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