Interview with William E. Crutcher, January 8, 1975

Interview Summary

Mr. Crutcher was the president of the Kentucky Press Association as well as the owner of four community newspapers: The Morehead News, the Greenup News, the Grayson Journal-Inquirer, and the Olive Hill Times. In this interview, he recalls working as Fred Vinson's office boy as a child. He remembers Vinson playing shortstop for Louisa's baseball team. He relates Vinson's reputation as a lawyer when Vinson was a young attorney in Louisa and as Commonwealth attorney. Crutcher tells about Vinson's courtship of his wife-to-be, Roberta. He gives a first-hand account of accompanying Vinson during his campaign for Congress in 1922; putting up posters, stopping at stores, listening to Vinson making speeches. Crutcher mentions some of the Democratic supporters in Louisa of the time. He discusses what he feels were the qualities leading to Fred Vinson's success, mainly honesty and integrity. Vinson's memory for names and faces and his ability in mathematics are also given as important characteristics. Mr. Crutcher gives a description of some aspects of life in Louisa in the 1920s, including the African American communities there and Vinson's interaction with African Americans. Crutcher comments on Vinson's loyalty to friends and political party. He reminisces in detail about Vinson's defense of a murder case in West Virginia when he practiced in Louisa. He talks about how Vinson's loyalty to the Democratic party was a factor in his support of Al Smith's campaign for president in 1928, which led to Vinson's defeat. Vinson's 1930 Congressional campaign is discussed, including the Republican support he received. This leads into a discussion of Governor W. J. Fields running against Vinson for Congress. The 1932 Kentucky race for at-large congressional seats is commented upon which leads into a look at Vinson's relationship with John Y. Brown, Sr. At various times in the interview, Mr. Crutcher discusses Vinson's support of Franklin D. Roosevelt and their personal relationship, as well as Vinson's relationship with Harry Truman. Vinson's involvement in tax legislation is mentioned. Mr. Crutcher tells why he thinks Vinson left Congress for the judiciary. He relates his observations on Vinson's relationship with A. B. "Happy" Chandler, including Vinson's support of Senator Alben Barkley against Chandler in the 1938 congressional election. While Vinson was director of war mobilization, he discussed with Crutcher his view of Russia during the war. Crutcher mentions Roosevelt and Vinson's poker games. He tells how Truman wanted Vinson to run for vice-president in the presidential campaign of 1948 and how he feels Vinson persuaded Truman to run with Barkley. Vinson's time as secretary of the treasury is mentioned. Crutcher talks about how Vinson helped get a [military?] school established at Morehead University during the war. He reminisces on Vinson's conference with John L. Lewis during the United Mine Workers' strike when Vinson was on the Supreme Court. Truman's swearing in ceremony is talked about. Crutcher discusses Vinson's appointment as chief justice. Finally, he comments on Vinson's funeral.

Interview Keyword

Fred M. Vinson Politics and government United States Government Campaigns Offices Votes Presidents

Interview LC Subject

Law and legislation Vinson, Fred M., 1890-1953 Political campaigns Vinson family. Democratic Party (U.S.) Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972 Roosevelt, Franklin D. (Franklin Delano), 1882-1945

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.