Johnston Murray
Encyclopedia
Johnston Murray was the 14th Governor of Oklahoma, from 1951 until 1955. He was a member of the Democratic Party. His father, William H. Murray
, was also a governor of the state. Murray served as Governor from January 8, 1951, to January 1955. He served as an attorney with the Oklahoma State Department of Welfare
until his death April 16, 1974. Johnston Murray is buried at Tishomingo
along with his father.
, Indian Territory
. His early education was governed by the location of the work of his famous father, former Gov. William H. Murray
. After graduation from the Murray State School of Agriculture (now Murray State College) in 1924, he went to Bolivia
where he lived for four years trying to make a success of his father's colonization expedition there. He received his law degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law
in 1947.
, in 1923, and had one child. They divorced six years later and he married Willie Roberta Emerson in 1933. Willie Murray ran for governor herself after her husband served and lost despite being called a "political heavyweight" by TIME Magazine. After a bitter divorce that ensured, Murray married a third time, to Helen Shutt in 1956.
, where his father, William Murray
is also buried.
William H. Murray
William Henry Davis "Alfalfa Bill" Murray was an American teacher, lawyer, and politician who became active in Oklahoma before statehood as legal adviser to Governor Douglas H. Johnston of the Chickasaw Nation...
, was also a governor of the state. Murray served as Governor from January 8, 1951, to January 1955. He served as an attorney with the Oklahoma State Department of Welfare
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services is an agency of the government of Oklahoma responsible for providing help to individuals and families in need through public assistance programs and managing services for seniors and people with disabilities. The Department is governed by the Commission on...
until his death April 16, 1974. Johnston Murray is buried at Tishomingo
Tishomingo
Tishomingo may refer to:*Chief Tishomingo, a leader of the Chickasaw people*Tishomingo, Mississippi*Tishomingo County, Mississippi*Tishomingo, Oklahoma*Tishomingo Blues, a 1917 Spencer Williams tune...
along with his father.
Early life
Murray was born July 21, 1902, in the mansion of the Chickasaw Nation's Governor at Emet, Johnston CountyJohnston County, Oklahoma
Johnston County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2000, the population was 10,513. Its county seat is Tishomingo.-Geography:...
, Indian Territory
Indian Territory
The Indian Territory, also known as the Indian Territories and the Indian Country, was land set aside within the United States for the settlement of American Indians...
. His early education was governed by the location of the work of his famous father, former Gov. William H. Murray
William H. Murray
William Henry Davis "Alfalfa Bill" Murray was an American teacher, lawyer, and politician who became active in Oklahoma before statehood as legal adviser to Governor Douglas H. Johnston of the Chickasaw Nation...
. After graduation from the Murray State School of Agriculture (now Murray State College) in 1924, he went to Bolivia
Bolivia
Bolivia officially known as Plurinational State of Bolivia , is a landlocked country in central South America. It is the poorest country in South America...
where he lived for four years trying to make a success of his father's colonization expedition there. He received his law degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law
Oklahoma City University School of Law
Oklahoma City University School of Law, also known as OCU Law, is one of the professional graduate schools of Oklahoma City University. OCU Law is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and was founded in 1907...
in 1947.
Marriages
Murray married Marion Draughon of Sulphur, OklahomaSulphur, Oklahoma
Sulphur is a city in Murray County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 4,794 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Murray County.-Geography:Sulphur is located at ....
, in 1923, and had one child. They divorced six years later and he married Willie Roberta Emerson in 1933. Willie Murray ran for governor herself after her husband served and lost despite being called a "political heavyweight" by TIME Magazine. After a bitter divorce that ensured, Murray married a third time, to Helen Shutt in 1956.
Governor
Murray served as governor from 1951 to 1955. He attempted to reduce state spending but was blocked by state legislators.Later life
Murray served as an attorney with the Oklahoma Department of Public Welfare until his death April 16, 1974. He is buried in Tishomingo, OklahomaTishomingo, Oklahoma
Tishomingo is the largest city and the county seat of Johnston County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 3,162 at the 2000 census. It was the first capital of the Chickasaw Nation. Murray State College, a community college, with an annual enrollment of 1,600 students is located in...
, where his father, William Murray
William Murray
-Nobility:*William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield , British jurist*William Murray, 4th Earl of Mansfield and Mansfield , British nobleman*William Murray, 8th Earl of Mansfield and Mansfield -Nobility:*William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield (1705–1793), British jurist*William Murray, 4th Earl of...
is also buried.