R. Murray Hetherwick, Rapides Parish Louisiana  
Submitted by Mike Miller
Date: July 23, 2013

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Rapides Parish Louisiana Archives Biographies
Name: R Murray Hetherwick
 
Source: A History of Louisiana, v.3, p. 16; 1925
Author: Henry E. Chambers

R. MURRAY HETHERWICK. One of the best examples of what can be 
accomplished through faithful performance of public duty, unfailing 
courtesy, great patience, honesty and unflagging industry is shown in 
the career of Murray Hetherwick, former clerk of the court of Rapides 
Parish. Essentially a self-made man, he began his connection with the 
business world in 1895, as one of the carriers of the daily Town Talk. 
Today he not only is before the public as a probably successful 
candidate for one of the highest offices in his district, but is also 
head of the Hetherwick Title Company, Incorporated, that he organized in 
1912, and has large business interests in New Orleans which require a 
good deal of his attention. His operations in the realty and 
insurance fields are conducted upon an extensive scale, and he is a man 
of great popularity and wide influence.

Between 1895 and 1924 stretches a period of twenty-nine useful years 
that have been filled with constantly expanding activities. From 1896 to 
1898 he was office boy at the old city hail of Alexandria, and in the 
latter year he entered the employ of the Wells Fargo Express Company, 
remaining with it for two years. From then until 1906 he was engaged in 
railroad work, but with his appointment as deputy clerk of court he 
entered the political arena, which he has not yet left in spite of 
engrossing business cares. In 1913 he was elected clerk of court, and 
was re-elected to the same office until he resigned it in 1924. Many are 
the changes he has effected in his office which will remain in force 
because of their efficiency and practicability. His courageous stand 
taken during his administration with regard to the registration of white 
voters, while fought bitterly at the time by different factions, still 
has proven the wisdom of his determination to give to the parish a white 
registration.

Upon taking charge of his office Mr. Hetherwick had the records 
completely re-written, and fireproof vaults provided for their safe 
keeping, and these are but a few of the many innovations which have 
characterized his public work. Rapides Parish stands very close to his 
heart, and he has never failed to advance its interests upon all 
occasions.

For many years Mr. Hetherwick has been an honored member of Saint James 
Episcopal Church of Alexandria, and has always taken an active interest 
in its welfare. Fraternally he maintains membership with the Maccabees, 
Woodmen of the World, Knights of Pythias, Loyal Order of Moose, the 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Oliver Lodge, A. F. and A. 
M. He has been advanced through the Commandery in the York Rite and the 
thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite in Masonry, and is popular in 
all of these orders, as he is with all classes in this part of the 
state. It has been his good fortune to be associated, almost from 
boyhood, with great men, and he has become a leader of them in both 
politics and business, and today stands for the best element in 
Alexandria and Rapides Parish.

Additional Comments:
R Murray Hetherwick

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/la/rapides/bios/hetherwi194gbs.txt