A Guide to the Eugene Nolte Family Papers, 1886-1964

Biographical Note

Eugene Nolte, Sr., was born on March 15, 1869, in Seguin, Texas. He was the son of Edward Nolte, a prominent Seguin businessman and banker. Eugene Nolte, Sr., attended Texas A&M. The son of a Democrat, he became active in the Republican Party and he rapidly gained power within the Republican State organization. President Theodore Roosevelt appointed him United States Marshal for west Texas in 1906. He served in this position until his removal by President Taft in 1912, following Nolte's support of Roosevelt and the Bull Moose Party. In 1921, Nolte was named chairman of the State Republican Executive Committee, a post that he would hold until his death on January 6, 1933.

Eugene Nolte, Sr. was also a successful businessman in the community of Seguin. He served as President of both the Merchants Ice and Cold Storage Company and the Seguin Milling and Power Company. He also succeeded his father as head of the banking firm E. Nolte and Sons, one of the earliest banking firms in Seguin. In addition, Nolte helped to form Nolte Bros., a mercantile firm in Seguin. Nolte was also involved in many civic and philanthropic groups as a Shriner, a Mason, a Rotarian and an Elk.

Eugene Nolte, Sr., married Claudia Gallaher on September 2, 1891. They had three children: Eugene Jr., Nelle, and Claudia. Mr. and Mrs. Nolte liked travelling and made many trips around the country and the world. After Mr. Nolte died on January 6, 1933, Mrs. Nolte continued to travel extensively to areas of Russia, the Far East, and Africa. She also remained an active member of the Seguin community. She was Treasurer of the Seguin Milling and Power Company and served as a Vice President and Director of Nolte National Bank of Seguin until her death on August 14, 1956.

Eugene "Mike" Nolte, Jr., like his father, was a powerful voice in the Republican Party and a prosperous businessman. He was a strong supporter of Republican Presidential candidates Wendell Wilke and Thomas Dewey. He and other "old guard" Republicans in Texas tried to nominate Senator Robert Taft of Ohio for President in 1952. Nolte was himself the Republican candidate for Texas Governor in 1946. In business, Nolte followed in his father's footsteps as President of Merchants Ice and Cold Storage Company. He was also a beer distributor and President of Alamo Poultry and Egg Company, as well as a Director of Nolte National Bank of Seguin.

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Scope and Content Note

The Eugene Nolte Family Papers are composed of correspondence, newspaper clippings and photographs. There are also documents and ephemera, which help document the family's history. Most of the material concerns Eugene Nolte, Sr., and his son, Eugene "Mike" Nolte, Jr. The collection documents activities of leaders in the Texas Republican Party and the business developments of Seguin, Texas, especially during the years between 1920-1950. The collection is divided into four series: Personal, Republican Party Activities, Business and Civic Activities, and Photographs.

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Restrictions

Access Restrictions

This collection is housed at UTSA's Main Campus and must be accessed via the John Peace Library Special Collections reading room. To request access, please use the Collections Request Form.

Use Restrictions

The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Eugene Nolte Family Papers, 1886-1964, MS 34, University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Special Collections.

Acquisition Information

Papers were donated in 1990.

Processing Information

Processed by Eric Hartmann, Processing Archivist, July 1999.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

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