Texas Politics and Greed

In late 1954 Texas was rocked by a scandal in its $100 million Veterans' Land Program that included attempted murder, bribery, and political intrigue. A West Texas attorney named Sam McCollum III was gravely injured when he turned the ignition key on his car and five sticks of dynamite planted under the hood exploded, rocking the town and leaving the attorney near death with maimed legs and unable to testify at the trials. Another witness was threatened and his house was burned. Texas Ranger and DPS investigations were derailed, and State Senators were involved in the bribery and fraud.

The scandal occupied Texas and National news reports for more than three years. Two hundred and fifty indictments were returned against prominent land promoters and dealers in nine counties. Several high profile trials were conducted, resulting in prison sentences for the Texas Land Commissioner and two land promoters. The book includes trial transcripts and personal interviews with participants, including attorney Sam McCollum III. As a result of the scandal, Attorney General John Ben Sheppard and Governor Allan Shivers were forced to retire from politics.

Ross McSwain, a retired journalist and investigative reporter, and Harold Byler, an experienced author, have collaborated on the research and writing of this book. Both grew up in Brady, Texas, a focal point of the scandal, and both knew many of the participants personally.