RICHARD COKE: TEXAN

By Rosser Coke Newton, Sr.

History / Biography

Publisher: Stoney Creek Publishing

Pages: 300

Publication Date: November 4, 2024

SYNOPSIS

Richard Coke played one of the most crucial roles in Texas history. His leadership of his beloved Texas still resonates today—150 years after he became governor. Richard Coke: Texan weaves a rich mosaic of real people and events, immersing the reader in the life and times of Richard Coke. Coke brought Texas out of Reconstruction following the Civil War and is often credited with restoring democracy to the state after this perilous time. Richard Coke: Texan tells the story of a young Virginia lawyer who emigrated to a Texas frontier village and changed history. It follows Coke as he starts a new life in Waco, Texas, serves in the Civil War, endures the hardships of Reconstruction, and is called to serve as governor to rebuild the state and restore rights to local government and the people of Texas. The story of Coke and his legislature taking office is one of the more dramatic moments in Texas history, with Coke’s predecessor, Edmund Davis, engaging armed forces to occupy the Capitol in an attempt to remain in office. But the true story lies in the leadership Coke demonstrated as a committed citizen, an honored soldier, a dedicated governor, and later as a respected senator—the effects of which still influence the government of Texas today.

Before the advent of digital technology, much of the record of this time was inaccessible to researchers. Authored by Rosser Coke Newton Sr., an indirect descendant of the governor, the book is enriched by first-person accounts, Coke family records, Richard Coke’s direct correspondence, and documented events from journals and debates of constitutional conventions, the Secession Convention, and legislative sessions. These are supplemented by newspaper articles, census records, city directories, and a myriad of other sources compiled at the time. These sources have been combined into Richard Coke: Texan, which not only delivers a rich history of the era but also offers a personal look at one of Texas’s greatest leaders.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosser Coke Newton Sr., a native Texan and prominent Dallas businessman, is an indirect descendant of Richard Coke, the 15th governor of Texas. From an early age, he developed an interest in Texas history and 19th-century frontier life, a period in which Richard Coke played a crucial role.

Newton connects his love of history with philanthropy, serving in key positions with the Dallas Historical Society and the Alamo Letter Society. He is a founding member of the Dallas Arboretum Foundation, a director emeritus of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and a supporter of many cultural and civic organizations.

He holds a B.A. from Vanderbilt University and a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. In 2002, he founded Petro Capital Group and has held leadership roles in numerous petroleum-related companies.

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“In December 1845, Texas became the twenty-eighth state.”

Richard Coke: Texan by Rosser Coke Newton, Sr. is a must-read account of a tumultuous time in Texas history. While all 50 states have interesting and colorful pasts that have shaped their current landscape, Texas has always gone even bigger if not always better. This story is about Richard Coke; however, Newton also outlines key events and other notable figures in an era fraught with division, secession, inequality, and war.

In this biography, the scene is initially set with the needed foundation and background of Richard Coke’s journey to Texas and the division between the states that led to several southern states’ seceding from the union (including Texas), civil war, and reconstruction. While Richard Coke was a confederate and experienced the inevitable consequences, he was considered a reputable and fair lawyer in Waco, Texas, who eventually became the governor of the Lone Star State (but not without struggle and insurrection) and then served three terms as a US senator.

Word of caution: This book does not avoid or sugarcoat the unfavorable events, views, and behaviors of the past. Racism, lynching, political corruption, and slavery are some of the unfortunate and despicable truths that are presented in this account. While Richard Coke was a confederate and a slave owner, he is a historical leader and an instrumental part of the history and the future of Texas.

While history lessons can be dry and often drone on about dates, names, and events, Richard Coke: Texan is anything but dull. Newton presents the events and the influential and minor characters in provocative, well-researched prose, including quotes from actual documents and letters.

This biography reminds us that the United States in general has always experienced and continues to experience political strife, corruption, and even bigotry; however, some people amidst the chaos, while not without flaws or controversial views, do want to make a difference for many citizens of the United States and, of course, Texas. Richard Coke was one such person.

From Richard Coke’s inaugural speech in 1874 as the newly appointed fifteenth Governor of Texas (not without struggle and insurrection):

“We should mature, adopt, and pursue an educational policy, an internal improvement policy, an immigration policy, and a financial policy, each to be improved as time and experience may suggest.”