Steely, MelFitz-Simons, TedUniversity of West Georgia. Georgia Political Papers and Oral History ProgramUnited States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018Murphy, Thomas Bailey, 1924-20071987-06-30Thomas Bailey "Tom" Murphy (1924-2007) was born in Bremen, Georgia on March 10, 1924, and lived there for most of his life. After graduating from North Georgia College in Dahlonega he joined the U.S. Navy, serving in the south Pacific during World War II. After returning home he earned a law degree from the University of Georgia in 1949, and returned home to practice law with his older brother James. In 1960, Murphy was elected to represent his hometown and the surrounding area as a Democrat in the state legislature, where he remained until defeated in 2002. In the state House of Representatives, Murphy served as Governor Lester Maddox's floor leader from 1967-1970, and as Speaker pro tem from 1970-1973. He was elected Speaker in 1973 and became the longest serving House Speaker of any U.S. state legislature. Murphy held power using hardball politics, closely controlling the state's finances and redistricting every ten years. He was instrumental to the growth of Atlanta, and Georgia, having a hand in transportation, economic, and building issues. He was defeated by Bill Heath in 2002, unable to hold back a Republican tide any longer. Murphy suffered a stroke in 2004, and died in December 2007.; The interview took place in an unmentioned location on June 30, 1987 with Dr. Mel Steely and Ted Fitz-Simons.; This interview begins with a discussion about Thomas Murphy's early years, including his family, church, and school experiences. The topic of his childhood in Bremen also leads to discussion about the influence of the Sewell family in his hometown of Bremen, as well as the rise of labor unions there. He talks about his time at the military college and reminisces about where he was when he heard about Pearl Harbor. He then follows that by discussing his service in World War II and how it affected his life overall. Murphy continues the interview by talking about his entrance into law school and politics. After answering questions about his campaigning techniques, he begins to open up on his involvement with African Americans in the legislature and his views on integration. Dr. Steely asks about his relationship with governors, politicians, and whom he supported in elections (such as the gubernatorial election of 1966). He was a strong supporter of Jimmy Carter. He concludes the interview by talking about how he works within the office of Speaker in comparison to "the two Smiths."video/mp4engCarrollton, Ga. : University of West Georgia Special Collections in association with the Digital Library of Georgiahttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/Georgia Political Papers and Oral History Program oral history interviews. Annie Belle Weaver Special Collections, Irvine Sullivan Ingram Library, State University of West GeorgiaGeorgia--Politics and government--1865-1950Georgia--Politics and government--1951-Legislators--Georgia--InterviewsNorth Georgia College--Alumni and alumnaeGeorgia. General Assembly. House of Representatives--Speakers--InterviewsAmerican Thread CompanyBoys High School (Atlanta, Ga.)Bremen High School (Bremen, Ga.)Columbus High School (Columbus, Ga.)Lanier High School for Boys (Macon, Ga.)Tallapoosa Mill (Tallapoosa, Ga.)Technological High School (Atlanta, Ga.)New Hope Church, Battle of, Ga., 1864United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Marshall Islands--Personal narratives, AmericanWorld War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Guam--Personal narratives, AmericanPearl Harbor (Hawaii), Attack on, 1941Douglasville, (Ga.)Order of Railroad Telegraphers (U.S.)Bremen (Ga.). Board of EducationCivilian Conservation Corps (U.S.)Central of Georgia RailwayNaval Base Charleston (S.C.)Atlanta Crackers (Baseball team)Democratic Party (Ga.)North Georgia College--FacultyGeorgia. General Assembly. HouseJacksonville Naval Aviation Depot (U.S.)Republican Party (Ga.)United States. Navy. SeabeesT & W ManufacturingYale UniversityAtomic bombB-29 bomberBaptists--GeorgiaDepressions--1929Military dischargeDraft--United StatesGenealogyUnited States. Montgomery G.I. BillSchool integrationCollege integrationLabor unions--GeorgiaPurple HeartReconstruction (1939-1951)World War, 1939-1945--Veterans--InterviewsSharecropping--GeorgiaTaxation--GeorgiaCarroll County (Ga.)Carrollton (Ga.)Cedartown (Ga.)Douglas County (Ga.)Gwinnett County (Ga.)Haralson County (Ga.)Paulding County (Ga.)Polk County (Ga.)Tallapoosa (Ga.)Charleston (S.C.)Sandusky (OH)New York TimesOral history interview with Speaker Tom Murphy, 1987 June 30MovingImage