Adams & Graham associates gather around a historic photo of the firm’s founders, John Quincy Adams and Marshall W. Graham. From left, Jim Denison, William L. Pope, Scott Clark, Leslie Lockhart Moody, Roger Hughes, Will Hughes, Gene Graham (Marshall Graham’s widow), and Ferriel C. “Kent” Hamby Jr.
Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. (D-Brownsville) recently presented three Harlingen law firms with the Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Treasure Business Award, which recognizes businesses that have contributed to the state’s economic growth for 50 years or more.
During a ceremony at the historic Reese Plaza, Harlingen mayor Chris Boswell was also on hand to honor the recipients, which included Kent Hamby and Jim Denison of Adams & Graham, Curtis Bonner on behalf of Bonner & Bonner, and Graham and Gene McCullough of McCullough & McCullough.
“It is important that we celebrate the staying power of our longstanding businesses and honor the legacy of those whose skills as entrepreneurs and leaders long have provided jobs and economic prosperity for our community,” said Boswell.
McCullough & McCullough was founded by Gene F. McCullough in 1946. His son Graham joined the firm in 1960, and four years later, State Representative Menton Joseph Murray Sr. joined as well. Over the years, the name changed as partners passed away and new ones took over the reigns. The partners have always been civic minded and have supported the community through various organizations. In July 1999, Graham’s son Arthur “Gene” E. McCullough joined the firm.
In 1957 attorneys Eddie Verneal “Neal” Bonner and Gene Goodenough hung out a shingle as Goodenough and Bonner in a rented downtown office space in Harlingen, at the time a booming town because of the local Air Force base. People have come and gone, but the law firm has always been business-oriented. The Bonners have been involved with the Harlingen community for years.
Adams & Graham was founded in 1958 by John Quincy Adams and Marshall W. Graham. Marshall’s brother James S. Graham Jr. was an associate. As new partners joined the firm, the name changed. And over the years, the firm moved locations and grew. Today Adams & Graham is a full-service law firm that represents clients in business litigation, commercial defense, employment law, and more. The firm’s attorneys have always been committed to service and have acted as school board trustees, city commissioners, and university regents.