Oral history with Herman Glazier

              An Oral History with Herman Glazier
This oral history is provided through a cooperative project of USM Libraries and USM's Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage It is presented here for reference purposes only. Interviews in this collection are protected by copyright and PERMISSION TO PUBLISH MUST BE REQUESTED from the Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage. Please call ( 601) 266- 4574 for more information.
Biography
Herman Glazier's service record in Mississippi government spans forty- five years and covers the administrations of seven governors. Mr. Glazier was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, October 25, 1918. He attended public schools and then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a law degree from the University of Mississippi. Immediately after leaving Ole Miss, Mr. Glazier was called into active duty service with the U. S. Army. He served in the 2nd Armored Division in North Africa, Italy, and Germany. When he returned from military duty in 1946, he went into law practice with Fielding Wright, who was then serving as state lieutenant governor. Wright became governor in November of that year, beginning Glazier's long association with Mississippi governors. Glazier continued to practice law in Rolling Fork for the next forty years. He closed his practice in 1987. Glazier began his history of public service in 1951 when he won elections to the state senate from the 20th congressional district. He worked in several campaigns and was serving as assistant secretary to the state senate in 1963 when he resigned in order to begin serving as executive assistant to then- governor Ross Barnett. Mr. Glazier then served as executive assistant for the next six Mississippi governors, retiring in 1987. During those years of service, Mr. Glazier was instrumental in writing speeches, setting policy, and drafting legislation.
Topics Discussed
Paul Johnson Jr. as lieutenant governor Johnson's gubernatorial campaign and early administration Law enforcement and economic legislation The Citizens' Council Operation of Johnson's administration Civil Rights Act and the Philadelphia murders Tensions in Grenada, Jackson, and Natchez The State Sovereignty Commission States' rights and national politics Ingalls Shipyards The Ole Miss riot The Voting Rights and Civil Rights Acts Consensus in the state government
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