Mayor Tom Lea- Artist Tom Lea's Father

On Mayor tom lea II, artist tom lea III's father

Was Artist Tom Lea once the Mayor of El Paso?

No, the artist Tom Calloway Lea, known as Tom Lea III, was never the Mayor of El Paso. His father, Tom Calloway Lea II, served as mayor from 1915 to 1917. To avoid confusion, the artist is referred to as Tom Lea III, notably by the Tom Lea Institute, which honors his legacy as a celebrated painter, muralist, and writer. Tom Lea II, the mayor, was a prominent attorney and civic leader whose tenure was marked by significant challenges during a turbulent period in El Paso’s history.

If Mayor Lea did not shut down the border, then why did it happen?

Mayor Tom Lea II did not shut down the border between El Paso and Juárez, nor did he have the authority to do so. The border was, and remains, under the jurisdiction of the federal government, not the City of El Paso. During Lea’s mayoral term (1915–1917), several factors complicated border dynamics, requiring coordination between federal and local authorities:

1. Sugar Smuggling During World War I: The war created economic pressures, leading to increased smuggling of goods like sugar from Mexico into the U.S., which strained border enforcement efforts.

2. Draft Resisters Fleeing to Juárez: Some individuals crossed into Mexico to evade conscription during World War I, creating security concerns for federal authorities.

3. The Immigration Act of 1917: This federal law imposed new requirements on immigrants, including passports, literacy tests, and an $8 head tax, which tightened border controls and increased scrutiny at crossings.

4. National Security Fears: Amid World War I, there was widespread concern about potential German spies or anarchists entering the U.S. through the southern border, prompting heightened federal oversight.

These issues were managed by federal agencies, not the City of El Paso. Mayor Lea’s role was limited to local governance, and he had no power to close or control the international border. Any claims suggesting otherwise are historically inaccurate and misattribute federal actions to a municipal offici

Why did Mayor Lea request a quarantine of Mexicans coming to El Paso from Juarez?

Mayor Lea requested a quarantine in response to a serious public health crisis caused by a typhus outbreak in Juárez during his tenure. This was not an attempt to close the border or target Mexicans but a pragmatic effort to protect El Paso’s residents from a deadly disease. Typhus, transmitted by lice, was a significant threat at the time, claiming lives, including that of Lea’s first health commissioner. The federal government, which controlled international crossings, held authority over border health measures.

The proposed quarantine aimed to temporarily delay the integration of travelers into El Paso’s general population to prevent the spread of typhus, not to block crossings entirely. Contrary to some narratives, this was a public health measure, not a discriminatory policy. However, the federal government, under the U.S. Surgeon General, rejected Lea’s quarantine proposal. Instead, it implemented disinfecting stations at the Santa Fe Bridge, requiring Mexican travelers to undergo inspections, bathing, lice treatment, and clothing sterilization before entering the U.S. These measures, which continued for decades, were entirely under federal jurisdiction, not the City of El Paso’s.

The 1917 “Bath Riots,” led by Carmelita Torres, were a protest against these federal disinfecting procedures, not against Mayor Lea or city policies. Attempts to link Lea to these events are misleading, as he had no control over the border or the federal government’s health protocols. His focus was on safeguarding El Paso’s residents during a regional health crisis, a responsibility he took seriously in a time of limited medical resources.

What role did Mayor Lea play in the arrest of Pancho Villa's wife?

During Mayor Lea’s term, Luz Corral Villa, the wife of revolutionary leader Pancho Villa, and Villa’s brother, Hipólito, were arrested in El Paso for gun-running, a violation of U.S. neutrality laws during the Mexican Revolution. Mayor Lea was known for his commitment to upholding the law impartially, regardless of an individual’s status or affiliations. The arrests were not motivated by personal animus or prejudice against Mexicans, as some have claimed, but were a direct response to illegal activities that threatened public safety and violated federal law.

Pancho Villa, angered by the arrests, issued a $1,000 bounty in gold for Lea’s life and threatened to kidnap his sons. Despite these personal threats, Lea remained steadfast in his duty to maintain law and order in El Paso, a city grappling with spillover from the violent Mexican Revolution across the border. His actions reflect a dedication to justice, not hatred or bias against Mexicans or any group. Lea’s consistent enforcement of the law, even in the face of danger, underscores his integrity as a public servant during a volatile period.

Why did Mayor Lea wear silk underwear?

The claim about Mayor Lea wearing silk underwear is often cited out of context to trivialize his character, but it has a serious and scientifically grounded explanation. During the typhus outbreak in the 1910s, medical experts advised that lice, the primary vectors of typhus, were less likely to cling to silk fabric than to cotton or wool. As a public health precaution, Lea and others, including travelers to Mexico, wore silk undergarments to reduce the risk of infection. This was not a quirky affectation but a practical response to a deadly epidemic that had already claimed lives, including that of his health commissioner. Lea’s decision reflected his commitment to protecting himself and his community during a public health crisis, guided by the best medical advice of the time.

Was Mayor Tom Lea II a Member of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in the early 1920s?

Tom Lea II briefly joined the Ku Klux Klan after his mayoral term, during a period when the KKK in El Paso was initially perceived as a civic reform movement aimed at challenging the entrenched political “Ring” that dominated local politics. As historian Shawn Lay notes, the KKK in the 1920s attracted over 3,000 members in El Paso, including many prominent citizens, by presenting itself as a vehicle for political change. However, once Lea attended a Klan meeting and recognized its true nature—marked by racist and divisive rhetoric—he quickly disassociated himself from the group.

Far from supporting the KKK, Lea became one of its most vocal opponents. In the pivotal 1923 mayoral election, he played a key role in supporting anti-Klan candidate Dick Dudley, helping to defeat the Klan’s influence in El Paso. Lea publicly denounced the KKK, particularly its anti-Catholic and anti-Mexican rhetoric, and actively worked to dismantle its activities, including efforts to quell race-based tensions in the city. His swift rejection of the Klan and his leadership in opposing its divisive agenda demonstrate his commitment to inclusivity and civic unity.

Did Tom Lea II Dislike Mexico and Mexican People?

The accusation that Tom Lea II disliked Mexico or Mexicans is unequivocally false and contradicts both his personal history and professional record. Lea had a deep affinity for Mexico, having lived there for two years as a young man and maintaining lifelong friendships with Mexicans. His second wife, Rosario Partida Archer, was a Mexican from Ciudad Juárez, a testament to his personal connection to the culture and people. Furthermore, he left the family home to his stepdaughter, Bertha, not one of his three sons. As an attorney, Lea defended many Mexicans, from all walks of life, in his legal practice, earning a reputation as a compassionate and skilled advocate.

Lea’s actions as mayor further refute this claim. He navigated El Paso through a tumultuous period of cross-border tensions, maintaining order while fostering cooperation with Juárez where possible. His efforts to address the typhus crisis and uphold the law were driven by a commitment to public welfare, not prejudice. The baseless accusation of anti-Mexican sentiment ignores Lea’s documented respect for Mexico and its people, as well as his contributions to El Paso’s multicultural community.

A Legacy of Leadership and Integrity

Tom Lea II was a towering figure in El Paso’s history, a man who embodied the spirit of the Southwest while serving as mayor during one of the city’s most challenging eras. As a lawyer, he was renowned for his eloquence and empathy, defending the vulnerable with a passion that

earned him admiration in the courtroom. As mayor from 1915 to 1917, he led with courage, upholding law and order amid the chaos of the Mexican Revolution and World War I. His commitment to public health, as seen in his response to the typhus crisis, and his impartial enforcement of the law, even under threat from figures like Pancho Villa, reflect a leader of principle and resilience.

The 1945 editorial from an El Paso newspaper captures his legacy: “Tom Lea was one of the last of the old-time lawyers… an upstanding and patriotic citizen” who became “authentic Southwest.” His contributions to El Paso—as a mayor, attorney, and community leader—left an indelible mark, shaping the city’s identity as a vibrant, resilient border community. Misrepresentations of his actions, whether regarding the border, public health measures, or his personal beliefs, distort the record of a man who dedicated his life to justice, fairness, and the well-being of El Paso’s diverse population. Adios, amigo—Tom Lea II’s memory remains green as a testament to his enduring impact.