The Thomas Eli Acker Family

Facts given by Tom E. Acker

Thomas Eli Acker came to Jacksonville in 1907 to attend Alexander Collegiate Institute. He never gave a thought to the fact that one day he would serve as Chairman of the Board of that fine institution, now known as Lon Morris College. He has held that post since 1937. Tom was seventeen and he met and fell in love with Virgie Beard, who also attended the Institute. They were sweethearts for four years until they were married in 1911. They both graduated in the class of 1909.

Tom then attended Southwestern University, but returned to Tyler Commercial College for his business education. His first job was a stenographer in District Court in Rusk but, avid for more education, he returned to Tyler Commercial College and completed a general business course.

The first job in Jacksonville was secretary to the superintendent of the T.N.&O. railway office here. He then took a job as bookkeeper for the Sam D. Goodson Hardware store. He left that job, to become secretary to A. G. Adams, president of the First National Bank. There Tom began his banking career and his long years of service to the City of Jacksonville. He worked with Mr. Adams from 1911 to 1913 and felt sufficiently secure to marry Virgie. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Beard. Mr. Beard was a sales representative for the Mayfield Wholesale Grocery at that time and the family lived in Jacksonville.

In late 1913, Tom Acker became one of the owners of the Jacksonville Grain and Commission Co., along with J. C. Beard and I. T. Shotwell. He was associated with this firm for almost twenty years.

Tom Acker's career as a public official of Jacksonville began in 1919, when he was elected Mayor. He held this office continuously for 34 years, the longest of any man in the history of Jacksonville.

In 1932, Tom E. Acker became president of the Texas Bank, now the Texas Bank and Trust Co. He has continued there as an officer until the present time. Now, in his 83rd year, he serves as senior chairman of the board.

His church activities include member of the Board of the First Methodist Church for over 40 years, Sunday School superintendent, teacher of the Men's Wesley Bible Class for 33 years. Mr. Acker's Bible lessons are heard each Sunday at 10 A.M. over station KEBE in Jacksonville. He is a member of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church, which meets every four years and has served since 1922. His record of continuous service to this national church group is longer than any man in the world, a total of 48 years up to 1970.

Civic activities of Tom E. Acker include, besides his long tenure as mayor of Jacksonville, president of the East Texas Chamber of Commerce in 1938. His banking career includes an appointment by Governor Allan Shivers to the State Finance Commission for six years. He was president of the Texas Bankers Association for 1949 and 1950.

On April 5, 1949, a banquet honoring Tom Acker and Gus Blankinship, president of the First National Bank, was held. This was a tribute to the long years of banking history these two men had made in Jacksonville.

Tom and Virgie have two children. Frances (Jackson) lives in Jacksonville and has four children. Virginia (Mrs. Ralph Peacock) lives in Little Rock, Ark., and has three children.

Tom Acker in a picture taken before his marriage. Virgie said, "This is the first picture Tom gave me."

Virgie Beard Acker before her marriage to Tom. The dress was hand-made by her mother with intricate tucking, lace insertion and trim.

Tom and Virgie Acker with daughter, Frances.

The home of Joseph and Annie Acker near Jacksonville on Old Rusk Highway. Shown with grandparents are young Tom E. Acker and sister, Allie Mae. About 1900.