neff was a strong supporter of prohibition. he was instrumental in the development of the texas state parks board. neff and his mother, isabella neff, donated the land which would become the first state park in texas. it was named mother neff state park. during the resurgence of the ku klux klan during his administration, neff was criticized for not taking a stronger stance. neff is notable for his pardon of folk singer lead belly in his last days as governor.