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Orval Eugene Faubus served six consecutive terms as governor of Arkansas, holding the office longer than any other person. His record was in many ways progressive, but he is most widely remembered for his attempt to block the desegregation of Little RockÂ’s Central High School in 1957. His stand against what he called a “forced integration” resulted in President Dwight D. Eisenhowers sending federal troops to Little Rock (Pulaski County) to enforce the 1954 desegregation ruling of the Supreme Court.
Orval Faubus was born on January 7, 1910, in a rented log cabin on Greasy Creek in southern Madison County in the Ozark Mountains. His parents were John Samuel and Addie Joslin Faubus. Sam Faubus, a self-educated farmer, became a fervent opponent of capitalism. He named his three sons for socialist heroes; Orval's middle name was Eugene for Eugene V. Debs
Annie has wrote about some Governors of Ar. Orval Faubus was governor of Arkansas during my youth and adult years. as this says he was the governor of Arkansas that tried to keep the Little Rock Ar. schools segreated.
When I went to work At Ocoma food plant in Berryville AR.. in 1958 we had two women who worked for a time at this chicken plant.
These women were in their 40ths and had negro blood. This was unusual thing at the time in our area. They lived in the hills of Huntiville , AR.
People told me that these women were the off springs of Orval Faubus and a woman who worked for the Faubus family. I can not say that this is true but I did think that it was a sad commentary on our lives if true. Here this Governor a hard line segregations perhaps had children with negro blood and that he was trying to keep negros out of the schools.
About Me
- patsy
- born in arkansas, lived here all my life, 75 years old. keep chickens and I like to read.
3 comments:
I didn't know this about Faubus, but this post reminded me about Strom Thurmond, who was famous for his record-breaking filbuster opposing passage of the Civil Rights Act. Remember a couple of years ago when we learned about his biracial daughter? It was kept secret until after his death, but I was so glad that his family acknowledged her.
I read the story about Strom's daughter. She would not come forward as he had always helped her and her children. She needed the support and was afraid to say anything until her own family wanted her to before she died. It is a good book. She was even kind to Strom in the book. I could tell she wanted to believe that he cared for her mother. I guess we all want to be created through love and not lust!
One of the Little Rock 9 said she waited for years for Faubus to say he was sorry for what he did to her. She said she arrived at Central High and saw his troops and thought "Oh good, someone is here to protect me!" but NOT they were their to seal her fate as someone not worthy. Faubus was influenced much more by his mother than his father. I have read all his biographies. He did not have a very good relationship with his father.
We must also remember that is was a Republican President that sent Federal Troops to protect the Little Rock 9. Eisenhower!
I worked with a man for over 30 years that was called up and went to Central. He said it was scarry.He also said that black young men had been playing football at Russellville High School for a few years in 1957, but they had to ride a bus to Morrilton AR to go to High School to get their education in a black school. They were good enough to play with the white students but not go to the same school.
Patsy, tell about walking to school and crossing Dry Creek with Old Brother...go take a picture of the Creek. Remember the foot log. It is a great story!
Sister 3
Orval Faubus was a very intriguing personality. As you mentioned, his father was progressive politically and early on Orval himself was too. But apparently he drew a lot of challenge and criticism from political challengers about his "liberal persuasions" and, it's thought, he adjusted his political philosophy to earn their favor. He earned a reputation for himself, didn't he!
I was reading about his life recently and learned that he was practically penniless toward the end of his life. Gosh, Sweet Sister, we are even reading the same things - more stuff in common?
Patsy, your post is the first time I've ever seen written or heard about any intimate connection between Faubus and black women. Maybe it was just part of the rumor campaign about him that was started by his political opponents. We know that sexual innuendos can take on a life of their own, don't we.
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