Isaac Murphy

Murphy establiIsaac Murphyd himself as a school teacher surveyor and lawyer. The convention chair called on the five opposition votes to change their votes so that Arkansas could speak with a unanimous voice. In a special election held with the approval of President Abraham Lincoln Murphy was elected governor.

Isaac Murphy (born October 16 1799 or 1802 - died September 8 1882) was the first Reconstruction Governor of Arkansas and came to power under President Abraham Lincoln's conciliatory policy. Unlike some other reconstruction administrations the Murphy administration was characterized by fiscal restraint and a conciliatory attitude towards the soon to be defeated Confederates.