Kenan Research Center, Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30305;
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Notes
The "three governors' controversy" began with the death of Governor elect Eugene Talmadge. After Talmadge's death the prior Governor Ellis Arnall tried to remain in office, Eugene Talmadge's son tried to claim office, and Lieutenant Governor Melvin Thompson also attempted to fill the roll. On January 15, 1947 the General Assembly elected Herman Talmadge as governor, and Thompson began legal proceedings to appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court. Eventually Ellis Arnall left office and put his support behind Thompson. In March of 1947 the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that Melvin Thompson was rightful governor until a special election could be held in 1948. Herman Talmadge won that election, defeating Ellis Arnall.
This work is filed as an image collected by Kenneth Rogers, the photographer is unknown.