Murray family portrait at their home near Tishomingo, J90S. 
Courtesy of the Oklahoma Historical Society. 
42 
"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) 
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 
15. 
"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]. 
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 
.
 education prior to this, attended the local school and worked to pay his 
way.8 When William learned of a new school in Springtown, the College 
Hill Institute, founded by John McCraken and D. P. Hurley, he sold his 
possessions and moved ten miles up the road.9 Luckily, McCraken "took 
the awkward backwoods boy into his home."lo At College Hill and later 
at Mineral Wells, Murray received the experience and education he 
needed to pursue a short political career in Texas. I1 In 1898, Murray 
left Texas and moved to Oklahoma where he would represent the state 
politically as governor, congressman, and presidential candidate and, 
after retiring from Oklahoma politics, excel at being an Oklahoma 
celebrity, "hard to compare to anyone but himself."12 
As early as two years before he received his bachelor's degree in 
science in Texas, Murray became intrigued with life in the public eye; 
and, in 1891 , he joined Jim Hogg, his political idol and the leader of the 
Democrats of Texas, and began speaking at rallies against the People's 
Party.13 One newspaper reported William Henry Murray was "a fine 
speaker who always hit the nail on the head and is always ready to support 
any parliamentary position he takes on any questions."14 Even though 
his first rallies were with nonpolitical organizations, his speeches put his 
foot in the door for rallies to follow. IS In the fall of 1891, Murray spoke 
at his first national platform event, playing an active part in the Interstate 
Convention of the Anti-sub Treasury Farmers Alliance meeting held in 
St. Louis, Missouri.16 Murray became secretary and then chairman of 
the Farmers Grand Alliance, aiding them in writing the alliance's new 
constitution.17 
Two years later, at age 23 and now ready to enter the "political 
wars" as a candidate, Murray announced his candidacy for a senate 
8 Bryant,S. 
9 Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. 1, 163. 
10 Bryant,S. 
11 Bryant, 10. 
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 
a Doctor].
 
13 Bryant, 8,10; Hines, 81; Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. 1,168.
 
14 Bryant, 11.
 
15 Bryant, 13.
 
16 Bryant, 13.
 
17 Bryant, 13.
 
44 
I 
~ 
!, 
seat in Navarro, Kaufman, 
made appearances and speel 
nomination in the three wa) 
teaching to support himself" 
bachelor's degree. One year 
a journalism career with hi 
papers, The Corsicana Dai~ 
County News (rural and wee] 
Alfalfa Bill hoped?1 In fact, 
into Alfalfa Bill at a post off 
name in that paper, I will wi 
own, knocked the man to the 
and stuck one finger in his e~ 
with this hold on him, I COffiI 
Even as his viewpoint 
Murray became interested i 
papers for financial support, ~ 
after he passed the bar exam 
to sell the papers. As a result 
his College Hill classmates : 
municipal law and "living of] 
his first case, representing a l' 
of Negroes turning to him f( 
traveled to Indian Territory to 
by the territory" and "decided 
later, he acquired some cash, 
recommendation noting his cJ 
March 1898, made his way in! 
Murray settled in Tisho 
Nation, and quickly became 
as confidential legal adviser t 
Chickasaw Nation, and later l 
18 Bryant, 14. 
19 Bryant,15. 
20 Memoirs ofGovernor Murra, 
21 Bryant, 19. 
22 Memoirs ofGovernor Murra, 
23 Bryant, 20. 
24 Bryant, 20. 
cal school and worked to pay his 
ichool in Springtown, the College 
lken and D. P. Hurley, he sold his 
e road.9Luckily, McCraken "took 
~ome."l0 At College Hill and later 
he experience and education he 
reer in TexasY In 1898, Murray 
'here he would represent the state 
• and presidential candidate and, 
;s, excel at being an Oklahoma 
but himself."12 
received his bachelor's degree in 
rigued with life in the public eye; 
political idol and the leader of the 
IDg at rallies against the People's 
lliam Henry Murray was "a fine 
lead and is always ready to support 
In any questions.''14 Even though 
organizations, his speeches put his 
In the fall of 1891, Murray spoke 
ying an active part in the Interstate 
Farmers Alliance meeting held in 
.e secretary and then chairman of 
hem in writing the alliance's new 
[lOW ready to enter the "political 
mced his candidacy for a senate 
63. 
Uncle Sam Needs a Doctor by William H. 
~), 12. [flereafter cited as Uncle Sam Needs 
~vernor Murray, vol. 1, 168. 
seat in Navarro, Kaufman, and Henderson counties. 18 Although he 
made appearances and speeches all over the rural counties, he lost the 
nomination in the three way race.19 After the loss, Murray reverted to 
teaching to support himself, just as he had done while he worked on his 
bachelor's degree. One year later, Murray left teaching again, to pursue 
a journalism career with his brother George.20 By 1894, the Murray 
papers, The Corsicana Daily (city paper and daily) and The Navarro 
County News (rural and weekly), became active political agents, just as 
Alfalfa Bill hoped?l In fact, one opponent he bashed in his paper ran 
into Alfalfa Bill at a post office and stated, "The next time you put my 
name in that paper, I wql whip Hell out of you." Alfalfa Bill held his 
own, knocked the man to the ground, and, as Murray put it, "lit on him 
and stuck one finger in his ear, one in his eye, and one in his nose, and 
with this hold on him, I commenced beating his face."22 
Even as his viewpoint began reaching and influencing others, 
Murray became interested in another field-law. Depending on his 
papers for financial support, Murray studied with Judge John Rice; and, 
after he passed the bar exam on April 10, 1897, he and George agreed 
to sell the papers. As a result, he started his own law firm with two of 
his College Hill classmates and continued to study law, focusing on 
municipal law and "living off coffee and five cent fruit pies." He won 
his first case, representing a Negro widow and soon attracted a plethora 
of Negroes turning to him for help?3 Then, in August 1897, Murray 
traveled to Indian Territory to visit his father; and he became "impressed 
by the territory" and "decided it held a promising future." Seven months 
later, he acquired some cash, compiled his assets, gathered letters of 
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 
as confidential legal adviser to Douglas H. Johnston, Governor of the 
Chickasaw Nation, and later as chairman of the Sequoyah Convention 
18 Bryant, 14. 
19 Bryant, 15, 
20 Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. I, 183. 
21 Bryant, 19. 
22 Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. l, 191. 
23 Bryant, 20. 
24 Bryant, 20. 
45 
'
 and one ofthe authors of Oklahoma's state constitution.25 One year later, 
Murray married Johnston's niece, Miss Alice Hearell, a Chickasaw; and, 
in 1901, she gave birth to their first son, Massena Murray.26 The family 
then moved to a farm on Twelve Mile Prairie where their other children, 
Johnston Murray, William Henry II or Billy, Jean Murray, the only girl, 
and Burbank Murray were born.27About two years after his first farm 
purchase, Murray made another purchase in the Washita river bottoms 
and, because of his marriage, received allotments from the Chickasaw 
Nation.28 
Farming and the law practice, by now consisting mostly of helping 
Indians who were charged with crimes, allowed the Murrays financial 
security.29 Furthermore, this gave Bill the chance to continue to study 
law-an advantage for his future work in both the Sequoyah Convention 
and in helping prepare the Oklahoma Constitution.3D In 1902, Indian 
delegates, realizing Oklahoma would eventually join the Union, began 
meeting and discussing terms for a new constitution.3' Then, when the 
Enabling Act passed in June 1906, ideas for the outline of the Oklahoma 
Constitution began to take shape.32 The Republicans, led by Frank 
Frantz, and the Democrats, led by William Murray, met in Guthrie 
in November; and Murray, the more effusive of the two, was elected 
president of the convention.33 By the spring of 1907, Murray and Charles 
N. Haskell, with the help of others, submitted the constitution; however, 
United States President Theodore Roosevelt thought it needed more 
work and made recommendations encouraging progressive reforms.34 
Consequently, Murray followed the recommendations ofRoosevelt, used 
the Enabling Act as a guide, and constructed an Oklahoma constitution 
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. 
26 Bryant, 29-30; Memoirs ojGovernor Murray, vol. 1,274. 
27 Bryant, 29-30; Memoirs ojGovernor Murray, vol. 1,274. 
28 Bryant, 32-33. 
29 Bryant, 33. 
30 Keith L. Bryant, "William Henry David Murray," The Handbook oj Texas Online, 
http://www.tsha.utexas.edulhandbookionline/articles/MMlfmu16.html (accessed April 19,
 
2007). [Hereafter cited as "William Henry David Murray"].
 
31 Arrell Morgan Gibson, Oklahoma: A History ojFive Centuries, 2nd ed. (Norman, OK:
 
University of Oklahoma Press, 1981), 196. [Hereafter cited as Gibson].
 
32 Gibson, 197.
 
33 "William Henry David Murray."
 
34 Gibson, 200.
 
46 
that he thought no individual 
1907, Charles N. Haskell too} 
of Oklahoma; Murray became 
Representatives and served in 
Subsequently, Murray seC' 
sixty-third and sixty-fourth S4 
but, following that, Murray Ie 
for governor of the state.37 Sad 
family-his wife, his four som 
traveled to South America, and 
in Bolivia, they developed a Cl 
change in government; and, im 
$84,000 and an additional $IC 
they financed a return to the U 
for himself, his wife, and his t' 
work until they made enough 
family stayed with another fan 
career began to enjoy some: 
requests to give speeches,41 Dl 
mentioned politics, but many Pi 
seat or for governor.42 Murray 
him to run for a senate seat wel1 
him to run for governor were 
the advice of his friends and be 
1929; and, by the close of the 
35 Gibson, 202. 
36 William H. Murray, "Biogra 
cdm4/meta_viewer.php?CJSOROOT=/go 
cited as "Biographical Note"]. 
37 "William Henry David Murray 
38 William Krohn, Alfalfa Bill Ml 
Oil Review, 1931),3; WilJiam H. Murra' 
Oklahoma: Together with his Biography 
Interwoven, vol. 2 (Boston: Meador Pu 
Memoirs oj Governor Murray, vol. 2], 
39 Memoirs ojGovernor Murray,' 
40 Memoirs ojGovernor Murray, 
41 Memoirs ojGoverllOr Murray,' 
42 Memoirs ojGovernor Murray,' 
43 Memoirs ojGovernor Murray, . 
state constitution?5 One year later, 
)sAlice Hearell, a Chickasaw; and, 
)n, Massena Murray.26 The family 
:Prairie where their other children, 
lr Billy, Jean Murray, the only girl, 
oout two years after his first fann 
;hase in the Washita river bottoms 
ed allotments from the Chickasaw 
, now consisting mostly of helping 
les, allowed the Murrays financial 
ll1 the chance to continue to study 
k in both the Sequoyah Convention 
na Constitution.30 In 1902, Indian 
:l eventually join the Union, began 
lew constitution?! Then, when the 
eas for the outline of the Oklahoma 
~ The Republicans, led by Frank 
William Murray, met in Guthrie 
e effusive of the two, was elected 
spring of 1907, Murray and Charles 
ilbmitted the constitution; however, 
~oosevelt thought it needed more 
mcouraging progressive reforms?4 
~commendations ofRoosevelt, used 
lstructed an Oklahoma constitution 
12-13,234-35; Odie B. Faulk and William D. 
CA: American Historical Press, 2004),153.
 
Murray, vol. 1,274.
 
Murray, vol. 1,274.
 
vid Murray," The Handbook of Texas Online, 
icleslMM/fmu16.html (accessed April 19, 
I Murray"]. 
/istory ofFive Centuries, 2nd ed. (Norman, OK: 
eafter cited as Gibson]. 
that he thought no individual could disapprove.35 On November 16, 
1907, Charles N. Haskell took the oath and became the first governor 
of Oklahoma; Murray became the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of 
Representatives and served in that position for one year.36 
Subsequently, Murray served the state as a representative in the 
sixty-third and sixty-fourth sessions of the United States Congress; 
but, following that, Murray lost two consecutive attempts at running 
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, 
traveled to South America, and settled in Bolivia for four years?8 While 
in Bolivia, they develop~d a colony that, unfortunately, failed due to a 
change in government; and, instead of making a profit, the Murrays lost 
$84,000 and an additional $10,000 in travel expenses.39 Nevertheless, 
they financed a return to the United States; however, Murray paid only 
for himself, his wife, and his two daughters-in-law, leaving his sons to 
work until they made enough money to return. After their return, the 
family stayed with another family member, and Alfalfa Bill's political 
career began to enjoy some success.40 He became bombarded with 
requests to give speeches.4! During these speeches, Alfalfa Bill never 
mentioned politics, but many people told him he should run for a senate 
seat or for governor.42 Murray determined that the ones who wanted 
him to run for a senate seat were his "enemies," and the ones who asked 
him to run for governor were his "friends ."43 Murray decided to take 
the advice of his friends and began his campaign for governor in March 
1929; and, by the close of the campaign, Alfalfa Bill was "canvassing 
35 Gibson, 202.
 
36 William H. Murray, "Biographical Note," http://www.crossroads.odl.state.ok.us/
 
cdm4/meta_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/govemors&c... (accessed April 19, 2007). [Hereafter
 
cited as "Biographical Note"].
 
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 
Oklahoma: Together with his Biography, Philosophy, Statesmanship, and Oklahoma History 
Interwoven, vol. 2 (Boston: Meador Publishing Company, 1945), 245. [Hereafter cited as 
Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. 2]. 
39 Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. 2,263,265. 
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 of the 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 of the river.47 As a 
~uard to oust the Texas Rangers; 
Supreme Court.48 Later, Murray 
Ila fields in an effort to "curtail 
Ice again, Murray had to call out 
IiDes Governor Murray called out 
ational Guard so frequently that 
i>nent in one election campaign, 
~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. 
iNew York Times, August 5, 1931, l. 
remorofOklahoma Was 86," The New York 
Louise Richardson, "Where is Alfalfa Bill 
I, 1948,74.
 
IkluhomulI, March ll, 1932, 14.
 
o 
OUR, 
Alfalfa William Murray will 
be remembered as one of 
Oklahoma's most colorful 
characters (date unknown). 
Courlesy of Ihe Oklahoma 
HislOrical Society. 
"Bread, Butter, Bacon, and 
Beans" was Murray's 1932 
presidential campaign 
slogan. Courtesy of the 
Oklahoma Historical 
Society. 
49
 
it a state."53 After facing some of the most difficult issues ever faced 
by an Oklahoma governor, Alfalfa Bill retired in 1935 and set his hand 
to writing books and pamphlets that conveyed his strong character and 
made people either love him or hate him.54 
After retiring, Murray moved to some acreage in Broken Bow with 
his wife and daughter, "dwelling in a little unpainted home, sleeping on 
the floor and dining on food cooked in an iron pot over a campfire in his 
front yard" and asserting that it was a peaceful place to live; he lived 
there until his wife died in 1938.55 While there, Murray began to assert 
his opposition to the New Deal and aggravated many people throughout 
the United States by stating, "It is my intention to be free to fight the 
New Deal until it is destroyed or it destroys the Republic, for one or the 
other is bound to occur."56 Murray continued to tour the plains states 
and enumerate the faults of the New Deal.5? Oddly, the lake that came to 
bear his name, Lake Murray, was built and funded by agencies the New 
Deal created.58 
After Mrs. Murray's death, companionless and browbeaten, Murray 
began writing and publishing truculent onslaughts on people or factions 
he blamed for his political failures.59 Continuing to castigate the New 
Deal, Alfalfa Bill published one of his first books, targeting the plan in 
Rights of Americans under the Constitution of the Federal Republic, 
a book written because he felt people needed to know the powers of 
the government and the inherent "dangers to our system of government 
and our freedom."60 His second publication attacking the New Deal was 
53 "Oklahoma to Sue U.S. for $100,000,000," The Christian Science Monitor, January 
12,1934,2.
 
54 "Library to Host 'Story Concert' about Former Governor 'Alfalfa Bill'
 
Murray," McAlester News-Capital http://www.mcale!>ternews.com/apstorysectionllocal_
 
story_064110923 .htmllresources_pri ... (accessed April 19, 2007).
 
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 
with his Biography, Philosophy, Statesmanship, and Oklahoma History Interwoven, vol. 3 
(Boston: Meador Publishing Company, 1945), 10-11. [Hereafter cited as Memoirs of Governor 
Murray, vol. 3]. 
56 Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. 3, 68.
 
57 Memoirs ofGovernor Murray, vol. 3, 125.
 
58 "Tucker Tower: Marietta, Oklahoma," http://www.lasr.net/pages/city.
 
php?Marietta&Oklahoma&City_ID=OK0507012&VA=Y&... (accessed April 19, 2007).
 
59 Bryant, 259.
 
60 William Murray, Rights ofAmericans under the Constitution ofthe Federal Republic
 
(Boston: Meador Press, 1937),90.
 
50 
Uncle Sam Needs a Doctor.61 I\ 
that "Uncle Sam needs a doct( 
and shotguns; that civilizatior 
beings weren't intended for gl 
penned, The Finished Scholar 
New Deal but including many r 
incompleteness of school textt 
textbooks and to enable the hi! 
a 'finished scholar."'63 
Murray's later publication 
religious views and racist vie 
Murray held a basic southern 
Jews, believing the "Negro get! 
'proper sense of propriety' fro) 
wants to do right, follows these 1 
numbers of his race, he will hal 
Murray stated, "I do not want n 
In this Republic there are plac 
but not in policy framing ."65 AI 
Negroes, at least the ones who sl 
Jews,66 For example, during hi: 
as governor, a group of New' 
interview him to see what he h~ 
reporters from Look Magazine j 
to him, Alfalfa Bill responded "J 
goddamn nigger-lovin' Jew oul 
the reporter, who was Jewish, j 
for lO-million bucks."69 Murray 
61 Bryant, 266; Uncle Sam Needs. 
62 Uncle Sam Needs a Doctor, 14. 
63 William H. Murray, The Finis! 
1941), I. 
64 William H. Murray, The Negro~ 
Murray, 1948), 13. [Hereafter cited as The 
65 The Negro s Place in Call ofRa 
66 The Negros Place in Call ofRa 
67 Martin Hauan, He Buys Organs 
City: Midwest Political Publications, 1977 
68 Hauan, 46. 
69 Hauan,47. 
~ most difficult issues ever faced 
Uretired in 1935 and set his hand 
:onveyed his strong character and 
• 54lID. 
orne acreage in Broken Bow with 
little unpainted home, sleeping on 
I an iron pot over a campfire in his 
a peaceful place to live; he lived 
:rile there, Murray began to assert 
gravated many people throughout 
y intention to be free to fight the 
itroyS the Republic, for one or the 
)ntinued to tour the plains states 
'ea1.57 Oddly, the lake that came to 
:and funded by agencies the New 
nionless and browbeaten, Murray 
t onslaughts on people or factions 
Continuing to castigate the New 
,first books, targeting the plan in 
ritution of the Federal Republic, 
~ needed to know the powers of 
~ers to our system of government 
iltion attacking the New Deal was 
0," The Christian Science Monitor, January 
about Fonner Governor 'Alfalfa Bill' 
w.mcalesternews.com!apstorysectionllocal_ 
prilI9,2007). 
fIome," The New York Times, July 7, 1935, 
'ay and True History ofOklahoma: Together 
uuJ Oklahoma History Interwoven, vol. 3 
1. [Hereafter cited as Memoirs ofGovernor 
5. 
ahoma," hnp://wwwJasr.net/pages/city. 
VA=Y&... (accessed April 19. 2007). 
ier the Constitution of the Federal Republic 
Uncle Sam Needs a Doctor.61 Murray's purpose in writing this book was 
that "Uncle Sam needs a doctor who knows the remedy isn't sedatives 
and shotguns; that civilization isn't made of mortar; and that human 
beings weren't intended for guinea pigs."62 Another book Alfalfa Bill 
penned, The Finished Scholar, although not specifically attacking the 
New Deal but including many references to it, was written "to supply the 
incompleteness of school textbooks and teachers who learned only the 
textbooks and to enable the high-school and college student to become 
a 'finished scholar."'63 
Murray's later publications changed focus to concentrate on his 
religious views and ra~ist views (Figure 6). Throughout his career, 
Murray held a basic southern viewpoint on the Negro people and the 
Jews, believing the "Negro gets his idea of morals, honor, integrity, and 
'proper sense of propriety' from the white man, and, if he be one who 
wants to do right, follows these virtues. If left alone, where there be large 
numbers of his race, he will have none of these virtues."64 Furthermore, 
Murray stated, "I do not want my country governed by a minority race. 
In this Republic there are places for all, even the Negro and the Jew, 
but not in policy framing ."65 Alfalfa Bill exhibited more respect for the 
Negroes, at least the ones who showed respect for him, than he did for the 
Jews.66 For example, during his son Johnston Murray's administration 
as governor, a group of New York journalists sought Bill Murray to 
interview him to see what he had been up to over the years.67 When the 
reporters from Look Magazine found Murray and identified themselves 
to him,Alfalfa Bill responded "Look Magazine, you say! You mean that 
goddamn nigger-lovin' Jew outfit?"68 In response to the obvious slur, 
the reporter, who was Jewish, forcefully asserted, "I wouldn't write it 
for lO-million bucks."69 Murray's last big publications were Adam and 
61 Bryant,266; Uncle Sam Needs a Doctor, 14.
 
62 Uncle Sam Needs a Doctor, 14.
 
63 William H. Murray, The Finished Scholar (Philadelphia: Dorrance and Company,
 
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].
 
65 The Negro 5 Place in Call ofRace, II .
 
66 The Negro sPlace in Call ofRace, 26-27.
 
67 Martin Hauan, He Buys Organs for Churches, Pianosfor Bawdy Houses (Oklahoma
 
City: Midwest Political Publications, 1977),45-46. [Hereafter cited as Hauan].
 
68 Hauan,46.
 
69 Hauan, 47.
 
51 
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 
that dwarf body and soul); yea, to Christian mothers, who care for their 
own babies rather than to trust them to BABY SITIERS."70 
On October 15, 1956, Alfalfa Bill passed away at the age of 86 due 
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 
distinctive mental and moral qualities belonging to an individual or a 
race as a whole; it is the stamp of individuality impressed by nature, 
education, or habit; it is that which a person or thing really is.'''72 Alfalfa 
Bill was flashy and vibrant, stamped with strength of character that led 
him to stamp his own special place in Oklahoma history. William Henry 
David Murray wrote that, in history, "it is more important to know 
what 'caused' the war than who 'won' it; more important to know the 
people, than their rulers-to know the people's character, degree of 
intelligence, social customs, codes of honor and integrity, their vices 
and virtues, family relations, morals and religions, who permitted the 
voting privileges and did they advance or retrograde."73 Through his 
publications, political campaigns, and terms in office, Alfalfa Bill 
advanced to become an Oklahoma legend. One reporter summed up 
this entertaining character by writing, "There is a saying in Oklahoma 
that the former Governor may offend sometimes, but he never bores."74 
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.
 
52 
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