James L. Bentley, Jr. Papers, 1958-1986

Summary

Creator:
Bentley, James Lynnwood, 1927-2003.
Date:
1958-1986
Extent:
13 box(es) (11 linear feet), including photographs
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

James L. Bentley, Jr. Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.

Background

Scope and content:

The James L. Bentley, Jr. papers primarily consist of materials from Bentley's 1962 campaign for comptroller general as well as from his duties as Insurance Commissioner. The years represented are 1958 to 1986 and activities documented are political (state) and personal. Materials found in this collection include correspondence, clippings, press releases, campaign briefs, photographs, and video tapes.

Biographical / historical:

James L. Bentley, Jr. was born in Thomaston, Georgia in 1927. He graduated from Robert E. Lee Institute in 1944 and received his L.L.B. from the University of Georgia in 1950.

Entering government as Executive Secretary to Governor Herman E. Talmadge in 1950, Bentley served in this position until 1952. Bentley would return to the public sphere in the 1962 when he was elected to the office of Comptroller General. He also assumed the duties of Insurance Commissioner, Fire Commissioner and Small Loan Commissioner--all at the same time. In 1966, he was re-elected to this office.

During this time, Bentley, who was discontented with the Democratic Party, joined others in the state and switched to the Republican Party. In 1970, he ran unsuccessfully for governor.

Arrangement:

The papers are arranged in seven series: I. Alphabetical File, II. 1962 Campaign, III. Insurance Rating Bureau, IV. Personal, V. Photographs, VI. Scrapbooks, and VII. Audiovisual Materials.

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Political campaigns.
Photographs.

Access and use restrictions

Terms of access:

Library acts as "fair use" reproduction agent.

Before material from collections at the Richard B. Russell Library may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permissions. Persons wishing to quote from materials in the Russell Library collection should consult the Director. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.

Preferred citation:

James L. Bentley, Jr. Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.