Junius Marion Futrell (1870 - 1955)

Born 14 Aug 1870 in Jones Ridge, Greene County, Arkansas

Husband of Tera Ann (Smith) Futrell — married 14 Sep 1893 in Independence County, Arkansas

Descendants

Died 20 Jun 1955 at age 84 in Paragould, Greene, Arkansas

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Preceded by
William Kavanaugh Oldham

Acting Governor of Arkansas
1913 - 1913

Succeeded by
George Washington Hays

Preceded by
Harvey Parnell

30th Governor of Arkansas
1933 - 1937

Succeeded by
Carl Edward Bailey

Biography

Junius Futrell is Notable.

Junius Marion Futrell is a notable figure in Arkansas history due to his extensive political career and transformative impact on the state during challenging times. Serving as governor, state senator, and holding various other influential positions, Futrell navigated crucial periods such as World War I and the Great Depression, leaving a lasting legacy of policy initiatives aimed at improving public welfare and education. His commitment to progress, coupled with his leadership during times of crisis, solidifies his status as a notable leader in Arkansas politics and a key figure in shaping the state's trajectory.^[1][2]

Junius Marion Futrell, born on August 14, 1870, in Jones Ridge, Greene County, Arkansas, emerged as a prominent figure in Arkansas politics, leaving an indelible mark on the state's history. Despite facing early challenges, including the loss of his father, Jeptha Futrell, and the remarriage of his mother, Armina "Vonie" Lavonia (Eubanks) Futrell, Junius's determination paved the way for a remarkable journey.^[1][2]

In his youth, Junius found himself working as a farm laborer in Cache Township, Greene County, Arkansas^[3], where he would later establish himself as a force for change. An innate desire for education led him to the Arkansas Industrial University (now the University of Arkansas School of Law), from 1892 to 1893, and later, he imparted knowledge as a schoolteacher across various Arkansas counties.^[1][2]

His marriage to Tera Ann Smith on September 14, 1893^[4], marked the beginning of a period of agricultural and timber industry work. However, Junius Futrell's true calling lay in politics, as evidenced by his election to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1896, where he served until 1904. A stint as Circuit Court Clerk from 1906 to 1910 followed, solidifying his influence in the state's political landscape.^[1][2][5]

Junius's ascent continued as he earned admission to the Arkansas Bar in 1913 and subsequently secured a place in the Arkansas State Senate from 1912 to 1917. During this time, his role as Senate Pro Temp and acting governor during Governor Joseph Taylor Robinson's resignation showcased his leadership acumen. His involvement with the Arkansas Council of Defense during World War I underscored his commitment to his nation's cause.^[1][2]

The trajectory of Junius Futrell's career shifted again in 1920, as he transitioned to a legal practice in Paragould, Greene County, Arkansas^[6], after having served as a circuit court clerk and being elected to the Second Division of the Second Circuit Court in 1922. His tenure as governor from 1932 to 1934 marked a critical period, with policies ranging from educational funding and legalized gambling to navigating the challenges of the Great Depression.^[1][2][7]

Futrell's legacy, however, extended beyond policy implementation. His commitment to public welfare, the establishment of the Arkansas State Planning Board, and the endorsement of crucial constitutional amendments showcased his vision for a better Arkansas. After leaving office, Futrell returned to the practice of law.^[8][9] In 1948, a severe stroke struck Junius Futrell, but his indomitable spirit persisted until his passing on June 20, 1955. His final resting place at Linwood Cemetery in Paragould, Greene County, Arkansas, is a testament to his profound impact on the state.^{[1][2][10][11]}

Junius Marion Futrell's journey from a young farm laborer to a transformative political figure epitomizes the spirit of leadership, perseverance, and dedication to the community that defined his life. His contributions continue to resonate within the annals of Arkansas history, an enduring legacy of a man who shaped the state's trajectory through turbulent times.^[1][2]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7} Dougan, Michael B., Jonesboro, Arkansas, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, last udpated on 16 Jun 2023. "Junius Marion Futrell (1870–1955)." Accessed 28 Aug 2023.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7} Wikipedia contributors, "Junius Marion Futrell," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Junius_Marion_Futrell&oldid=1145626093 (accessed August 28, 2023).
3. ↑ 1880 United States Federal Census: Year: 1880; Census Place: Cache, Greene, Arkansas; Roll: 45; Page: 244C; Enumeration District: 101 Ancestry Record 6742 #6229895
4. ↑ Arkansas, U.S., County Marriages Index, 1837-1957: Ancestry.com. Arkansas, U.S., County Marriages Index, 1837-1957 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: "Arkansas County Marriages, 1838–1957." Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2009, 2011. "Arkansas County Marriages, 1838–1957," database, FamilySearch; from Arkansas Courts of Common Pleas and County Clerks. Digital images of originals housed at various county courthouses in the State of Arkansas. Marriage records. Ancestry Record 2548 #464056
5. ↑ 1910 United States Federal Census: Year: 1910; Census Place: Paragould Ward 1, Greene, Arkansas; Roll: T624_51; Page: 1a; Enumeration District: 0057; FHL microfilm: 1374064 Ancestry Record 7884 #533381
6. ↑ 1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: Paragould, Greene, Arkansas; Roll: T625_65; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 94 Ancestry Record 6061 #84054693
7. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census: Year: 1930; Census Place: Paragould, Greene, Arkansas; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 0006; FHL microfilm: 2339811 Ancestry Record 6224 #86189123
8. ↑ 1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: Little Rock, Pulaski, Arkansas; Roll: m-t0627-00168; Page: 61A; Enumeration District: 60-80B Ancestry Record 2442 #100502088
9. ↑ 1950 United States Federal Census: National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Paragould, Greene, Arkansas; Roll: 1437; Page: 9; Enumeration District: 28-8 Ancestry Record 62308 #31167225
10. ↑ Arkansas, Death Certificates, 1914-1969: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Death Certificates; Year: 1955; Roll: 3 Ancestry Record 61777 #689599
11. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20856/junius-marion-futrell: accessed 28 August 2023), memorial page for Junius Marion Futrell (14 Aug 1870–20 Jun 1955), Find A Grave: Memorial #20856, citing Linwood Cemetery, Paragould, Greene County, Arkansas, USA; Maintained by Find a Grave.

See Also

• Wikidata: Item Q365646