A Guide to the Frank Neville Ikard Papers, 1951-1961

Biographical Note

Lawyer, judge, and U.S. Representative Frank Neville Ikard (1913-1991) was born in Henrietta, Texas to Lewis and Ena (née Neville) Ikard. After graduating from the University of Texas law school in 1936, Ikard practiced law in Wichita Falls, Texas before enlisting in the United States Army in 1942, where he served as an infantryman in World War II. During the war, Ikard was twice wounded and later captured by German forces that kept him as a prisoner of war for the remainder of the conflict. When Ikard returned to Texas in 1947, he acted as the chairman of Wichita County’s Democratic Party and was appointed as a judge in 13th District Court by Governor Beauford Jester in 1948.

In 1951, Ikard was elected as a Democratic U.S. Representative for the 13th Congressional District replacing Ed Gossett following his resignation. Ikard subsequently served for five additional terms in Congress and was an active member of the Committee on Ways and Means and the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee. During his time in office, Ikard was a noted advocate for veterans’ rights, military affairs, and the oil industry. In December 1961, Ikard resigned from Congress to take an executive position with the American Petroleum Institute (API), where he served as president from 1963 to 1980. After leaving the API, he practiced law in Washington D.C. and continued to serve as a consultant.

Scope and Contents

Correspondence, district files, constituent information, printed materials, subject files, and legislative materials comprise the Frank Ikard Papers, 1951-1961, documenting Ikard’s activities and major areas of interest during his tenure as a U.S. Congressman from the 13th District of Texas. The papers are arranged as they were received and reflect the filing system used within Ikard’s Congressional offices. The records fall into three chronologically arranged subgroups: Constituent Records, Legislative Records, and Personal files.

The CONSTITUENT RECORDS document Ikard’s relationship with the residents of the 13th Congressional district and the activities of his office on behalf of the district. The records include correspondence and subject files organized by county, military academy appointment files, newsletters, requests for government publications, and case files. The papers also reflect Ikard’s involvement in oil and gas legislation and the development of Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls.

The LEGISLATIVE RECORDS include materials generated from Ikard’s Congressional career and, in particular, his involvement with the Committee on Ways and Means. These records include committee and subcommittee files, bills authored by Ikard, congressional publications, correspondence, and case files.

The PERSONAL FILES include invitations and responses, Democratic National Committee files, travel-related documents, correspondence with fellow members of Congress, office telephone and telegraph accounts, job requests, and financial information.

Restrictions

Access Restrictions

This collection is open for research use.

Use Restrictions

These papers are stored remotely. Advance notice required for retrieval. Contact repository for retrieval.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Frank Neville Ikard Papers, 1951-1961, the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, University of Texas at Austin.

Detailed Description of the Papers