W. R. Poage

A Representative from Texas. Born in Waco, McLennan County, Tex. , December 28, 1899. In 1901 moved to Throckmorton County, Tex. , with his parents, who settled near Woodson. Attended the rural schools of Throckmorton County, Tex. During the First World War served as an apprentice seaman in the United States Navy. Attended the University of Texas in Austin and the University of Colorado at Boulder. Baylor University, Waco, Tex. , A. B. , 1921. Engaged in agricultural pursuits 1920-1922. Instructor in geology at Baylor University 1922-1924. Law department of Baylor University, LL. B. , 1924. Was admitted to the bar the same year and commenced practice in Waco, Tex. Instructor in law at Baylor University 1924-1928. Member of the State house of representatives 1925-1929. Served in the State senate 1931-1937. Delegate, Texas State Democratic convention, 1922. Delegate, Democratic National Conventions, 1956, 1960, and 1964. Elected as a Democrat to the Seventy-fifth Congress. Reelected to the twenty succeeding Congresses and served from January 3, 1937, until his resignation December 31, 1978. Chairman, Committee on Agriculture (Ninetieth through Ninety-third Congresses). Was not a candidate for reelection in 1978 to the Ninety-sixth Congress. Was a resident of Waco, Tex. , until his death in Temple, Tex. , on January 3, 1987. Interment in Oakwood Cemetery, Waco, Tex.