report be spread upon our minutes and a
copy be sent to the wife and children of our deceased comrade.
Respectfully submitted,
J. T. Field,
W. M. Barr,
K. M. Van Zandt,
Committee.
Unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the camp.
Page Thirty-eight
JOHN C. BURK'S CAMP
United Confederate Veterans
Clarksville, Texas, March 21, 1925.
RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT.
Whereas, our comrade, William P. McLean, late of Fort
Worth, answered the last roll call on the 13th of March, 1925,
and has joined the great majority of Confederate Veterans who
have gone before and are awaiting us on the other side; and,
Whereas, we are not unmindful of the facts that words are
vain things for those who have departed; what we have to say
here concerning the life, character and achievements of our de-
parted comrade are offered as an example for the youths of our
land. In it they, indeed, will find many bright examples to
follow; and,
Whereas, Judge McLean spent the most of his long life in
Texas. He was born in the State of Mississippi in 1836. He
was graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1857.
He became a citizen of Texas while it was a Republic. He re-
signed as a member of the legislature of Texas to enter the
Confederate army in 1861. He enlisted as a private and
emerged therefrom a major. He served many years as a district
judge of our neighboring counties. He was several times elected
to the House of the Texas Legislature. In 1891 Governor
Hogg appointed him a member of the first Railroad Commis-
sion of Texas, and he distinguished himself in this office. The
people of Texas imposed great confidence in the late Judge
McLean and he never abused that confidence. He was always
true to their trust. He left an indelible impression for good
upon his state and upon his times that will live as long as this
civilization shall last.
Therefore, be it resolved by John C. Burks' Camp, United
Confederate Veterans of Clarksville, Texas, that we commend
the life of our late comrade as an entablature from which the
youths of this nation may learn lessons of patriotism, efficiency
and fidelity to the trust that the future will impose into their
keeping.
Be It Further Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be
spread upon the minutes of this camp and a copy for the news-
papers. Adopted unanimously.
Done at Clarksville, Texas, this March 21, A. D. 1925.
J. K. P. JAMISON, Commander.
Attest: T. S. GAINES, Adjutant.
Page Thirty-nine
FORT WORTH FEDERATION OF
WOMEN'S CLUBS
Fort Worth, Texas, April 27, 1925.
The Fort Worth Federation of Women's Clubs places on
record its deep sense of the loss sustained by Fort Worth and
Texas in the death of Judge William Pinckney McLean, states-
man, soldier, jurist and citizen. He came to Texas in its
early day and did much to mould the future of the great State
of which he was so justly proud and which he served with
unflinching .devotion, in the Legislature, in the Army of the
Confederate States of America, where he rose to the rank of
Adjutant General, as District Judge, in Congress, as a member
of the Constitutional Convention and of the first Railroad
Commission. He had the unique experience of having resigned
from or refused re-election to every office he held.
Coming to Fort Worth when past middle life, after a distin-
guished career of service to his State, he immediately identified
himself with the community, always ready to serve in every
way for its upbuilding. His high integrity and lofty ideal of
citizenship has been an inspiration to the people of Fort Worth.
To his family we express our sincere sympathy in their great
sorrow. His distinguished and varied achievements, his courage
maintained during a long life, his reputation, and broad human
sympathies are a heritage beyond estimation.
Mrs. Charles E. Nash,
Mrs. M. P. Bewley,
Mrs. C. W. Connerley,
Mrs. Charles Schober,
Committee.
Page Forty
Telegrams
of Qondolence
Austin, Texas, March 13, 1925.
HON. W. P. MCLEAN, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
I feel a great personal loss in the death of your father and in
addition to the telegram sent by the commission, I wish to per-
sonally express to you and all members of the family, my sincere
sympathy. I feel it a great honor to hold that position on the
commission formerly held by your distinguished father. If
possible for me to leave Austin tonight, I shall attend his funeral
tomorrow. Commissioner Smith will attend in any event.
Sincerely,
Clarence E. Gilmore.
Austin, Texas, March 13, 1925.
HON. W. P. MCLEAN, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Regret more than I can tell you, that important matters
pending here, make it impossible for me to be away tomorrow.
From your father's life's work and my acquaintance I had
formed a very strong attachment for him.
Clarence, E. Gilmore.
Austin, Texas, March 13, 1925.
W. P. MCLEAN, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
The Governor joins me in deepest sympathy to you in your
bereavement.
James E. Ferguson.
Washington, D. C, March 13, 1925.
HON. W. P. MCLEAN, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Have just received sad news of the passing away of your
father and I hasten to express to you my deepest sympathy in
your hour of sorrow and bereavement. A noble life has ended
and the pure soul of a great man has gone to its final reward.
Texas has sustained an irreparable loss in the passing on of
your father, because men of his character and mold are the ex-
ception rather than the rule. God bless you and yours as you
pass through the Valley of the Shadow.
EARLE B. Mayfield.
Page Forty -three
Austin, Texas, March 13, 1925.
HON. W. P. MCLEAN, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Your telegram announcing the death of your distinguished
father brings great sorrow to all of the members and employees
of the Railroad Commission of Texas. His was a long and
eventful life, filled with useful and patriotic service to his
country. As a member of the first Railroad Commission of
Texas he laid deep and well the foundation for a regulatory
system of our common carriers and his service with that of his
distinguished associates has always been a beacon light to aid
those who have followed them in the discharge of their duties.
To you and all of the members of his family we express our
deepest sympathy in your grief at the parting from one so
loved and honored.
Railroad Commission of Texas,
Clarence E. Gilmore, C. V. Terrell, Lon A. Smith.
Dallas, Texas, March 13, 1925.
WALTER SCOTT,
Attorney at Law,
Fort Worth, Texas.
My Dear Walter:
I am very grateful to you for your thoughtfulness in apprising
me of Judge McLean's death. One finds himself hunting in
his mentality for words to express his feelings when a man of
Judge McLean's sterling worth passes from this to the other
world. His contribution to constructive legislation is an ex-
ample and learning for the enrichment of the bar and his con-
stant watchfulness for righteousness of action and thought were
and are of inestimable worth to Texas. Please extend my sym-
pathy and a touch of the hand to each of his sorrowing relatives.
William H. Atwell.
Washington, D. C, March 13, 1925.
HON. W. P. MCLEAN, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Received your telegrams. Am profoundly grieved to hear of
your father's death. It is to me a deep and keen personal loss.
He was one of the ablest lawyers and greatest thinkers our
country has ever had. He was always my warm personal friend
and supporter. I join you in mourning his departure.
Morris Sheppard.
Page Forty-four
Washington, D. C, March 13, 1925.
HON. WALTER SCOTT,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Am deeply grieved to learn of death of our good friend, Judge
McLean. He was truly a wonderful man and his splendid
example will remain with us as a benediction. Please convey
my sincere sympathy to the bereaved family.
Fritz G. Lanham.
Houston, Texas, March 14, 1925.
W. P. McLean, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Just learned of Judge McLean's death. I have lost one of
the most wonderful friends I ever had and it is such a personal
loss, I can only say I am grieving with the McLeans.
Claude McCaleb.
Austin, Texas, March 13, 1925.
WALTER SCOTT,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Am deeply aggrieved at Judge McLean's death and extend
heartfelt sympathy to bereaved family. Sorry I cannot attend
funeral.
N. A. STEDMAN.
Austin, Texas, March 13, 1925.
WALTER B. SCOTT,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Your telegram saddens my heart. I can not voice my regret.
Accept yourself, and express to Bill and others, my sincere sym-
pathy and sorrow.
O. S. LATTIMORE.
Austin, Texas, March 13, 1925.
W. P. McLEAN, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
I join with the citizens of Texas in expressing my condolence
to you and other members of the family. In the death of your
illustrous father, Texas has lost another great and good man.
Guinn Williams.
Page Forty-five
Mineral Wells, Texas, March 14, 1925.
MRS. W. P. MCLEAN AND FAMILY,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Just learned of Judge McLean's death. A great and good
man has passed away. Accept our sincerest sympathy.
Mr. and Mrs. T. P. Perkins.
Mt. Pleasant, Texas, March 14, 1925.
W. P. McLEAN, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
We offer condolence, our sympathy in your bereavement.
Your sorrows are ours. We feel a great man gone to rest.
J. V. MOORE, Mayor,
Dallas, Texas, March 14, 1925.
HON. W. P. MCLEAN, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
No one valued your father more than I did and no one
more deplores his death. He was one of the greatest citizens
the State has ever produced and he honored the State as few
men have.
Nelson Phillips.
Bellevue, Texas, March 13, 1925.
W. P. McLEAN, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
The sad word just reached me of your gifted father's death.
Wife and I extend our heartfelt and sincere sympathy in your
great sorrow.
L. S. SPIVEY.
Mt. Pleasant, Texas, March 13, 1925.
WALTER SCOTT,
Care McLean, Scott and Sayers,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Temple Lodge is sad to hear of Judge McLean's death, our
esteemed member of long standing. If family desires Masonic
burial, advise what lodge there they prefer, and will make the
proper request. Advise time of burial.
I. N. Williams, W. M.
Page Forty-Six
Austin, Texas, March 13, 1925.
W. P. MCLEAN, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
You have my deepest sympathy in your great loss.
J. L. Hunter.
Dallas, Texas, March 14, 1925.
MRS. W. P. MCLEAN, Sr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Judge McLean has joined my husband in the Great Beyond.
No more devoted friends than they ever lived, and in your hour
of sorrow I want you to know that you have my heartfelt
sympathy.
Mrs. M. L. Crawford.
Houston, Texas, March 14, 1925.
HON. W. P. MCLEAN, JR.,
Attorney at Law,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Regret to learn of your father's death. Extend my sympathy.
Thos. F. Whiteside, Jr.
Eastland, Texas, March 14, 1925.
WILL P. McLEAN, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
I am inexpressibly grieved over the death of your father
and my good friend. Accept sincere sympathy.
James A. Weaver.
McKinney, Texas, March 14, 1925.
MRS. W. P. MCLEAN AND FAMILY,
Fort Worth, Texas.
We join all Texas in deep sympathy in the death of your
husband and father. i
Geo. M. O'Neal and Family.
Cooledge, Texas, March 14, 1925.
Wm. P. McLEAN, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Just learned of Judge's death. Sincere sympathy.
C. J. MANER.
Page Forty-seven
Cameron, Texas, March 14, 1925.
W. P. MCLEAN, JR., Attorney,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Texas loses a great citizen by the death of your venerable
father. My deepest sympathy to you. Your friend,
T. S. Henderson.
Waco, Texas, March 13, 1925.
HON. WALTER SCOTT,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Please accept sincere sympathy in death of Judge McLean.
Will appreciate your expressing same to Will McLean for me.
Walter D. Taylor.
Austin, Texas, March 13, 1925.
HON. W. P. MCLEAN, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
I deeply sympathize with you in the death of your dear
father. The longer I knew him the more I loved him.
W. P. Sebastian.
Bowie, Texas, March 13, 1925.
W. P. MCLEAN,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Words often seem inadequate, but believe me when I say I
sympathize greatly with you in the loss of your father. Truly
a worthy citizen has passed on. Your friend,
G. W. Alcorn.
Austin, Texas, March 14, 1925.
MISS MARGARET MCLEAN,
316 Henderson St., Fort Worth, Texas.
Accept my sincere sympathy in your hour of sorrow.
Mrs. Bess Mason.
Austin, Texas, March 13, 1925.
HON. W. P. MCLEAN,
Care McLean, Scott and Sayers,
Fort Worth, Texas.
My profoundest sympathy in the passing of your distinguished
father.
Lelia Craig.
Page Forty-eight
Mt. Pleasant, Texas, March 13, 1925.
MRS. W. P. MCLEAN,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Officers and directors this bank extend sympathy in your
bereavement.
First National Bank.
Mt. Pleasant, Texas, March 13, 1925.
MRS. W. P. MCLEAN, SR. AND FAMILY,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Accept my deepest sympathy in this your hour of sorrow.
George Lilienstern.
Strawn, Texas, March 14, 1925.
W. P. McLEAN, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
The passing away of your venerable father, means a loss not
only to the family, but to your city and state. Please extend
our deepest sympathy to the whole family.
Stuart Brothers.
Colorado, Texas, March 16, 1925.
W. P. McLEAN, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
You know my sympathy is with you and yet you must find
consolation in possessing the heritage of a life well spent in for-
getting self for the benefit of others and this to such an extent.
We can say one of the world's noblemen has fallen asleep.
L. W. Sandusky.
Austin, Texas, March 14, 1925.
W. P. McLEAN,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Just read of Judge McLean's death. Texas loses one of its
greatest citizens, the bar one of its most honorable members,
and you have lost your dear old dad, your best friend and coun-
sellor. You have our deepest sympathy.
Mr. and Mrs. C. N. Avery.
Page Forty -nine
Amarillo, Texas, March 13, 1925.
W. P. MCLEAN, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
I received this morning the very sad news of your father's
death and I wish to express to your mother, you and all the
McLean family my heartfelt sympathy in your present bereave-
ment and loss of your father.
• Joe Sneed.
Wichita Falls, Texas, March 13, 1925.
W. P. McLEAN, Jr.,
Attorney,
Fort Worth, Texas.
We received the sad news of the death of your distinguished
father and we extend to you and the entire family our deepest
sympathy in your sad bereavement. Your father's death was
much regretted by the bar at this place.
A. H. CARRIGAN,
J. T. Montgomery.
San Antonio, Texas, March 14, 1925.
MRS. W. P. MCLEAN AND FAMILY,
Care Scott, McLean and Sayers,
Fort Worth, Texas.
My deepest sympathy extended to you in the passing of your
husband and father. In my fifty years association with him I
can truthfully say I never knew a better husband, father, states-
man or jurist than W. P. McLean.
S. D. LARY.
Dallas, Texas, March 14, 1925.
W. P. McLEAN, JR.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Your father has lived a life, the memory of which, is a
heritage of pride to the loved ones left behind. I would be with
you in this hour were I not prevented by the most urgent court
room engagement. However, you know that you and yours
have my full sympathy. A Crawford could never forget a
McLean in their hour of grief.
W. L. Crawford.
Page Fifty
Houston, Texas, March 13, 1925.
THE MCLEAN FAMILY,
Fort Worth, Texas.
It is with great sorrow that I have learned of your father's
death. I can deeply sympathize with you.
H. B. TENNISON.
Sherman, Texas, March 14, 1925.
WM. P. McLEAN, Jr.,
1512 Eighth Ave., Fort Worth, Texas.
Sincere sympathy to you in your deep sorrow.
Mrs. Warner Evans.
Dallas, Texas, March 14, 1925.
MCLEAN, SCOTT AND SAYERS,
Fort Worth, Texas.
May I express my deepest sympathy.
Chris J. McLemore.
Page Fifty-one
Letters
of Condolence
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Washington
My Dear Friend: March 15, 1925.
Mrs. Lanham and myself were shocked and grieved to hear
the sad news of the passing of your good father, and we want
you to know that we mourn with you in this great bereavement.
Truly, he was a wonderful man and performed a wonderful
service! I am glad he was spared so long to his family and his
friends and his country, but we are never prepared to give up
gbod fathers and good men. May the good Lord comfort you
and yours in this time of sorrow.
A life is never complete until its close — not even complete
then in our blissful hope of immortality — and now that we
can look back upon the distinguished career and service of your
lamented father, what a bountiful life was his! He saw our
State grow and develop with incredible progress, and contributed
the fruits of his talent and training to that accomplishment. As
a public servant, as the peer of the best in his profession, as a
citizen and gentleman he has left a wonderful heritage in his ex-
ample. With all who delighted to know him, I shall fondly
cherish it.
My grief at his passing is the more poignant when I reflect
upon the long and intimate friendship between him and
my own father and the high regard which each entertained for
the other. Bill, we had great fathers. They grew up when
conditions were relatively primitive and they had to endure the
many hardships incident to those early times, but they came out
of them the stronger for the problems they had solved and the
service they had rendered. Blessed be their memories!
To my mind, one of the big things about your dear father is
that he devoted his last years to a sweet spirit of helpfulness.
The counsel that he has given out of his wisdom and experience
to young men ambitious to be of service to their day and gener-
ation will continue to bless humanity for a long, long time to
come. Oh, how much in this regard am I, for one, his debtor.
His friendly advice, his genial guidance were always right and
for the right. In my talks with him he always manifested a
fatherly interest in the son of a friend who had departed. What
a comforting and helpful inspiration that interest was! Young
men will miss him, but they will remember him for his wise
counsel and companionship. So it is not the old pioneer alone
who will honor his memory and sympathize with you in his
loss. No words of mine can convey my high estimate of his
worth, but in my heart I shall always treasure the recollection
of his useful life and the inspiring example of his generous and
distinguished service. Sincerely your friend,
Fritz G. Lanham.
Hon. W. P. McLean, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Page Fifty -five
MONDAY BOOK CLUB
Fort Worth, Texas, Monday, March 6, 1925.
Miss Margaret McLean,
316 South Henderson Street,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Dear Margaret:
Just this note from your friends in the club to let you know
how much we love you and that we are all thinking about you
each day.
When sorrow comes like this it is so hard to say anything
that will help. My heart is so full and I wish it were in my
power to write you half I feel.
Your nice "Dad" had lived such a full life. A life with the
object to help others all he could and did. His going is rather
sweet, Margaret, when you feel he did all he could here on earth,
and now has just gone Home to rest, where there are no wor-
ries — all is perfect peace.
Each girl in the club loves you and is thinking about you and
through me they each send you love and sympathy. A wish
in each heart that they could do some little something to help.
Love for you from each club member and just a little special
love please from me, because I have known you so long.
Lovingly,
Mrs. James Offutt,
Cor. Sec, Monday Book Club.
2732 Hemphill Street, City.
BURGESS, OWSLEY, STOREY 8 STEWART
Attorneys at Law
1219% main street
Dallas, Texas, March 18, 1925.
Honorable W. P. McLean,
Attorney at Law,
Fort Worth, Texas.
My dear Mr. McLean:
I have read with unusual regret and with a due appreciation
of the great loss to Texas, and to the legal profession, of the
death of your distinguished father.
May I not ask that you accept this expression of my deepest
sympathy, and let me join with the multitude of others in my
humble way to share with you so great a loss. Your father
made a distinct contribution to the welfare of Texas and the
country. His loss is only partly lessened in that he leaves you
behind him to carry on.
Sincerely your friend,
Alvin Owsley.
Page Fifty-six
UNITED STATES SENATE
Committee on Interstate Commerce
March 13, 1925.
Hon. W. P. McLean, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Dear Bill:
I was greatly shocked and grieved to receive your message
announcing the passing away of your father. As you know, I
lost my father four years ago and I know what it means to
lose a father — you feel like a great prop has been taken from
beneath you.
Judge McLean lived to such a good ripe age and he was with
you so constantly that you will feel yourself almost lost as you
go daily to your office and miss his happy and genial presence.
We must remember, however, my dear friend, that death is no
respecter of persons. The Grim Reaper takes his toll from all
alike — the young may die, the old must die. In the due course
of time all will be called upon to pay tribute to the Unwelcome
Guest.
While the passing away of our loved ones fills our hearts
with sorrow and our eyes with tears, yet the sweet influence of
the noble life lingers with us constantly and the passing on of
your father will ever remind you that there is another land of
wider opportunity and greater service from whose bourne no
traveller has ever returned. Personally, my faith is absolute and
complete. I do not doubt for a moment but that some day
I will strike hands again with those "long since loved and lost
awhile." The voice of the Christ whispers across the long
stretch of the centuries that "it is not all of life to live, nor of
death to die." If we hold fast to the faith of our fathers and
our mothers, we cannot doubt but that some day we, too,
will reach that country where the "rainbow never fades," where
the family circle will be reunited and we will behold the glor-
ified faces of father and mother, sister and brother, daughter
and son, and a large host of true and loyal friends.
May God's love and grace sustain you as you pass through
the Valley of the Shadow which must be the experience of mor-
tal man. In silence I extend to you the handgrasp of a true
friend and assure you that my heart goes out to you in the
great loss which you have sustained.
I am,
Your friend,
EARLE B. MAYFIELD.
Page Fifty-seven
UNITED STATES SENATE
Committee on Irrigation and Reclamation
March 14, 1925.
My dear Bill:
Following up my telegram of yesterday, I wish to say that
since the death of my own mother and father nothing has given
me as much sorrow as the death of your father yesterday morn-
ing. His lifelong, personal friendship for my father and his
deep interest in my own welfare led me to entertain for him a
genuine and deepening affection. His death comes to me, there-
fore, in the nature of a keen and profound, personal loss.
He was undoubtedly one of the ablest lawyers America ever
produced and his career will be an inspiration to all who knew
him. My father held him in the very highest admiration. I
have often heard my father say that Judge McLean possessed
the clearest legal mind he had ever known. When I was taking
my father through Fort Worth only a few months before his
death, he asked me to wire Judge McLean to come to see him
ac the train, and I recall very vividly the conversation that took
place between them.
I know how inadequate mere human language is in the
shadow of a sorrow like this, but I want you to know that
my heart goes out to ytu in deepest sympathy.
Sincerely your friend,
Morris Sheppard.
Hon. W. P. McLean,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Page Fifty-eight
FELIX D. ROBERTSON
Judge Criminal District Court
Dallas, Texas, March 14, 1925.
Honorable W. P. McLean,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Dear Bill:
I think I can sympathize with you over the loss of your
lamented father, because I am sensible that mine must soon
leave me. And there's much in common between them, both
fine types of the old time Texas lawyer and citizen, rugged and
fearless, true to their friends, their ideals and their country.
No finer man ever lived in Texas than your father. God rest
his great soul and honor to his memory.
Truly Yours
Felix D. Robertson
RAY SHEFFY
County Judge Castro County
Dimmitt, Texas, March 18, 1925.
Mr. Bill McLean,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Dear Sir and Friend:
I have just noticed in the paper the account of the death of
your father. It was my intention to come to the Fat Stock
Show in Fort Worth but too busy to get away from here. I
am sorry now, that I did not come, I would have seen him once
more. I never knew a man in my life that I had higher regard
for than I did Judge McLean.
With best regards to all your family, I am
Your friend,
Joe H. Elliott.
JOHN VICK COMMISSION COMPANY
Stock Yards Station
Fort Worth, Texas, Ranch, March 16, 1924.
W. P. McLean, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Dear Friend Bill:
I was indeed sorry to know of the death of your father. I
considered him one of my very best friends and I thought a
great deal of his judgment and advice. I did not know of his
death until Monday. I sincerely sympathize with you and all
the family.
Yours respectfully,
D. G. VICK.
Page Fifty -nine
H. B. DAVISS
LAWYER
CORSICANA, TEXAS
March 16th, 1925.
Honorable W. P. McLean, Jr.
McLean, Scott & Sayers,
Fort Worth, Texas.
My dear Sir and Friend:
I note with genuine regret, as does every loyal Texan, the
death of your good father, Honorable W. P. McLean, Sr. In
his death, our State has lost one of its old time land-marks, a
citizen of the distinctive type that made history and made Texas.
Be assured of my deep personal sympathy in this your very
distinct loss.
Your friend,
H. B. DAVISS
CLAUDE McCALEB
GULF BUILDING
Houston, Texas, March 14, 1925.
My dear Bill:
Have just learned of Judge McLean's death. I sent you a
wire — but a mere telegram seems so inadequate to express my
feelings.
My mind is running backwards — back to the days when I
was a newspaper reporter, when Jeff was making his fight:
then to the old court reporting days — then to the time I
commenced to try cases. And the Judge is so intermingled with
it all. It seems but yesterday when I tried my first murder
case. I should say "our murder case," because the Judge
furnished the law and I furnished the noise.
I have been to him hundreds of times — and it was ever the
same. When I was partly right; he bragged on me — when I
was wholly wrong, he gently led me back to the legal path.
The most sympathetic and understanding friend I had during
the days when I needed him most has gone — but there still
lives my love for the Clan McLean.
My appreciation of the Judge's friendship makes me hope
that there can never be a complete gathering of the McLean
Clan that does not include me — at least as a step-member.
Your friend,
Claude McCaleb
Page Sixty
B. R. WALL
ATTORNEY AT LAW
REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE
Grapevine, Texas, March 14, 1925.
Honorable W. P. McLean, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Dear Bill:
It is with great regret that I hear of the death of your father,
Judge W. P. Mclean. He was one of the great men of Texas
and your success in life, in business and as a citizen is no
doubt due to the long association you have had with him. Accept
my sympathy and kindest wishes.
Your friend,
B. R. WALL
N. A. STEDMAN
ATTORNEY PRINCIPAL TEXAS RAILWAY COMPANIES
ROOM 704 SCARBROUGH BUILDING
Austin, Texas, March 13, 1925.
Mr. W. P. McLean, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
My dear McLean:
I was profoundly grieved when I received telegram this
morning from Mr. Walter Scott advising me that your father,
Judge W. P. McLean, had passed away this morning.
I extend to all of the sorrowing loved ones my sincerest
sympathy.
As I wired Mr. Scott today, I am very sorry that I shall
be unable to attend the funeral tomorrow afternoon.
I held Judge McLean in the highest esteem on account of his
many virtues. He was a man of superior native ability, and
was a lawyer of unusual attainments. The best of all was that
he was a man of unimpeachable integrity and of devotion to
the highest ideals. The world has sustained a distinct loss in
his death, and the bereavement of his loved ones is unspeak-
able.
With best wishes for all of you, I remain sincerely,
Your friend,
NAS:v N. A. STEDMAN
Page Sixty -one
W. B. FEATHERSTONE
LAWYER
Cleburne, Texas, March 15, 1925.
Honorable W. P. McLean, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Dear Will:
I want to express to you and your dear family as well as
the members of your firm my sincere sympathy and deep regret,
at the death of your dear father. At the time of his death,
I was confined to my bed with an attack of lumbago, and it
was only today that I was able to be up. Your father was my
friend, and his death brings great sorrow to me. I had, during
all the years I had known him, learned to love him very dearly.
I deeply regret not being able to attend the funeral. Again
permit me to express to you my deepest sympathy in your
great grief at the passing of dear Judge McLean, who was so
loved and honored by the entire citizenship of Texas.
Sincerely your friend,
W. B. FEATHERSTONE
J. T. SNEED, JR.
Amarillo, Texas, March 13th, 1925.
Mr. W. P. McLean, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Dear Bill:
I received a telegram this morning advising me of your
father's death and it is needless to say that it was a very sad
message, for I have always considered the Judge a very dear
friend of mine and he will not only be missed by me, but by
all of his friends in every walk of life. He was a man who be-
lieved in living and let live.
I was in Fort Worth a few days ago and had a very pleasant
visit with him. He told me at the time you were in the
hospital, having your tonsils removed. I hope that you have
thoroughly recovered by this time and that there will be no bad
after effects.
I am wiring you and your family tonight, my heartfelt
sympathy in this sorrow and if I can be of any service in the
future, command me.
Your sincere friend,
J. T. SNEED, JR.
Page Sixty -two
PRESTON MARTIN
ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW
Weatherford, Texas, March 13 th, 1925.
Honorable Wm. P. McLean,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Dear Bill:
I have just read in the evening paper the sad news of your
father's sudden death. I want you to know that you have my
sympathy, and that his passing takes from our ranks one of the
greatest of great men.
We will all miss him, just as you will miss him, his opinion
and judgment on all questions was invariably right. I do not
recall any time when he was in the wrong, and I have often
referred to him, as one man we could follow and be on the
right side.
I am so glad that I called in to see him and had a short talk
only a few weeks back — The vacant chair in your firm, in his
home and in the mind of the public generally will be hard
to fill.
May these few words of sympathy from me be of some help
and comfort to you and other members of his family to help
bear the grief and sorrow that death" brings. It's a debt all
must pay.
Sincerely your friend,
PM-M Preston Martin
ELMER GRAHAM
LAWYER
FIRST NATIONAL BANK BLDG.
Graham, Texas, March Thirteenth, 1925.
Honorable W. P. McLean, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Dear Sir and friend:
Have read with profound regret account of your father's
death as carried in the daily press. The condolences I extend
you can be nothing as compared to the heritage bequeathed
by his life and work.
With best wishes, very truly yours,
EG-S Elmer Graham
Page Sixty -three
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
Eastern District of Texas
Texarkana, Texas, March 17, 1925.
Hon. W. P. McLean, Jr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Dear Bill:
I tried very hard to go to Fort Worth to attend your
father's funeral, but my engagements made it impossible. I am
just writing to extend to you and to the family my sympathy.
I feel a sense of personal grief. Your father was one of the
most lovable characters I have ever known, and while I have not
gotten to see him much of late, yet I have kept up with him
and would visit with him now and then. During the last term
of my court in Sherman, he was trying a case in the State
court there, and I do not think I ever enjoyed him more than
during the conversations I had with him at night in the lobby
of the hotel. He was quite proud of you, and I thought I de-
tected much gratification as he told me of some of the notable
cases with which you had been connected.
He has had a notable career, and I do not suppose he ever had
an enemy. The world is much better by reason of his having
lived in it, and you ought to feel much gratitude that he was
spared until he reached such a good ripe age.
With very best wishes to all of you, I am,
Sincerely, your friend,
W. L. ESTES.
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH
Fort Worth, Texas, March 16, 1925.
Dear Mr. McLean:
I beg you to accept my sincerest sympathy in the loss of your
dear and noble father. Grieve for him you must, but there is
consolation in your grief in the heritage he has left you of a
long record of distinguished service, of big duty well performed.
Will you convey to the other members of your family my
sentiments of heart-felt condolence.
I am, sincerely,
Robt. M. Nolan.
Page Sixty -four
J. O. WOODWARD
Judge 35 th Judicial District
Coleman, Texas, March 14, 1925.
Mrs. W. P. McLean, Sr.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Dear Mrs. McLean:
Just today did I notice the death of Judge McLean.
I feel just like I did when I lost my own father. I recall
back many years when I used to know him well and I never
went to Fort Worth but what I would go up and call on him.
You have my deepest sympathy in his death. Permit me to say
I do not think a more noble man ever lived than Judge McLean.
Fannie joins me in this letter to you.
Give my regards to all the children and with best wishes, I am
Yours sincerely,
JOW-GP J. O. Woodward.
SOUTH SHORE TEMPLE
Dr. G. George Fox, Rabbi
Chicago, 111., March 26, 1925.
Mr. W. P. McLean, Jr.,
Care McLean, Scott and Sayers,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Dear Bill:
Will you please let me extend to you, Jack and Miss Margaret,
our deepest sympathy in the bereavement of your great father.
He was a wonderful example of that fine Southern American
which will be to all future generations the type of American
which each should strive to attain. There are not many like him
left, and, what is worse, the younger men of this generation
don't give much hope of being like him. You ought to be con-
gratulated on being able to look upon so splendid a man as your
father, and I sincerely trust your boys will take something of
that great spirit of their grandfather with them through life.
Give my regards to the rest of the folks and to Walter and
Bill.
Sincerely yours,
GGF:WP G. GEORGE FOX.
Page Sixty -five
LAW OFFICE
HOUSTON B. TEEHEE
801-837-838 MAYO BUILDING
Tulsa, Oklahoma, March 18, 1925.
Mr. William P. McLean,
Ellison Building,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Dear Mr. McLean:
My attention has just been called to your father's demise. I
regret indeed to learn of this.
My brief period of acquaintance with your father had ripened
into a warm friendship. I always enjoyed the discussions we
had together during my visits to your office.
Your State has lost one of its ablest citizens and I send you
and your family my condolence in the hour of your bereavement.
Yours very sincerely,
Houston B. Teehee.
HOOD 8 SHADLE
Attorneys at Law
Weatherford, Texas, March 13, 1925.
Hon. W. P. McLean,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Dear Bill:
Have just read in the paper of the death of your venerable
and wonderful father. Had not even heard that he was ill.
Please accept my sincere regrets in this great loss both to
the family and the community. He was truly a wonderful man.
I really loved your father, and to you and Jack and the family
generally I convey my heartfelt condolence in this great sorrow
and bereavement.
Most sincerely,
R. B. Hood.
Page Sixty-six
J. N. STUART S SONS
IN PALO PINTO COUNTY
SINCE 1858
Strawn, Texas, March 15. 1925
Messrs. McLean, Scott, Sayers and Alcorn,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Gentlemen and Friends:
Thank God that the name McLean does not pass from your
firm, with the putting away of the body of your Senior
Member. The name of W. P. McLean, 1st, is so impressed on
the Legal Bar of Texas, in the upbuilding of the City of Fort
Worth, and so indelibly written into the History of the State
of Texas, that so long as there be students to follow the de-
velopment of the Lone Star State, just so long shall the name of
William Pinckney McLean act as a beacon light, toward which
all who would attain the heights in the legal profession in
this State, may steer their craft and know that they will land
in the harbor of success.
Fortunate indeed, say I, that for so many years your firm
has had such a leader; to but few in your profession is granted
the privilege of daily association with one whose every word,
deed and thought could be but an inspiration to follow in his
footsteps.
Take the banner thrown now into your hands, may no
blot come to mar its purity, and as the summons comes to each
of you to follow your leader, may your fellow man have of
each of you the same opinion as is voiced of him in the Public
Press of today.
My Home Family shares the sorrow of your Business
Family.
Very sincerely yours,
Douglas Smythe, Sr.
Page Sixty-seven
THE GUARANTY STATE BANK
MT. PLEASANT, TEXAS
March 23rd, 1925.
Mr. W. P. McLean,
Fort Worth, Texas.
My Dear Friend:
My deepest sympathy and kindest thoughts go out to you in
your great sorrow.
In the passing of Judge McLean the South has lost a 'gentle-
man of the old school' — the State an able jurist, and his home
city a valuable citizen. To me he was always a friend of safe
counsel, — sincere and honest, and your many friends in Titus
County are bowed in grief at the irreparable loss that you have
sustained.
Please extend to your wife and sons my sincere regards.
Your friend,
E. S. LlLIENSTERN.
Page Seventy-eight
Press Notices
(From Fort Worth Press, March 13, 1925.-)
W. P. McLEAN SR. IS DEAD
Succumbs to Two-Day Attack of Pneumonia
WAS AN OLD-TIMER
Funeral To Be Held at 3 P. M. Saturday
Judge William Pinckney McLean Sr., one of the framers of
the present State Constitution and member of the first Texas
Railroad Commission, died 6:10 a. m. Friday at his home, 316
South Henderson Street. He had been ill two days of pneu-
monia.
Judge McLean was in his 89th year. He was the senior
member of the firm of McLean, Scott & Sayers.
Funeral services will be held 3 p. m. Saturday at St. Andrew's
Episcopal Church. Rev. E. H. Eckel will officiate. Interment
will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
BORN IN MISSISSIPPI.
Judge McLean was born in Copiah County, Miss., August
9, 183 6. He was brought to Harrison County, Texas, by his
mother, Mrs. Anne Rose McLean, in his early childhood. His
father, Allan Ferguson McLean, died of pneumonia in 1839.
The family later moved to Mount Pleasant, in Titus County.
Judge McLean's early education was received from a private
tutor and in a log schoolhouse. He later attended Marshall Uni-
versity at Marshall, Texas, and graduated from the University
of North Carolina, at Chappel Hill, in academic work.
POLITICAL CAREER.
Judge McLean's political career began with his election to
the Ninth Legislature from Victoria County for the session of
1861. Judge McLean resigned his seat in the House and entered
the Confederate army as a private. He was ranked as major
at the war's close.
Following the Civil War he was again elected to the Legisla-
ture from Red River and Titus Counties for the 12th session.
In 1872 he was elected to the 43rd Congress from a district
which was bounded by Bowie, Ellis, Hood and Tarrant Counties.
A DISTRICT JUDGE.
In 1875 he was named member of the State Constitutional
Convention. Later he was elected Judge of the Fifth Judicial
Page Seventy-one
District and served for one term. Judge McLean refused re-
election for a second term in all political offices he held.
Governor James Hogg named him as member of the first rail-
road commission. He resigned this place in 1893 and moved
to Fort Worth, where he began the practice of law.
He married Miss Margaret Batte, daughter of Major W. C.
Batte of Titus County, in 1859. Mrs. McLean is now in her
86th year.
THE SURVIVORS.
Surviving Judge McLean are his widow; four children, Miss
Margaret McLean, W. P. McLean Jr., and Dr. John H. McLean
of Fort Worth, and Mrs. Bessie Culp of Gainesville; 10 grand-
children and two great-grandchildren, and a brother, Dr. John
McLean, a retired Methodist minister of Dallas.
Judge McLean had briefed a case in his office Tuesday morn-
ing, altho he had been suffering from a bad cold for two weeks.
He was confined to his bed Tuesday night. Attending physicians
did not despair of his life Thursday, altho his condition was
weaker.
His four children were at his bedside when he died.
Active pallbearers at the funeral service will be Walter B.
Scott, W. W. Alcorn, and Sam Sayers, his law partners; W. A.
Hanger, Edgar Blewett and W. H. Slay. There will be no
honorary pallbearers.
Page Seventy-two
(From Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March 16, 1925.)
PIONEERS ATTEND LAST RITES
FOR JUDGE W. P. McLEAN SR.
Mourning the death of former Judge W. P. McLean Sr., hun-
dreds of friends filled St. Andrew's Episcopal Church Saturday
afternoon when the last rites were said by Rev. E. H. Eckel,
rector of St. Andrew's. There were white-haired veterans, mak-
ers of Texas and founders of Fort Worth, who struggled through
the Texas pioneer days side by side with their deceased friend.
Tottering old men who are seldom seen in public made their
way to the funeral of the revered judge and sat with bowed
heads and dimmed eyes. Members of the bar association at-
tended in a body, many of them lifelong friends of the aged
barrister, who died Friday at the age of 89. Interment was in
Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
A member of the first railway commission of Texas, the last
surviving framer of the Constitution of Texas, McLean held
a high place in the political and industrial as well as legal ac-
complishment of Texas. His life was rugged and eventful.
Calm faced old men reviewed the early history of Texas in
their memories, ever fresh with achievement gained on the
frontier, as they sat beside the bier of one of the leaders in those
epochal years. Lon Smith of Austin, member of the State Rail-
way Commission, was present at the funeral.
Flowers from many parts of Texas were laid with the pro-
fusion of elaborate pieces sent by Fort Worth friends. Banks
of flowers were piled high on both sides of the casket extending
some distance.
As the casket was slowly moved along the aisle only a blanket
of flowers was visible. Draped heavily over the bier, the massed
flowers of many colors extended almost to the floor, entirely cov-
ering the casket. The church was sweet with the fragrance of
so many flowers.
Pallbearers were Walter B. Scott, W. H. Slay, W. W. Alcorn,
W. A. Hanger, Edgar Blewett, and Sam R. Sayers.
McLean is survived by his wife; one brother, Rev. J. H. Mc-
Lean, Dallas; four children, Miss Margaret McLean, Dr. J. H.
McLean and W. P. McLean Jr., Fort Worth, and Mrs. Grady
H. Culp, Gainesville.
Page Seventy -Three
(EDITORIAL)
(From Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
March 14, 1925.)
W. P. McLEAN.
The death of Judge William Pinckney McLean added another
name to the poignantly long roll of distinguished citizens of
Texas who have died within the past year. Of all this im-
pressive list of men of notable achievements none was more
remarkable. In the span of his 89 years, Judge McLean was an
eyewitness to the stirring events of the complete cycle of Texas
history from the Republic to the present commonwealth. Be-
ginning a semi-public life at an early age, he acquired many
honors of office as tokens of the confidence of the people in his
ability and integrity. He completed his life with the respect
and love of the entire State.
Judge McLean's public service consisted of two terms as
a Legislator, a term as Congressman, as a district judge, and as
a member of the first railroad commission appointed by Gov-
ernor Hogg. He was a member of the convention which framed
the present Constitution of the State. He was a member of the
Legislature at the outbreak of the Civil War, but resigned and
entered the Confederate army as a private. He came back from
the war a major, and together with his compatriots bravely took
up the task of restoring a broken community beset by the
perils of the wilderness which then enveloped a great part of
Texas.
Judge McLean's holding office was in a measure forced upon
him by his fellow citizens. He ever sought to devote his efforts
to the practice of law. After coming to Fort Worth in 1893
he realized his dream of undisturbed practice of the law and
built up one of the best known law firms in the State. He lived
to see the third generation of his family established in the law
practice under the name.
A man of such sterling worth and such great attainments re-
quires no epitaph. It is a story of brilliance, public spirit, gen-
tleness, courage and loyalty that in the Book of Life is headed
with the name of William Pinckney McLean.
Page Seventy-four
(From Fort Worth Press, March 16, 1925.)
HONOR McLEAN
In preparation for a memorial service, R. E. Lee Camp, U.
C. V., appointed a committee Sunday afternoon to draw up
resolutions on the life and death of Judge W. P. McLean, who
for many years was a member of the camp and who served as
its commander.
K. M. Van Zandt, Dr. J. T. Field and William Barr were
named on the committee.
Kennedy Orr, 11 -year-old songster, sang "Texas, the Lone
Star State," accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Roberta L.
Dedmon.
(From Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March 15, 1925.)
FLAG ON STATE CAPITOL IS LOWERED
IN RESPECT TO JUDGE W. P. McLEAN
Courthouse Closed as Mark of Respect
All courts and practically all offices at the Courthouse
closed Saturday afternoon out of respect to the memory
of Judge W. P. McLean, pioneer lawyer.
Members of the bar association convened at the Elks
Club shortly after noon to attend the funeral services
in a body.
The flag on the state capitol at Austin was lowered to half
mast Saturday out of respect to W. P. McLean Sr. of Fort
Worth. Judge McLean died at his home here early Friday.
Funeral services were held at 3 o'clock Saturday afternoon at
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Rev. E. H. Eckel officiating.
Resolutions have been spread on the minutes of the Railroad
Commission of Texas. McLean was the last surviving member
of the first commission, which was named by Governor Hogg,
the other two members appointed at the same time, John H.
Reagan and L. L. Foster, having died years ago.
Many telegrams expressing sorrow were received by the fam-
ily and members of McLean's law firm Friday and Saturday,
Page Seventy-five
many coming from men in public life, and personal friends who
had followed the brilliant career of McLean.
COMMISSION'S TRIBUTE.
Clarence E. Gilmore, chairman; C. V. Terrell and Lon A.
Smith, members of the Railroad Commission, sent the follow-
ing message to W. P. McLean Jr. :
"The death of your distinguished father brings great sorrow
to all of the members and employes of the Railroad Commis-
sion of Texas. His was a long and eventful life filled with
useful and patriotic service to his country. As a member of the
first Railroad Commission of Texas he laid deep and well the
foundation for a regulatory system of our common carriers and
his services, with that of his distinguished associates, has always
been a beacon light to aid those who have followed them in the
discharge of their duties. To you and all of the members of his
family we express our deepest sympathy in your grief at the
parting of one so loved and honored."
The two Texas Senators at Washington, Morris Sheppard
and Earle B. Mayfield, also sent messages of condolence. They
follow:
"I am profoundly grieved to hear of your father's death. It
is to me a deep and keen personal loss. He was one of the
ablest lawyers and greatest thinkers our country has ever had.
He was always my warm personal friend and supporter. I join
you in mourning his departure." — Morris Sheppard.
MAYFIELD'S TRIBUTE.
"I have just received the sad news of the passing away of your
father and I hasten to express to you my deepest sympathy in
your hour of sorrow and bereavement. A noble life has ended
and the pure soul of a great man has gone to its final reward.
Texas has sustained an irreparable loss in the passing of your
father, because men of his character and mold are the exception
rather than the rule. God bless you and yours as you pass
through the Valley of the Shadow." — Earle B. Mayfield.
Judge William H. Atwell of Federal District Court at Dallas,
sent the following wire to Walter B. Scott, who was associated
with McLean in the practice of law for more than 25 years:
"I am very grateful to you for your thoughtfulness in ap-
prising me of Judge McLean's death. One finds himself hunt-
ing in his mentality for words to express his feelings when a
man of Judge McLean's sterling worth passes from this to the
other world. His contribution to constructive legislation, his
example and learning for the enrichment of the bar and his con-
stant watchfulness for righteousness of action and thought were
Page Seventy-six
and are of inestimable worth to Texas. Please extend my
sympathy and a touch of the hand to each of his sorrowing
relatives."
LODGE WIRES SYMPATHY.
McLean had been a member of the Temple Masonic Lodge of
Mount Pleasant, his home before moving to Fort Worth, for
more than 60 years, and was one of the oldest members of that
organization in the State. L. N. Williams, worshipful master
of the lodge, sent the following message to Scott:
"Temple Masonic lodge is sad to hear of Judge McLean's
death, our esteemed member of long standing. If the family
desires Masonic burial, advise what lodge there they prefer and
will make the proper request."
Condolences also were received by McLean Jr. from James E.
Ferguson at Austin, who wired: "The Governor joins me in
deepest sympathy to you in your bereavement."
Many telegrams were received from members of the bar
throughout the State, the following one from A. H. Carrigan
and J. T. Montgomery of Wichita Falls being representative:
"We received the sad news of the death of your distinguished
father and we extend to you and tb* entire family our deepest
sympathy in your sad bereavement. His death is much regretted
by the bar of this city."
(From Southwestern Railway Journal.)
DEATH OF JUDGE W. P. McLEAN
One of the great lawyers of his time, a man who was found
ia the front for the questions which benefited the people, and a
man whose public and private life stamped him as a man of
honor and respect for the common people. Like most of public
and private citizens, he was not thoroughly appreciated, because
of his modest and unassuming nature.
Judge McLean was directly responsible for the signature of
Governor S. W. T. Lanham, to the Assumed Risk Law that
has been a boon to railway men of this State. When the corpor-
ations, especially, the railroads, were clamoring to have Governor
Lanham veto that bill, which had been passed by the Texas
Legislature in 1905, Judge McLean wrote Governor Lanham
that the bill was only justice toward those who had espoused
its passage and that it should be approved.
The Governor approved it and it has served to stand as
Judge McLean said it would — good, wholesome legislation, and
entirely justifiable as a statute of this State. This is only one
of the many kindly and humane acts of a long life of usefulness.
Page Seventy-seven
PROCEEDINGS BEFORE TEXAS BAR
ASSOCIATION
At the Forty-fourth Annual Meeting of the Texas Bar Asso-
ciation, held at Austin, Texas, July 1, 2 and 3, 1925, among
the memorials from the floor of the convention to the memory
of Judge W. P. McLean were those from Judge A. H. Carrigan
of the firm of Carrigan, Montgomery, Brittain, Morgan and
King, Wichita Falls, Texas, and from the Hon. T. W. David-
son, Marshall, Texas, as follows:
"MR. CARRIGAN: I might be remiss in my duty now if I
did not pay a tribute to the Honorable W. P. McLean, one of
the brethren of the Bar and a member of this Association.
"Judge McLean had a very distinguished career, and the loss
of him has brought darkness to the hearts of many of those
who came in contact with that wonderful character. He lived
in Texas from, I think, during the days of the Republic. He
was a member of the Bar of Texas before the great conflict be-
tween the States, in 1861. In 1869 he was a member of the
Legislature, and was one of those who voted to go out and fight
for constitutional liberty, and he was not a man who would
just express his patriotism in words, but he went back and left
his wife and children in East Texas, and became a member of
the Confederate Army and was a fighting soldier — and when
he came back the conflict was over.
"He then remained at home and did his duty as every patriotic
citizen should do; and one of the first things he did was to
become a member of the American Congress. He served with
distinction at Washington. He came back, after serving one
term, and did not ask to be returned. He was one of those
officers who did not believe in succeeding themselves. One term
was sufficient for one of his aspirations. He served four years
as District Judge in the northeastern corner of our State. When
that was over, he began practicing law again; and when the
Governor of this State formed the first Railroad Commission,
he was one of the three selected, and became a Railroad Com-
missioner of this State; which position he filled with distinction,
as he did all other positions of his.
"He was a practicing attorney for sixty-seven years, and was
a practitioner up to a week before he died.
"Judge McLean was an honest man, he was a fearless man,
as well as a patriotic citizen and patriotic individual, and a
remarkable citizen. He was a distinguished lawyer, as any one
would know who came in contact with him — that crossed
swords with him. He never went back on a friend because of
Page Seventy-eight
the fact that the friend was in trouble — that was the time that
Judge McLean showed his friendship — when a friend of his;
got into trouble. When the rest of the world turned its back
upon him, Judge McLean showed his friendship for him. Nor
that he endorsed what he did, but he had charity in his heart
and said, 'I will overlook this because you are my friend.'
"I know of no man who left a sweeter memory than Honor-
able Judge McLean of Fort Worth. I know of no man whose
ideals were higher than his, and I want to say to the members
of this Bar that in all his career no man ever came in contact
with him, no young man ever came in contact with Judge
McLean that was not inspired to higher ideals and higher
thoughts by reason of that fact."
"RICHARD MAYS: I am not sure that you have put it
into the record, but he was a member of the Constitutional
Convention of Texas."
"T. W. DAVIDSON: Mr. President, Members of the Bar
Association :
"I perhaps should not remain silent when I have the knowl-
edge and consciousness of the fact that our esteemed Judge W. P
McLean spent his boyhood days in the native hills of Marion
County, seventy years ago. Judge McLean and Colonel Van
Zandt, one of Fort Worth's distinguished citizens, were barefoot
boys, wading the spring branches in the backwoods of old Har-
rison County. The grandmother of Colonel McLean was one
of the pioneers of Texas. She was, by the way, the aunt of
three United States Senators, and the grandmother of two Con-
gressmen. That family has been known over the entire State;
and loyalty was the watchword of W. P. McLean.
"Years after that, I was seeking something at the hands of
the people of Texas, and on one occasion I went into the office
of Judge McLean, and he said, 'I know you; I know Harrison
County, and Colonel Van Zandt said you are from Harrison
County, and we are for you.'
"They were men that helped to make Texas. He, I believe,
was the last but one of those that wrote the present Constitu-
tion of the State of Texas, Judge Dillard of my home section
of the State, I believe, being the last survivor of that assembly
that convened sixty years ago and wrote our present basic law."
Page Seventy-nine
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