The Pied Piper - Texas Governor Series LbNA #28742

Robert Allan Shivers was the thirty-seventh governor of Texas. He was known as “The Pied Piper of Texas Politics” for his leadership abilities. Born in Lufkin in 1907, he grew up in Woodville at the family home called Magnolia Hills. Shivers received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas in 1931 and was admitted to the state bar the same year, two years before receiving a LL.B degree. At 27, he was, at the time, the youngest member ever to sit in the Texas Senate. He served in military government in the U. S. Army during WWII. Major Shivers received five battle stars and the bronze star for his service. In 1945 he was chosen to succeed Lt. Governor John Lee Smith. When Governor Beaufort Jester died on July 11, 1949, the 41-year old Shivers was sworn in as governor at Magnolia Hills. He served 7 1/2 years as governor, more than any other until Rick Perry. His great grandmother, a widow, brought her family to Texas before the Civil War. She’s buried at Magnolia Cemetery, as is her son and Allan’s grandfather, Robert McGee Shivers. Robert Allan Shivers died in 1985 and is buried in the State Cemetery in Austin.

Directions:
Magnolia Cemetery is located in Woodville, Texas. From Hwy. 190, turn north on N. Nellius St. and go 3 or 4 blocks. The cemetery will be on your left. Pull in and park in front of the “Magnolia” sign.

To the box:
Get out and read the historical marker, then go through the gate on your right. Walk on the paved road a short distance to the black Crain. Turn left 90 degrees and walk as far as the eye can see to Mississippi. Texas is just on the other side. After reading about Magnolia Hills, turn around and look just left to the edge of the woods for a brown multi-trunk tree with smooth bark. The camo box is about 6 feet high in the tree, resting on a metal frame that has, essentially, become part of the tree.