KEN BRIDGES
The years after World War II were a time in which America had confidence in its abilities but looked with concern at the many challenges at home and overseas. Beauford Jester became governor in 1947 in an attempt to modernize Texas. Jester’s years as the 36th governor helped set the tone for the state in the years after World War II.
Beauford Halbert Jester was born in Corsicana in 1893. His father was State Senator George T. Jester, a prominent Corsicana banker. As a child, he watched his father move up the political ladder. The elder Jester was elected lieutenant governor in 1894 and served two terms before returning to Corsicana and an active civic life.