William H. Murdock Papers - Manuscripts and Archives - The North Carolina Collection

Title:	William H. Murdock Papers
Inclusive Dates:	1944-1982
Extent of Materials:	1 box
Location:	Shelf 47, office
Processor:	Todd Johnson
Abstract:	Memorabilia related to the World War II service and legal career of U.S. Attorney William H. Murdock of Durham.
Scope and Content:	The Murdock papers include correspondence and certificates signed by U.S. Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard Nixon, as well as correspondence from Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and other prominent political figures. The collection also includes the pen used by President Kennedy to sign Murdock’s commission in 1961 and a portrait of President Johnson. Also of interest are clippings and memorials on the life of William H. Murdock.
Restrictions:	The collection is open for research
Biographical/Historical Note:	William H. Murdock (1904-1982) graduated from Durham High School in 1921 and attended Trinity College. He received a law degree from the University of North Carolina in 1927. He was prosecuting attorney for the Durham County Recorders Court from 1928 to 1930 and Recorders Court Judge, 1936-1938. He became Solicitor of North Carolina’s 10th Judicial District in 1938. In 1944-1945 he was a gunner’s mate in the U.S. Navy in both European and South Pacific theaters during World War II. In 1961 President John F. Kennedy appointed him U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, and he was reappointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965. He gave up this office when President Richard Nixon took office in 1969. Murdock was married twice: first in 1926 to Christine James of Durham, who died in 1947; and secondly in 1965 to Mrs. Marie Dane Grantham.
Container List:	Box 1
	Clippings, including biographical feature articles	1945, 1981
	Correspondence	1944
	Correspondence	1969
	Correspondence	1961
	Correspondence	1964
	Correspondence	1961
	Correspondence	1969
	Johnson, Lyndon B., portrait	1964
	Kennedy, John F., pen used to sign commission certificate	1961
	Magazine issued to servicemen in World War II	Apr. 7, 1945
	Memorials	1982
	Transcript of swearing-in ceremony	1961
	U.S. Attorney Commission Certificate	1962
	U.S. Attorney Commission Certificate	1965
	U.S. Attorney Commission Certificate	1961
	U.S. Attorney Commission Certificate	1962