Tax Law, the first ever enacted in the United States. With the enactment of the new law, the fight with the two rings began. The validity of the new law was contested and a bitter struggle ensued. The case was carried before the Supreme Court of the United States, where the law was upheld. So successful was the Cigarette Tax Law that in 1936 it was accepted as a model to be recommended to State legislatures throughout the United States by the National Tobacco Conference at Cincinnati. A diligent administration of the Cigarette Tax Law of 1935 was constantly maintained and the annual revenue, which in 1934 amounted to $3,603,000, grew to $18,977,000 in 1946, and became one of the State's main tax items. The total revenue from all sources for 1946 was $301,521,177.75. One of the most difficult tasks that confronted Sheppard was the establishment and implementation of an entirely new system of accounting and bookkeeping for the State. His work paid off when the State obtained its first perfect accounting system. Through the thorough and systematic performance of his duties, Sheppard had an excellent record as State Comptroller. His political philosophy of impartially enforcing the tax laws and staying out of politics helped Sheppard to succeed. Personal information Sheppard was known as a quiet, soft-spoken family man with a wife and four daughters. He served on the Board of Stewards of the First Methodist Church in Austin. He was also a member of the Masons, belonging to the lodge, chapter and council at Sweetwater, and was identified there with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. George Hartfield Sheppard died of a heart attack while serving as State Comptroller. He was buried in the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas. Sources 1874 births 1949 deaths Texas Democrats People from Waco, Texas Methodists from Texas Comptrollers of Texas People from Sweetwater, Texas