Ernest “Fred” Frederick Stockdale

Ernest “Fred” Frederick Stockdale was born on January 21, 1904, in Tipton, Indiana. He attended Benjamin Harrison Law School in Indianapolis before studying law in the office of Judge W. A. Corley in Fort Worth, Texas.

Stockdale was admitted to the bar in 1932 and began practicing law in Fort Worth. He later moved to Aspermont, Texas, where he practiced until 1940.

His public service included serving as county attorney of Stonewall County and district attorney of the 39th Judicial District. He later moved to Morton and practiced law there for approximately 10 years.

Stockdale entered office as Cochran County judge on January 1, 1951. His service record lists the end of his term as December 31, 1958.

During his administration as county judge, Cochran County constructed a county building that included an auditorium, banquet room, library, and offices. The facility was considered unique at the time and was described as the first county building of its kind.

A county park was also developed during his administration. It included playground equipment, a regulation-size swimming pool, picnic tables in landscaped areas, an area for model airplanes, and a three-section barn and arena for livestock shows.

After leaving Morton, Stockdale moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he served as an assistant district attorney. He resigned from that position and returned to Morton in 1963.

Stockdale was a member of local and state bar associations and the National District Attorneys Association. He held every local office in Lions International and served for four years as Red Cross chairman for the 39th Judicial District.

He was a member of Masonic lodges in Haskell and Fort Worth and of Antelope Lodge in Morton. He received the 32nd degree from the El Paso Consistory.

An avid reader, Stockdale maintained a large personal library. He also loved music, participated in amateur theatrical productions, and organized and performed in a county band.

Stockdale was a member of the Methodist Church and taught an adult or men's Bible class for more than 30 years. He also served the church as a steward or trustee.

From 1942 through 1947, he served as a member of the Advisory Board of Registrants for the Selective Service.

Ernest Frederick Stockdale died on December 16, 1966, in Morton, Texas. He was buried at Morton Memorial Cemetery.

Biography source: Adapted from the Texas Bar Journal, Volume 30, Number 3, published March 22, 1967.