Quincy Byrum Hurst Sr (1918 - 2006)

Born 24 Sep 1918 in Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Myrtle Kathleen (Young) Lawler — married 11 Apr 1936 (to 5 Aug 1943) in Hot Spring, Arkansas, United States

Husband of Hazel Earline (Barham) Hurst — married 6 Nov 1943 in Garland, Arkansas, United States

Died 4 Dec 2006 at age 88 in Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Jimmy Honey [send private message]

Biography

Quincy Hurst Sr is Notable.

Quincy Byrum Hurst Sr., though not without flaws, remains a notable figure for his blend of achievements and challenges. His early brilliance as an adept orator and leader of the school's debate team underscored his natural talents. His legislative endeavors, particularly his role in transforming Hot Springs' gambling landscape, highlighted his strategic acumen. Despite his associations with controversial figures like "Owney" Madden and Jimmy Hoffa, his empathy and loyalty shone through. His extended tenure in the Arkansas Senate showcased his behind-the-scenes prowess, though legal troubles also marked his path. Quincy's legacy reminds us that notable individuals are intricate and multifaceted, capable of both triumphs and shortcomings, yet leaving an enduring impact on their community and state.^[1]

Quincy Byrum Hurst Sr. was born on September 24, 1918, Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas. Born to Floyd Leroy Hurst and Clara Alva Cash Hurst, his early life unfolded against the backdrop of this picturesque town.^[2][3][4]

In his formative years, young Quincy's potential shone brightly. His keen intellect and commanding oratory skills paved the way for his leadership as he guided his school's debate team to a triumphant state championship. The path he chose after high school demonstrated his unwavering dedication to self-improvement. By day, he diligently filled the role of an accountant in a Hot Springs municipal office, while by night, he pursued his passion for law at a local school.^[1][5]

Love, too, was an important facet of Quincy's life. On April 11, 1936, he exchanged vows with Myrtle Kathleen Young, and their union bore witness to the beauty and challenges of matrimony. Though their journey took them in different directions, love remained a constant theme in his life.^[6][7][8]

The 1940s saw Quincy's ascent as he embarked on a remarkable journey of public service. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge, he acquired his law license at the tender age of 23. A man of multifaceted talents, he embraced roles ranging from a commissioner under U.S. District Judge John E. Miller to the directorship of the Garland County Rural Price Board during the tumultuous era of World War II. His patriotism led him to serve in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his country.^{[1][9][10][11]}

Amidst the ebb and flow of personal relationships, Quincy found love again in Hazel Earline Barham, marrying her on November 6, 1943.^[12][13] Quincy's wartime experience only deepened his understanding of the world and its complexities.^[14]

Returning from the battlefield, Quincy's indomitable spirit led him to the political arena. A resilient candidate, he ran for county judge in 1946, overcoming adversities to claim victory as an Independent. His commitment to his community culminated in his election to the state Senate in 1950, a role he would hold for an impressive 22 years. Known for his skillful maneuvering behind the scenes, Quincy had a unique way of garnering support for his bills. His famous line, "Gentlemen, you know what this bill does. Appreciate a good vote," encapsulated his pragmatic and persuasive style.^[1][15]

A defining moment of his career was his instrumental role in shaping the destiny of Hot Springs' gambling landscape. His legislation aimed to legalize gambling within private clubs and establish a state crime commission for its regulation. This catalytic move culminated in the dismantling of open gambling within the city, reshaping its future.^[1][9]

Quincy's life was interwoven with intriguing relationships, none more captivating than his friendship with Owen Vincent "Owney" Madden, a mysterious figure with ties to the underworld. Their bond showcased Quincy's empathy and loyalty, qualities that resonated even when he was called upon to represent larger-than-life figures like Jimmy Hoffa during his Teamsters investigation.^[1]

As time unfolded, Quincy faced his share of challenges. His bid for re-election in 1972 faltered due to a federal investigation into his business dealings. The subsequent legal proceedings and convictions served as a turning point, leading him to surrender his law license and redirect his path.^[1]

On December 4, 2006, Quincy Byrum Hurst Sr.'s journey ended in the town that witnessed his birth and many of his life's pivotal moments—Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas.^[16] His final resting place at Morning Star Cemetery mirrored his tranquil departure from this world.^[17][18]

Quincy Byrum Hurst was a man of varied accomplishments—a lawyer, judge, banker, and state legislator. His legacy is woven into the fabric of Arkansas' history, a testament to his enduring impact on the community he cherished.^[1][9]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7} Dumas, Ernest, Little Rock, Arkansas, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 16 Jun 2023. "Quincy Byrum Hurst (1918–2006)." Accessed 7 Aug 2023.
2. ↑ Arkansas, Birth Certificates, 1914-1922: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Birth Certificates; Year: 1918 Ancestry Record 61774 #126415
3. ↑ 1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: Hot Springs Ward 6, Garland, Arkansas; Roll: T625_63; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 84 Ancestry Record 6061 #38443731
4. ↑ U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007: Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007. Ancestry Record 60901 #47068314
5. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census: Year: 1930; Census Place: Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 0024; FHL microfilm: 2339810 Ancestry Record 6224 #114676315
6. ↑ 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 #1850970
7. ↑ Arkansas, Marriage Certificates, 1917-1972: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Marriage Certificates; Year: 1936; Film: #4 Ancestry Record 61775 #553281
8. ↑ Arkansas, Divorces, 1923-1972: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Divorces; Year: 1943; Film Number: 2 Ancestry Record 61776 #140785
9. ↑ ^{9.0 9.1 9.2} Wikipedia Contributors. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, last edited on 29 Mar 2023. "Quincy Byrum Hurst." Accessed 7 Aug 2023.
10. ↑ 1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: South Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas; Roll: m-t0627-00137; Page: 19A; Enumeration District: 26-34 Ancestry Record 2442 #105336123
11. ↑ U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947: The National Archives at Fort Worth, Texas; Fort Worth, Texas; Wwii Draft Registration Cards For Arkansas, 10/16/1940-03/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147 Ancestry Record 2238 #14988847
12. ↑ 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 #395671
13. ↑ Arkansas, Marriage Certificates, 1917-1972: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Marriage Certificates; Year: 1943; Film: #4 Ancestry Record 61775 #792070
14. ↑ U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010: Ancestry.com. U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: Beneficiary Identification Records Locator Subsystem (BIRLS) Death File. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Ancestry Record 2441 #12807416
15. ↑ 1950 United States Federal Census: National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas; Roll: 1436; Page: 3; Enumeration District: 26-57 Ancestry Record 62308 #32556352
16. ↑ U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014: Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File Ancestry Record 3693 #78913629
17. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/64010580/quincy-byrum-hurst: accessed 07 August 2023), memorial page for Quincy Byrum -Q. Byrum- Hurst Sr. (21 Sep 1918–4 Dec 2006), Find A Grave: Memorial #64010580, citing Morning Star Cemetery, Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas, USA; Maintained by P. V. Hays (contributor 46588659).
18. ↑ U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current: Malvern Daily Record; Publication Date: 7/ Dec/ 2006; Publication Place: Malvern, Arkansas, USA; URL: http://www.malvern-online.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1566&Itemid=44 Ancestry Record 7545 #13125117

See also:

• Wikidata: Item Q7265322