James L. Bentley, Jr. Papers

Descriptive Summary
Title: James L. Bentley, Jr. Papers
Creator: Bentley, James Lynnwood, 1927-2003.
Inclusive Dates: 1958-1986
Language(s): English
Extent: 13 box(es) (11 linear feet), including photographs
Collection Number: RBRL118JLB
Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Abstract: The James L. Bentley, Jr. papers mainly consist of materials from Bentley's 1962 campaign for comptroller general, as well as from his duties as insurance commissioner.

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Collection Description

Biographical Note

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.

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.

Organization and 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.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

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

User Restrictions

Library acts as "fair use" reproduction agent.

Copyright Information

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.

Finding Aid Publication

Finding aid prepared on: 2010.

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Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

Related Collections in this Repository

William H. (Bill) Burson Scrapbooks

Herman E. Talmadge Collection

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Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

Series I. Alphabetical File

5 box(es)

6 boxes

This series consists of alphabetical files documenting Bentley's personal life and activities in civic and professional organizations. There is also some information on his 1962 campaign for comptroller general including advertisements and notes on the campaign. See series II for additional information on the 1962 campaign.

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I.1

1

Annual Report of the Atlanta Women's Chamber of Commerce, 1962

I.1

2

Arson investigation

I.1

3

Associated Industries of Georgie Annual Meeting, 1962

I.1

4

Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, 1962

I.1

5

Atlanta Life Managers Club, 1961-1962

I.1

6

Automobile Insurance [assigned risk plan], 1962

I.1

7

A [correspondence with Lucien Abbot concerning Bentley's resignation as Executive Secretary of the Georgia Railroad Association], 1961

I.1

8

Advertising [Campaign advertisements for Comptroller General], 1961-1962

I.1

9

Advertising - billboards, 1962

I.1

10

Advertising - bus [correspondence], 1962

I.1

11

Advertising - newspaper [correspondence], 1962

I.1

12

Advertising - motion picture [notes], 1962

I.1

13

Advertising - radio/television, 1962

I.1

14

Advertising - television, 1962

I.1

15

Advertising - Eastburn and Siegal Advertising, 1962

I.1

16

Advertising [correspondence and advertisements], 1962

I.1

17

American Industrial Bankers Association, 1962

I.1

18

American Bankers Insurance Company, 1962

I.1

19

American Heritage Life Insurance Company, 1962

I.1

20

American Legion, 1961-1962

I.1

21

Boys State [General elections] [American Legion?], 1962

I.1

22

Campaign expenses - estimated, 1960-1962

I.1

23

Campaign Literature [includes mock-up of letter head], 1962

I.1

24

Campaign memoranda

I.1

25

Campaign press party, 1962 November

I.1

26

Campaign - opposition literature [restricted], 1961-1962

I.1

27

Certificate - primary filing, 1962

I.1

28

Claims, insurance [restricted], 1962

I.1

29

Clerk of the Superior Court - Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), 1962

I.1

30

C&S National Bank

I.1

31

Civil War Centennial Commission, 1962

I.1

32

Contracts - advertisements, 1962

I.1

33

Confidential County Report regarding campaign [restricted], 1961-1962

I.1

34

Confidential Campaign correspondence [restricted], 1962

I.1

35

Congressional Cookbook, 1962

I.1

36

Contributors List, 1961-1962

I.1

37

Congratulatory letters, 1962

I.1

38

Consolidated Mutual Insurance Company, 1962

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I.2

1

Convention and meetings programs [various conventions, festivals and meetings held in Georgia], 1962

I.2

2

Cravey Clippings [Zack Cravey], 1962

I.2

3

Cravey, Zack D. [corrsepondence with Zack Cravey], 1962

I.2

4

Direct Mailings, 1962

I.2

5

Directory of Statewide and Regional Associations, 1959

I.2

6

Campaign Staff Party, 1962 November

I.2

7

Doug Branch correspondence, 1962

I.2

8

D [correspondence], 1961

I.2

9

Employment [requests and correspondence], 1962

I.2

10

Emory University [Alumni], 1962

I.2

11

E [correspondence], 1961

I.2

12

Farmer's National Life Insurance Company, 1962

I.2

13

Fireman Pension Fund, 1962

I.2

14

Fire Safety Division, 1962

I.2

15

F [correspondence], 1961

I.2

16

General Assembly, 1962

I.2

17

Georgia Association of Broadcasters, 1962

I.2

18

Georgia Bottlers Association, 1962

I.2

19

Georgia Association of County Commissioners, 1962

I.2

20

Georgia Feed Association, 1962

I.2

21

Georgia Municipal Association, 1962

I.2

22

County Officers Association of Georgia, 1961

I.2

23

Georgia Bulldog Club, 1962

I.2

24

Georgia Democratic Executive Committees (county), 1962

I.2

25

Georgia Association of Finance and Loan Companies - roster of members and telephone directory, 1961

I.2

26

Georgia Association of Independent Insurance Agents [congratulations letter], 1962

I.2

27

Georgia Association of Independent Insurance Agents, 1961-1962

I.2

28

Georgia Consumer Finance Association - roster and directory; constitution and by-laws, 1960-1961

I.2

29

Georgia Insurance Service, Inc., 1962

I.2

30

Georgia State Finance Association, 1961

I.2

31

Georgia Press Association, 1962

I.2

32

Gridiron Secret Society, University of Georgia, 1962

I.2

33

Gifts, 1961-1962

I.2

34

Governor's Conference on Trade and Commerce, 1961

I.2

35

Georgia Sheriffs' Association [clippings], 1962

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I.3

1

G [correspondence], 1961

I.3

2

Grand Jury Charges [United States of America v. John Henry Self and Calvin Roy Orr], 1958

I.3

3

Griffin, Marvin [Marvin Griffin correspondence], 1962

I.3

4

Health Insurance [restricted], 1962

I.3

5

H [correspondence], 1961

I.3

6

Insurance Commissioner (other states), 1962

I.3

7

Insurance Commissioners (other states) [letters], 1962

I.3

8

Invitations accepted (folder 1 of 2), 1962

I.3

9

Invitations accepted (folder 2 of 2), 1962

I.3

10

Insurance Rates, 1962

I.3

11

Invitations declined (folder 1 of 3), 1962

I.3

12

Invitations declined (folder 2 of 3)

I.3

13

Invitations declined (folder 3 of 3), 1962

I.3

14

Insurance Commissioners (other states with Insurance Companies that went broke), 1962

I.3

15

Iteneraries, 1962

I.3

16

I [correspondence], 1961

I.3

17

Journal of American Insurance [correspondence], 1962

I.3

18

J [correspondence], 1961

I.3

19

K [correspondence], 1961

I.3

20

Legislative Breakfast, 1962

I.3

21

Legislature [directory], 1961

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I.4

1

Life Underwriter Training Council, 1962

I.4

2

L [correspondence], 1961

I.4

3

Mats and Films [campaign advertisements], 1962

I.4

4

Mid-Georgia Headquaters, Macon [campaign headquarters], 1962

I.4

5

E. D. Mink - Peace Officers Association of Georgia, 1962

I.4

6

Name lists, 1962

I.4

7

Moose Club, 1961

I.4

8

Miscellaneous lists

I.4

9

McWhorter Appreciation Dinner, 1961

I.4

10

Mutual of Omaha, 1962

I.4

11

Mc [correspondence], 1961

I.4

12

National Association of Life Underwriters, 1962

I.4

13

Newspaper Polls, 1962

I.4

14

N [correspondence], 1961

I.4

15

Newspapers [correspondence], 1962

I.4

16

Office Procedures, 1962

I.4

17

O [correspondence], 1961

I.4

18

Opposition [Zack Cravey and Bruce Edwards], 1962

I.4

19

Personal - Jimmy Bentley [includes receipts, speech drafts, correspondence], 1961-1962

I.4

20

Peace Officers Association of Georgia, 1962

I.4

21

Peace Officers Retirement, 1962

I.4

22

Permits, 1962

I.4

23

Precinct file, 1962

I.4

24

Press Release - Bill Burson, 1963

I.4

25

Press editorials and correspondence, 1961-1962

I.4

26

Wall Street Journal, 1962

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I.5

1

Journal of Commerce, 1962

I.5

2

Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company, 1962

I.5

3

P [correspondence], 1961

I.5

4

Qualifying Breakfast - Guest List, 1962

I.5

5

Personal correspondence (folder 1 of 2), 1962

I.5

6

Personal correspondence (folder 2 of 2), 1962

I.5

7

Recommendations, 1961

I.5

8

Reception, 1962 February

I.5

9

Requests, 1962

I.5

10

Requests of assistance, 1962

I.5

11

Reservations, 1962

I.5

12

Richard B. Russell, 1960-1961

I.5

13

R [correspondence], 1961

I.5

14

Dave's file [newsletters and press releases from Bentley headquarters], 1962

I.5

15

Railroad Local and District Counsels - list of names, 1954-1955

I.5

16

Sizemore, Lamar W., 1962

I.5

17

Shriners, 1961

I.5

18

Segregation, 1962

I.5

19

Society of the Sons of American Revolution (Georgia), 1962

I.5

20

Spite file, 1961

I.5

21

State Democratic Primary, 1958

I.5

22

State Employees Retirement, 1962

I.5

23

State Loan Agencies

I.5

24

Speeches, 1961-1962

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I.6

1

Supreme Court Decision [Toombs v. Fortson regarding county unit system], 1962

I.6

2

Swift-Tobler Watershed, 1962

I.6

3

S [correspondence], 1961

I.6

4

Teachers Retirement System in Georgia Expense Fund, 1961

I.6

5

Tech-Georgia football tickets, 1962

I.6

6

Savings and Loan Association (folder 1 of 2), 1962

I.6

7

Savings and Loan Association (folder 2 of 2), 1962

I.6

8

Brackett, Ben [restricted], 1962

I.6

9

Television, 1962

I.6

10

Telegrams sent, 1962

I.6

11

Talmadge, Herman [correspondence], 1962

I.6

12

Tobacco Barns, 1962

I.6

13

T [correspondence], 1961

I.6

14

United Insurance Company of America, 1962

I.6

15

University of Georgia, 1962

I.6

16

Voting Leagues, 1962

I.6

17

Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company of America, 1962

I.6

18

V [correspondence], 1961

I.6

19

Weekly Reports, 1962

I.6

20

Washington, D.C., 1962

I.6

21

Workman's Compensation Insurance, 1962

I.6

22

W [correspondence], 1961

I.6

23

Y [correspondence], 1961

I.6

24

Z [correspondence], 1961

 

Series II. 1962 Campaign

2 box(es)

3 boxes

This series documents Bentley's 1962 campaign for State Comptroller General against incumbent Zack Cravey.

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II.1

1

Official Returns Democratic Primary, 1958 September 10

II.1

2

Consolidated Vote in Senate Democratic Primary, 1962 September 12

II.1

3

Bentley campaign advertisements and memorabilia, 1962

II.1

4

Campaign memorabilia from other candidates in the Democratic Party, 1962

II.1

5

Press release, 1962 May 12

II.1

6

Editorials, 1961-1962

II.1

7

Bills, 1962

II.1

8

Debate questions, 1962

II.1

9

Campaign notes, 1961-1962

II.1

10

Campaign notes, 1961-1962

II.1

11

Correspondence, 1962-1963

II.1

12

Campaign memorabilia, 1962

II.1

13

Questions for editorial page - asked to Zack D. Cravey, 1962

II.1

14

Campaign notes made by Melvin, 1962

II.1

15

Bentley campaign printing plates, 1962

II.1

16

Bentley campaign printing plates, 1962

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II.2

1

Campaign briefs, 1962

II.2

2

Correspondence, 1962

II.2

3

Press releases, 1962

II.2

4

Pre-announcement card for candidacy, 1962

II.2

5

Zack D. Cravey campaign memorabilia, 1962

II.2

6

Clipping, The Young Politician, Atlanta Constitution, 1959

II.2

7

Campaign briefs and notes (folder 1 of 2), 1962

II.2

8

Campaign briefs and notes (folder 2 of 2), 1962

II.2

9

Speeches, 1962

II.2

10

Schedule, 1962

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II.3

1-7

Clippings, 1962

box

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OS 1

Bentley for Comptroller General bumpersticker, 1962

OS 1

Bruce Edwards for Comptroller General campaign cartoon, "Paul Revere" newspaper, vol. 4, no. 5, 1962

 

Series III. Insurance Rating Bureau

2 box(es)

2 boxes

The Insurance Rating Bureau series consists of correspondence, reports and transcriptions. These files relate to a proposed insurance rate increase for 1964.

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III.1

1

Organizational meeting of Comptroller General Nominee's Committee, 1962 October 16

III.1

2

Meeting of the Comptroller General Elect's Subcommittee, 1962 November 19

III.1

3

Meeting of the Comptroller General Elect's Subcommittee, 1962 November 1962

III.1

4

Mr. Cahill's Exhibits 1-11 (hearing) [regarding automobile liability], 1965 July 9

III.1

5

Hearing before Comptroller General and Insurance Commissioner, 1965 July 9

III.1

6

Public Exhibits 1-49, 1965 July 7

III.1

7

Insurance Company of North America - rate filing Homeowners, 1965 April 7

III.1

8

National Bureau of Casualty Underwriters, National Automobile Underwriters Association, 1965 August 6

III.1

9

Georgia Handbook and Codes

III.1

10

Bentley re-election statement, 1966 May 12

III.1

11

Clippings, 1966

III.1

12

Eugene Talmadge Memorail Hospital, 1964-1966

III.1

13

Diversitification of Investments, 1966

III.1

14

Robert Troutman/Alex McLennan - New Life Companies

III.1

15

New surplus line statutes, 1965

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III.2

1

Witness fees, 1964

III.2

2

Rules for submitting rate files, 1966

III.2

3

Georgia inspection and rating bureau homeowners increase, 1963-1966

III.2

4

National Bureau of Casualty Underwriters, 1963 June26

III.2

5

Rate filings, 1966

III.2

6

Rating filings by reference, 1965

III.2

7

Surplus line tax, 1964

III.2

8

License [rating schdules and increases], 1964-1965

III.2

9

Boyd E. Taylor v. Grant, Seagraves, 1964

III.2

10

Claim division, 1964-1966

 

Series IV. Personal Files

2 box(es)

2 boxes

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IV.1

1

Leo Frank Case [notes on the case by Tom Watson Brown], 1982

IV.1

2

Family tree

IV.1

3

Clipping, Georgia Trend, 1986 June

IV.1

4

Clipping, "The Old Switcheroo" Atlanta Weekly, 1984 September 16

IV.1

5

National Democratic Convention, 1960

IV.1

6

Lyndon B. Johnson bumper stickers

IV.1

7

Notes on gubernatorial race, 1970

IV.1

8

Melvin Bentley notes and clippings

IV.1

9

Jimmy Bentley for Comptroller General pamphlet, 1962

IV.1

10

University of Georgia Charter Day Dinner, 1963 January 28

IV.1

11

Announcement Jimmy Bentley for Governor, 1970

IV.1

12

Carl Sanders inaugural program, 1963 January 15

IV.1

13

Announcement Jimmy Bentley for Governor, 1970 June 5

IV.1

14

James L. Bentley biography, 1968

IV.1

15

correspondence, 1970

IV.1

16

Friends for Bentley newsletter, 1970

IV.1

17

James Bentley "The Conscience of a Georgian" brochure, 1970

IV.1

18

Bentley for Governor cards, 1970

IV.1

19

clippings, 1970

IV.1

20

Clipping "Bitter Loser of the Big Race", 1971

IV.1

21

Talmadge for Georgia bumperstickers, 1980

IV.1

22

Herman Talmadge Autobiography, 1986

IV.1

23

Bentley family Christmas card

IV.1

24

Bentley bumperstickers

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IV.2

1

Articles, 1985-1986

IV.2

2

Clippings related to the Bentley's and entertaining, 1983-1985

IV.2

3

Clippings related to Herman Talmadge, 1984

IV.2

4

Speeches and notes, 1980s

IV.2

5

Emory Today - Grassroots Politics, 1982

IV.2

6

Correspondence between Eugene Talmadge and R. J. Mincey, Academy for the Blind, 1935-1941

IV.2

7

Eugene and Herman Talmadge campaign brochures

IV.2

8

Past Presidents Day First Presbyterian Church

IV.2

9

Jimmy Bentley's Journal, 1970

IV.2

10

Bentley Banner newspaper, 1966

IV.2

11

Correspondence, 1962-1967

IV.2

12

Clippings, 1964-1970

IV.2

13

Clippings, 1966

IV.2

14

Campaign memorabilia - others

IV.2

15

What's Cooking at the Bentley's cookbook

IV.2

16

Fighting Elephant pin by Metzke

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OS 1

This is Maddox Country signs [oversize]

 

Series V. Photographs

1 box(es)

The photographs have not been arranged or described.

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V.1

Photographs

box

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OS 1

Photographs [oversize]

 

Series VI. Scrapbooks

1 box(es)

2 scrapbooks

This series consists of two scrapbooks on Bentley's career as comptroller general.

box

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VI.1

Scrapbooks ( 1 box(es) )

 

Series VII. Audiovisual Materials

8 item(s)

Series VII. Audiovisual Materials includes eight two-inch open reel video tapes, containing the program "Today at Emory" hosted by James Bentley.

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Vid-2 Reel 0006

V 93-1A

Today at Emory "Grassroots Politics" #1, 1982 April 1

Moving image. PB: 4-25-82

Resource may be used under the guidelines described by the U.S. Copyright Office in Section 107, Title 17, United States Code (Fair use). Parties interested in production or commercial use of the resources should contact the Russell Library for a fee schedule.

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Vid-2 Reel 0007

V 93-1B

Today at Emory "Grassroots Politics" #2, 1982 March 27

Moving image. PB: 6-13-82

Resource may be used under the guidelines described by the U.S. Copyright Office in Section 107, Title 17, United States Code (Fair use). Parties interested in production or commercial use of the resources should contact the Russell Library for a fee schedule.

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Vid-2 Reel 0008

V 93-1C

Today at Emory "Grassroots Politics" #3, 1982 April 15

Moving image. PB: 5-9-82

Resource may be used under the guidelines described by the U.S. Copyright Office in Section 107, Title 17, United States Code (Fair use). Parties interested in production or commercial use of the resources should contact the Russell Library for a fee schedule.

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Vid-2 Reel 0009

V 93-1D

Today at Emory "Grassroots Politics" #4, 1982 May 6

Moving image. PB: 5-16-82

Resource may be used under the guidelines described by the U.S. Copyright Office in Section 107, Title 17, United States Code (Fair use). Parties interested in production or commercial use of the resources should contact the Russell Library for a fee schedule.

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Vid-2 Reel 0010

V 93-1E

Today at Emory "Grassroots Politics" #5, 1982 May 6

Moving image. PB: 5-23-82

Resource may be used under the guidelines described by the U.S. Copyright Office in Section 107, Title 17, United States Code (Fair use). Parties interested in production or commercial use of the resources should contact the Russell Library for a fee schedule.

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Vid-2 Reel 0011

V 93-1F

Today at Emory "Grassroots Politics" #6, 1982 May 20

Moving image. PB: 5-30-82

Resource may be used under the guidelines described by the U.S. Copyright Office in Section 107, Title 17, United States Code (Fair use). Parties interested in production or commercial use of the resources should contact the Russell Library for a fee schedule.

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Vid-2 Reel 0012

V 93-1G

Today at Emory "Grassroots Politics" #7, 1982 May 20

Moving image. PB: 6-6-82

Resource may be used under the guidelines described by the U.S. Copyright Office in Section 107, Title 17, United States Code (Fair use). Parties interested in production or commercial use of the resources should contact the Russell Library for a fee schedule.

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Vid-2 Reel 0013

V 93-1H

Today at Emory "Grassroots Politics" #8, 1982 May 27

Moving image. PB: 6-20-82

Resource may be used under the guidelines described by the U.S. Copyright Office in Section 107, Title 17, United States Code (Fair use). Parties interested in production or commercial use of the resources should contact the Russell Library for a fee schedule.