42 "Hard to Compare to Anyone but Himself:" Alfalfa William Murray and His "Advance" in Oklahoma History

"Hard to Comp Alfalfa Wil "Advance" il

Jell

On November 21 , 1869,in' big-mouthed, belligerent me "Alfalfa" William Henry DaviG Murray and Bertha Elizabeth J Texas, William Murray and h. and George, the youngest, ha mother passed away shortly a Uriah took the boys to live witl Uriah married a widow, Mary J grandparents, moved with the Texas, in 1873.5 Mary, a vef] punishment and often whipped wife had seven children of the often felt ignored.6 Fed up witt but returned after a short tim( and George with him in searcH brothers ended up in Keeter, Te:

I Keith L. Bryant, Jr., Alfalfa Press, 1968),3 [Hereafter cited as Bryan (Oklahoma City: Oklahoma Press, 1932) Murray family portrait at their home near Tishomingo, J90S. Courtesy ofthe Oklahoma Historical Society. 2 Bryant, 3-10. 3 Hines, 13. 4 Bryant, 3,4. 5 William H. Murray, Memoirs Together with his Biography. Philosoph] vol. 1 (Boston: Meador Publishing Co Governor Murray, vol. I]. 6 Bryant, 3-4. 7 Bryant, 3-4.

Jeffrey Widener is a PhD. candidate in University of Oklahoma. Widener is an: in The Chronicles of Oklahoma. Southwe

42 "Hard to Compare to Anyone but Himself:" Alfalfa William Murray and his "Advance" in Oklahoma History

by Jeffrey Widener

On November 21, 1869, in Toadsuck, Texas, one of the most colorful, big-mouthed, belligerent men ever to call himself an Oklahoman, "Alfalfa" William Henry David Murray, was born to Uriah Dow Thomas Murray and Bertha Elizabeth Jones Murray (Figure 1).1 Growing up in Texas, William Murray and his two brothers, John Shade, the oldest, and George, the youngest, had a rough childhood.2 To explain, their mother passed away shortly after giving birth to George.3 As a result, Uriah took the boys to live with their grandparents.4 Shortly afterwards, Uriah married a widow, Mary Jane Green; the boys, forced to leave their grandparents, moved with their father and stepmother to Montague, Texas, in 1873.5 Mary, a very religious woman, "believed in strong punishment and often whipped them," and, when his father and his new wife had seven children of their own, William Henry and his brothers often felt ignored.6 Fed up with the mistreatment, John Shade ran away but returned after a short time, only to leave again and take William and George with him in search of employment and housing.? The three brothers ended up in Keeter, Texas, where William, having had very little

1 Keith L. Bryant, Jr., Alfalfa Bill Murray (Nonnan, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 1968),3 [Hereafter cited as Bryant]; Gordon Hines, Alfalfa Bill: An Intimate Biography (Oklahoma City: Oklahoma Press, 1932),9. [Hereafter cited as Hines]. 15. 2 Bryant, 3-10. 3 Hines, 13. 4 Bryant, 3,4. 5 William H. Murray, Memoirs of Governor Murray and True History of Oklahoma: Together with his Biography. Philosophy, Statesmanship, and Oklahoma History Interwoven, vol. 1 (Boston: Meador Publishing Company, 1945), 123. [Hereafter cited as Memoirs of Governor Murray, vol. I]. 6 Bryant, 3-4. 7 Bryant, 3-4.

Jeffrey Widener is a Ph.D. candidate in Geography and Environmental Sustainability at the University of Oklahoma. Widener is an active writer whose recent works have been published in The Chronicles of Oklahoma. Southwestern Geography, and Oklahoma Politics.

43 ~ I ,! education prior to this, attended the local school and worked to pay his seat in Navarro, Kaufman, way.8 When William learned of a new school in Springtown, the College made appearances and speel Hill Institute, founded by John McCraken and D. P. Hurley, he sold his nomination in the three wa) 9 possessions and moved ten miles up the road. Luckily, McCraken "took teaching to support himself" the awkward backwoods boy into his home."lo At College Hill and later bachelor's degree. One year at Mineral Wells, Murray received the experience and education he a journalism career with hi I1 needed to pursue a short political career in Texas. In 1898, Murray papers, The Corsicana Dai~ left Texas and moved to Oklahoma where he would represent the state County News (rural and wee] politically as governor, congressman, and presidential candidate and, Alfalfa Bill hoped?1 In fact, after retiring from Oklahoma politics, excel at being an Oklahoma into Alfalfa Bill at a post off celebrity, "hard to compare to anyone but himself."12 name in that paper, I will wi As early as two years before he received his bachelor's degree in own, knocked the man to the science in Texas, Murray became intrigued with life in the public eye; and stuck one finger in his e~ and, in 1891 , he joined Jim Hogg, his political idol and the leader of the with this hold on him, I COffiI Democrats of Texas, and began speaking at rallies against the People's Even as his viewpoint Party.13 One newspaper reported William Henry Murray was "a fine Murray became interested i speaker who always hit the nail on the head and is always ready to support papers for financial support, ~ any parliamentary position he takes on any questions."14 Even though after he passed the bar exam his first rallies were with nonpolitical organizations, his speeches put his to sell the papers. As a result foot in the door for rallies to follow. IS In the fall of 1891, Murray spoke his College Hill classmates : at his first national platform event, playing an active part in the Interstate municipal law and "living of] Convention of the Anti-sub Treasury Farmers Alliance meeting held in his first case, representing a l' 16 St. Louis, Missouri. Murray became secretary and then chairman of of Negroes turning to him f( the Farmers Grand Alliance, aiding them in writing the alliance's new traveled to Indian Territory to . 17 constitution. by the territory" and "decided Two years later, at age 23 and now ready to enter the "political later, he acquired some cash, wars" as a candidate, Murray announced his candidacy for a senate recommendation noting his cJ March 1898, made his way in!

8 Bryant,S. Murray settled in Tisho 9 Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. 1, 163. Nation, and quickly became 10 Bryant,S. as confidential legal adviser t 11 Bryant, 10. Chickasaw Nation, and later l 12 Anson B. Campbell, introduction to Uncle Sam Needs a Doctor by William H. Murray (Boston: Meador Publishing Company, 1940), 12. [Hereafter cited as Uncle Sam Needs 18 Bryant, 14. a Doctor]. 19 Bryant,15. 13 Bryant, 8,10; Hines, 81; Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. 1,168. 20 Memoirs ofGovernor Murra, 14 Bryant, 11. 21 Bryant, 19. 15 Bryant, 13. 22 Memoirs ofGovernor Murra, 16 Bryant, 13. 23 Bryant, 20. 17 Bryant, 13. 24 Bryant, 20.

44 cal school and worked to pay his seat in Navarro, Kaufman, and Henderson counties. 18 Although he ichool in Springtown, the College made appearances and speeches all over the rural counties, he lost the lken and D. P. Hurley, he sold his nomination in the three way race. 19 After the loss, Murray reverted to e road.9Luckily, McCraken "took teaching to support himself, just as he had done while he worked on his ~ome."l0 At College Hill and later bachelor's degree. One year later, Murray left teaching again, to pursue he experience and education he a journalism career with his brother George.20 By 1894, the Murray reer in TexasY In 1898, Murray papers, The Corsicana Daily (city paper and daily) and The Navarro 'here he would represent the state County News (rural and weekly), became active political agents, just as • and presidential candidate and, Alfalfa Bill hoped?l In fact, one opponent he bashed in his paper ran ;s, excel at being an Oklahoma into Alfalfa Bill at a post office and stated, "The next time you put my but himself."12 name in that paper, I wql whip Hell out of you." Alfalfa Bill held his received his bachelor's degree in own, knocked the man to the ground, and, as Murray put it, "lit on him rigued with life in the public eye; and stuck one finger in his ear, one in his eye, and one in his nose, and political idol and the leader of the with this hold on him, I commenced beating his face."22 IDg at rallies against the People's Even as his viewpoint began reaching and influencing others, lliam Henry Murray was "a fine Murray became interested in another field-law. Depending on his lead and is always ready to support papers for financial support, Murray studied with Judge John Rice; and, In any questions.''14 Even though after he passed the bar exam on April 10, 1897, he and George agreed organizations, his speeches put his to sell the papers. As a result, he started his own law firm with two of In the fall of 1891, Murray spoke his College Hill classmates and continued to study law, focusing on ying an active part in the Interstate municipal law and "living off coffee and five cent fruit pies." He won Farmers Alliance meeting held in his first case, representing a Negro widow and soon attracted a plethora .e secretary and then chairman of of Negroes turning to him for help?3 Then, in August 1897, Murray hem in writing the alliance's new traveled to Indian Territory to visit his father; and he became "impressed by the territory" and "decided it held a promising future." Seven months [lOW ready to enter the "political later, he acquired some cash, compiled his assets, gathered letters of mced his candidacy for a senate recommendation noting his charisma, purchased a train ticket, and, in March 1898, made his way into the territory?4 Murray settled in Tishomingo, the capitol of the Chickasaw Nation, and quickly became involved in the community by serving 63. as confidential legal adviser to Douglas H. Johnston, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, and later as chairman of the Sequoyah Convention Uncle Sam Needs a Doctor by William H. 18 Bryant, 14. ~), 12. [flereafter cited as Uncle Sam Needs 19 Bryant, 15, ~vernor Murray, vol. 1, 168. 20 Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. I, 183. 21 Bryant, 19. 22 Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. l, 191. 23 Bryant, 20. 24 Bryant, 20.

45 5 and one ofthe authors of Oklahoma's state constitution.2 One year later, that he thought no individual Murray married Johnston's niece, Miss Alice Hearell, a Chickasaw; and, 1907, Charles N. Haskell too} in 1901, she gave birth to their first son, Massena Murray.26 The family of Oklahoma; Murray became then moved to a farm on Twelve Mile Prairie where their other children, Representatives and served in ' Johnston Murray, William Henry II or Billy, Jean Murray, the only girl, Subsequently, Murray seC' 27 and Burbank Murray were born. About two years after his first farm sixty-third and sixty-fourth S4 purchase, Murray made another purchase in the Washita river bottoms but, following that, Murray Ie and, because of his marriage, received allotments from the Chickasaw for governor of the state.37 Sad 28 Nation. family-his wife, his four som Farming and the law practice, by now consisting mostly of helping traveled to South America, and Indians who were charged with crimes, allowed the Murrays financial in Bolivia, they developed a Cl security.29 Furthermore, this gave Bill the chance to continue to study change in government; and, im law-an advantage for his future work in both the Sequoyah Convention $84,000 and an additional $IC 3D and in helping prepare the Oklahoma Constitution. In 1902, Indian they financed a return to the U delegates, realizing Oklahoma would eventually join the Union, began for himself, his wife, and his t' meeting and discussing terms for a new constitution.3' Then, when the work until they made enough Enabling Act passed in June 1906, ideas for the outline ofthe Oklahoma family stayed with another fan 32 Constitution began to take shape. The Republicans, led by Frank career began to enjoy some: Frantz, and the Democrats, led by William Murray, met in Guthrie requests to give speeches,41 Dl in November; and Murray, the more effusive of the two, was elected mentioned politics, but many Pi 33 president ofthe convention. By the spring of 1907, Murray and Charles seat or for governor.42 Murray N. Haskell, with the help of others, submitted the constitution; however, him to run for a senate seat wel1 United States President Theodore Roosevelt thought it needed more him to run for governor were 34 work and made recommendations encouraging progressive reforms. the advice of his friends and be Consequently,Murray followed the recommendations ofRoosevelt, used 1929; and, by the close of the the Enabling Act as a guide, and constructed an Oklahoma constitution

35 Gibson, 202. 25 Memoirs oj Governor Murray, vol. I, 12-13,234-35; Odie B. Faulk and William D. Welge, Oklahoma: A Rich Heritage (Sun Valley, CA: American Historical Press, 2004),153. 36 William H. Murray, "Biogra cdm4/meta_viewer.php?CJSOROOT=/go 26 Bryant, 29-30; Memoirs ojGovernor Murray, vol. 1,274. cited as "Biographical Note"]. 27 Bryant, 29-30; Memoirs ojGovernor Murray, vol. 1,274. 37 "William Henry David Murray 28 Bryant, 32-33. 38 William Krohn, Alfalfa Bill Ml 29 Bryant, 33. Oil Review, 1931),3; WilJiam H. Murra' 30 Keith L. Bryant, "William Henry David Murray," The Handbook oj Texas Online, Oklahoma: Together with his Biography http://www.tsha.utexas.edulhandbookionline/articles/MMlfmu16.html (accessed April 19, Interwoven, vol. 2 (Boston: Meador Pu 2007). [Hereafter cited as "William Henry David Murray"]. Memoirs oj Governor Murray, vol. 2], 31 Arrell Morgan Gibson, Oklahoma: A History ojFive Centuries, 2nd ed. (Norman, OK: 39 Memoirs ojGovernor Murray,' University of Oklahoma Press, 1981), 196. [Hereafter cited as Gibson]. 40 Memoirs ojGovernor Murray, 32 Gibson, 197. 41 Memoirs ojGoverllOr Murray,' 33 "William Henry David Murray." 42 Memoirs ojGovernor Murray,' 34 Gibson, 200. 43 Memoirs ojGovernor Murray, .

46 state constitution?5 One year later, that he thought no individual could disapprove.35 On November 16, )sAlice Hearell, a Chickasaw; and, 1907, Charles N. Haskell took the oath and became the first governor )n, Massena Murray.26 The family of Oklahoma; Murray became the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of :Prairie where their other children, Representatives and served in that position for one year.36 lr Billy, Jean Murray, the only girl, Subsequently, Murray served the state as a representative in the oout two years after his first fann sixty-third and sixty-fourth sessions of the United States Congress; ;hase in the Washita river bottoms but, following that, Murray lost two consecutive attempts at running ed allotments from the Chickasaw for governor of the state.37 Saddened by his losses, Alfalfa Bill and his family-his wife, his four sons, and two daughters-in-law-packed up, ,now consisting mostly of helping traveled to South America, and settled in Bolivia for four years?8 While les, allowed the Murrays financial in Bolivia, they develop~d a colony that, unfortunately, failed due to a ll1 the chance to continue to study change in government; and, instead of making a profit, the Murrays lost k in both the Sequoyah Convention $84,000 and an additional $10,000 in travel expenses.39 Nevertheless, na Constitution.30 In 1902, Indian they financed a return to the United States; however, Murray paid only :l eventually join the Union, began for himself, his wife, and his two daughters-in-law, leaving his sons to lew constitution?! Then, when the work until they made enough money to return. After their return, the eas for the outline of the Oklahoma family stayed with another family member, and Alfalfa Bill's political ~ The Republicans, led by Frank career began to enjoy some success.40 He became bombarded with William Murray, met in Guthrie requests to give speeches.4! During these speeches, Alfalfa Bill never e effusive of the two, was elected mentioned politics, but many people told him he should run for a senate spring of 1907, Murray and Charles seat or for governor.42 Murray determined that the ones who wanted ilbmitted the constitution; however, him to run for a senate seat were his "enemies," and the ones who asked ~oosevelt thought it needed more him to run for governor were his "friends."43 Murray decided to take mcouraging progressive reforms?4 the advice of his friends and began his campaign for governor in March ~commendations ofRoosevelt, used 1929; and, by the close of the campaign, Alfalfa Bill was "canvassing lstructed an Oklahoma constitution

35 Gibson, 202. 12-13,234-35; Odie B. Faulk and William D. 36 William H. Murray, "Biographical Note," http://www.crossroads.odl.state.ok.us/ CA: American Historical Press, 2004),153. cdm4/meta_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/govemors&c... (accessed April 19, 2007). [Hereafter Murray, vol. 1,274. cited as "Biographical Note"]. Murray, vol. 1,274. 37 "William Henry David Murray." 38 William Krohn, Alfalfa Bill Murray: Governor of Oklahoma (Ardmore, OK: Krohn Oil Review, 1931),3; William H. Murray, Memoirs of Governor Murray and True History of vid Murray," The Handbook of Texas Online, Oklahoma: Together with his Biography, Philosophy, Statesmanship, and Oklahoma History icleslMM/fmu16.html (accessed April 19, Interwoven, vol. 2 (Boston: Meador Publishing Company, 1945), 245. [Hereafter cited as I Murray"]. Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. 2]. /istory ofFive Centuries, 2nd ed. (Norman, OK: 39 Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. 2,263,265. eafter cited as Gibson]. 40 Memoirs of Governor Murray, vol. 2, 265. 41 Memoirs ofGovernor Murray. vol. 2, 361. 42 Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. 2, 361-363. 43 Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. 2, 364.

47 the southwest where the crowds covered acres."44 His detractors charged him with being Red, with being an atheist, and with being a Jew lover and accused him of marrying a Negro; but Murray won the election "with a record majority of 100,000 votes" and served from January 12, 1931 to January 15,1935 (Figure 4),45 Taking office right after the stock market crash and at the beginning of the Dust Bowl, Murray quickly "attacked the $5,000,000 deficit, mass unemployment, mortgage foreclosures, and bank failures."46 To help with the poverty problems caused by the Depression, Murray planned to construct a toll-free bridge across the Red River into Texas, but Texans pestered the travelers for tolls on their side ofthe river.47 As a result, Murray called out the National Guard to oust the Texas Rangers; and the case ended up going before the Supreme Court.48 Later, Murray shut down 3,106 oil wells in Oklahoma fields in an effort to "curtail output to raise the price of oil," and, once again, Murray had to call out the troopS.49 These were not the only times Governor Murray called out the Guard; in fact, "he called out the National Guard so frequently that the late Will Rogers, his political opponent in one election campaign, said he sent for troops as someone else might 'ring for ice water."'50 During the middle of his term as governor, in 1932, Murray tried his hand at running for president under a "Bread, Butter, Bacon, and Beans" campaign (Figure 5).51 Unfortunately, Murray failed in the presidential race, although an Oklahoma candy company did recognize him with a "5-cent candy bar" named Alfalfa Bill.52 One of the most interesting things Bill did before he left the governor's office was authorize two attorneys to sue the United States for $100,000,000 because "the Governor's executive order declared Oklahoma could not legally barter its sovereignty in accepting the terms of the Enabling Act which made

44 Memoirs o/Governor Murray. vol. 2, 365, 373. 45 "Biographical Note," 46 "Biographical Note." 47 "William Henry David Murray." 48 "William Henry David Murray." 49 "Troops Stop Row of Oklahoma Oil," The New York Times, August 5,1931,1. 50 "W.H. (Alfalfa Bill) Murray Dies; Ex-Governor of Oklahoma Was 86," The New York Times, October 16, 1956,33. 51 "William Henry David Murray;" Mary Louise Richardson, "Where is Alfalfa Bill Murray?," The Saturday Evening Post, December 18, 1948,74. 52 "AlfulfaBiII! Is a Candy Bar Now, The Oklahoman, March II, 1932, 14.

48 ~ acres."44 His detractors charged fist, and with being a Jew lover i>; but Murray won the election bs" and served from January 12,

larket crash and at the beginning ~ttacked the $5,000,000 deficit, Dsures, and bank failures."46 To led by the Depression, Murray llCross the Red River into Texas, Is on their side ofthe ri ver.47 As a ~uard to oust the Texas Rangers; Supreme Court.48 Later, Murray Ila fields in an effort to "curtail Alfalfa William Murray will Ice again, Murray had to call out be remembered as one of I Oklahoma's most colorful iDes Governor Murray called out characters (date unknown). ational Guard so frequently that Courlesy of Ihe Oklahoma i>nent in one election campaign, HislOrical Society. ~e might 'ring for ice water. '''50 ~rnor, in 1932, Murray tried his Iread ,Butter, Bacon, and Beans" urray failed in the presidential mpany did recognize him with rU.52 One of the most interesting Irnor's office was authorize two 'or $100,000,000 because "the klahoma could not legally barter ~f the Enabling Act which made

\373. o

"Bread, Butter, Bacon, and Beans" was Murray's 1932 iNew York Times, August 5, 1931, l. presidential campaign remorofOklahoma Was 86," The New York slogan. Courtesy ofthe Oklahoma Historical Louise Richardson, "Where is Alfalfa Bill OUR, Society. I, 1948,74. IkluhomulI, March ll, 1932, 14.

49 it a state."53 After facing some of the most difficult issues ever faced Uncle Sam Needs a Doctor.61 I\ by an Oklahoma governor, Alfalfa Bill retired in 1935 and set his hand that "Uncle Sam needs a doct( to writing books and pamphlets that conveyed his strong character and and shotguns; that civilizatior 54 made people either love him or hate him. beings weren't intended for gl After retiring, Murray moved to some acreage in Broken Bow with penned, The Finished Scholar his wife and daughter, "dwelling in a little unpainted home, sleeping on New Deal but including many r the floor and dining on food cooked in an iron pot over a campfire in his incompleteness of school textt front yard" and asserting that it was a peaceful place to live; he lived textbooks and to enable the hi! there until his wife died in 1938.55 While there, Murray began to assert a 'finished scholar."'63 his opposition to the New Deal and aggravated many people throughout Murray's later publication the United States by stating, "It is my intention to be free to fight the religious views and racist vie New Deal until it is destroyed or it destroys the Republic, for one or the Murray held a basic southern other is bound to occur."56 Murray continued to tour the plains states Jews, believing the "Negro get! 5 and enumerate the faults of the New Deal. ? Oddly, the lake that came to 'proper sense of propriety' fro) bear his name, Lake Murray, was built and funded by agencies the New wants to do right, follows these 1 58 Deal created. numbers of his race, he will hal After Mrs. Murray's death, companionless and browbeaten, Murray Murray stated, "I do not want n began writing and publishing truculent onslaughts on people or factions In this Republic there are plac he blamed for his political failures.59 Continuing to castigate the New but not in policy framing ."65 AI Deal, Alfalfa Bill published one of his first books, targeting the plan in Negroes, at least the ones who sl Rights of Americans under the Constitution of the Federal Republic, Jews,66 For example, during hi: a book written because he felt people needed to know the powers of as governor, a group of New' the government and the inherent "dangers to our system of government interview him to see what he h~ and our freedom."60 His second publication attacking the New Deal was reporters from Look Magazine j to him, Alfalfa Bill responded "J 53 "Oklahoma to Sue U.S. for $100,000,000," The Christian Science Monitor, January goddamn nigger-lovin' Jew oul 12,1934,2. the reporter, who was Jewish, j 54 "Library to Host 'Story Concert' about Former Governor 'Alfalfa Bill' for lO-million bucks."69 Murray Murray," McAlester News-Capital http://www.mcale!>ternews.com/apstorysectionllocal_ story_064110923 .htmllresources_pri... (accessed April 19, 2007). 61 Bryant, 266; Uncle Sam Needs. 55 "Murray 'Goes Native' in Crude Farm Home," The New York Times, July 7, 1935, 18; William H. Murray, Memoirs ofGovernor Murray and True History ofOklahoma: Together 62 Uncle Sam Needs a Doctor, 14. with his Biography, Philosophy, Statesmanship, and Oklahoma History Interwoven, vol. 3 63 William H. Murray, The Finis! (Boston: Meador Publishing Company, 1945), 10-11. [Hereafter cited as Memoirs of Governor 1941), I. Murray, vol. 3]. 64 William H. Murray, The Negro~ 56 Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. 3, 68. Murray, 1948), 13. [Hereafter cited as The 57 Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. 3, 125. 65 The Negro s Place in Call ofRa 58 "Tucker Tower: Marietta, Oklahoma," http://www.lasr.net/pages/city. 66 The Negros Place in Call ofRa php?Marietta&Oklahoma&City_ID=OK0507012&VA=Y&... (accessed April 19, 2007). 67 Martin Hauan, He Buys Organs 59 Bryant, 259. City: Midwest Political Publications, 1977 60 William Murray, Rights ofAmericans under the Constitution ofthe Federal Republic 68 Hauan, 46. (Boston: Meador Press, 1937),90. 69 Hauan,47.

50 ~ most difficult issues ever faced Uncle Sam Needs a Doctor.61 Murray's purpose in writing this book was Uretired in 1935 and set his hand that "Uncle Sam needs a doctor who knows the remedy isn't sedatives :onveyed his strong character and and shotguns; that civilization isn't made of mortar; and that human • 54 lID. beings weren't intended for guinea pigs."62 Another book Alfalfa Bill orne acreage in Broken Bow with penned, The Finished Scholar, although not specifically attacking the little unpainted home, sleeping on New Deal but including many references to it, was written "to supply the I an iron pot over a campfire in his incompleteness of school textbooks and teachers who learned only the a peaceful place to live; he lived textbooks and to enable the high-school and college student to become :rile there, Murray began to assert a 'finished scholar."'63 gravated many people throughout Murray's later publications changed focus to concentrate on his y intention to be free to fight the religious views and ra~ist views (Figure 6). Throughout his career, itroyS the Republic, for one or the Murray held a basic southern viewpoint on the Negro people and the )ntinued to tour the plains states Jews, believing the "Negro gets his idea of morals, honor, integrity, and 57 'ea1. Oddly, the lake that came to 'proper sense of propriety' from the white man, and, if he be one who :and funded by agencies the New wants to do right, follows these virtues. Ifleft alone, where there be large numbers of his race, he will have none of these virtues."64 Furthermore, nionless and browbeaten, Murray Murray stated, "I do not want my country governed by a minority race. t onslaughts on people or factions In this Republic there are places for all, even the Negro and the Jew, Continuing to castigate the New but not in policy framing ."65 Alfalfa Bill exhibited more respect for the ,first books, targeting the plan in Negroes, at least the ones who showed respect for him, than he did for the ritution of the Federal Republic, Jews.66 For example, during his son Johnston Murray's administration ~ needed to know the powers of as governor, a group of New York journalists sought Bill Murray to ~ers to our system of government interview him to see what he had been up to over the years.67 When the iltion attacking the New Deal was reporters from Look Magazine found Murray and identified themselves to him,Alfalfa Bill responded "Look Magazine, you say! You mean that

0," The Christian Science Monitor, January goddamn nigger-lovin' Jew outfit?"68 In response to the obvious slur, the reporter, who was Jewish, forcefully asserted, "I wouldn't write it about Fonner Governor 'Alfalfa Bill' for lO-million bucks."69 Murray's last big publications were Adam and w.mcalesternews.com!apstorysectionllocal_ prilI9,2007). 61 Bryant,266; Uncle Sam Needs a Doctor, 14. fIome," The New York Times, July 7, 1935, 'ay and True History ofOklahoma: Together 62 Uncle Sam Needs a Doctor, 14. uuJ Oklahoma History Interwoven, vol. 3 63 William H. Murray, The Finished Scholar (Philadelphia: Dorrance and Company, 1. [Hereafter cited as Memoirs ofGovernor 1941), I. 64 William H. Murray, The Negro 5 Place in Call ofRace (Tishomingo, OK: William H. Murray, 1948), 13. [Hereafter cited as The Negro 5 Place in Call ofRace]. 5. 65 The Negro 5 Place in Call ofRace, II . ahoma," hnp://wwwJasr.net/pages/city. 66 The Negro sPlace in Call ofRace, 26-27. VA=Y&... (accessed April 19. 2007). 67 Martin Hauan, He Buys Organs for Churches, Pianosfor Bawdy Houses (Oklahoma City: Midwest Political Publications, 1977),45-46. [Hereafter cited as Hauan]. ier the Constitution ofthe Federal Republic 68 Hauan,46. 69 Hauan, 47.

l..... •

Cain, a bible interpretation, and a pamphlet titled Christian Mothers that he addressed to "Christian mothers (not to Communist or Anti-Christ women: they possess distorted morals and a propagandized mentality Heritage of the Great Plain. that dwarf body and soul); yea, to Christian mothers, who care for their academic written material about 1 own babies rather than to trust them to BABY SITIERS."70 it is a refereed, scholarly jouma On October 15, 1956, Alfalfa Bill passed away at the age of 86 due be read and appreciated by the gel to health problems that had been ongoing, but his character and impact on Oklahoma will never be forgotten.7! In one of his books, Alfalfa Bill quoted Noah Webster who said, "'Character is the aggregate of EDI1 distinctive mental and moral qualities belonging to an individual or a 1. All manuscripts should be ac( race as a whole; it is the stamp of individuality impressed by nature, 2. Manuscripts will be retumel education, or habit; it is that which a person or thing really is.'''72 Alfalfa self-addressed, stamped envel Bill was flashy and vibrant, stamped with strength of character that led 3. Photographs and/or illustratiol ofthe Great Plains cannot ace him to stamp his own special place in Oklahoma history. William Henry 4. A contributor will receive fiv David Murray wrote that, in history, "it is more important to know appears. what 'caused' the war than who 'won' it; more important to know the 5. Manuscripts or inquiries shoul people, than their rulers-to know the people's character, degree of intelligence, social customs, codes of honor and integrity, their vices Heritage ofthe Great Pial and virtues, family relations, morals and religions, who permitted the Center for Great Plains St, Campus Box 4040 voting privileges and did they advance or retrograde."73 Through his Emporia State University publications, political campaigns, and terms in office, Alfalfa Bill Emporia, Kansas 66801-51 advanced to become an Oklahoma legend. One reporter summed up [email protected] this entertaining character by writing, "There is a saying in Oklahoma [email protected] that the former Governor may offend sometimes, but he never bores."74 http://www.emporia.edulcl

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Heritage ofthe Great Plai, Center for Great Plains Stl Campus Box 4040 Emporia State University Emporia, Kansas 66801-51 70 William H. Murray, Christian Mothers (Boston: Meador Publishing Company, 1950),5. 71 "W.H. (Alfalfa Bill) Murray Dies; Ex-Governor of Oklahoma Was 86," The New York Times, October 16,1956,33. 72 William H. Murray, Adam and Cain (Tishomingo, OK: William H. Murray, 1951), 137. 73 The Finished Scholar, 29. 74 Uncle Sam Needs a Doctor, 11.