Book Review: Fearless
by Gregg Reep
As a student of history and political science, I enjoy reading books about political figures in the history of Arkansas and especially those that tell the story about individuals that I actually met at some point in time. There are many fascinating things to learn and it is especially interesting to realize you actually spoke to the person if even just a few words for a short period of time.
That was the case when I read Fearless, a book written by Sherry Layman about the late United States Senator John L. McClellan. Born in 1896 in Grant County, he grew up in rural South Arkansas, became an attorney and went on to be a successful lawyer, prosecuting attorney, and finally a United States Senator which was the job he always wanted. The book covers his life with the bulk of the writing covering the Senate years ending with his death in 1977 not long after he had announced plans to retire.
The book covers many years of exciting American History and some of the monumental historical occurrences in the history of our nation. John L. McClellan lived this history and was a major player in the decisions made. There are many references to his strong faith and the way the Senator shouldered through numerous personal tragedies. Senator McClellan was old school in many ways yet extremely progressive in others, at times, he appears to be a contradiction. Without question, he had a tremendous impact on Arkansas due to billions of dollars he directed Arkansas’s way and the policy decision he saw enforced.
Senator McClellan defeated an incumbent to go to Congress, lost his first race for the U.S. Senate and rose to a position of authority equaled only by a handful of men in the history of American government.
Senator McClellan was divorced early in life which in the 1930’s and 40’s was not a path to political success. He lost his second wife to illness and had several children including three sons. All three sons died prematurely in life and broke his heart. Throughout it all he kept going and continued to produce for Arkansas and for America.
John L. McClellan, a southern conservative was close to the Kennedys and especially experienced a very close personal relationship with Robert Kennedy. He took on Joseph McCarthy due to his belief in fairness and justice and also took on corrupt union bosses in defense of working peopl and then did battle with organized crime. He spent hours in hearings interviewing witnesses to determine the type legislation needed to address serious problems.
Robert Kennedy said that John McClellan was the best lawyer and most intimidating guestioner he ever witnessed. The Senator was always fair but could be very tough and relentless in going after the truth.
The book covers one of the greatest political races in Arkansas history. That was the 1972 campaign between Senator McClellan and then Congressman David Pryor. I remember the campaigns well as a senior in High School. The Senator lead by a small margin but was forced into a runoff with David Pryor. Traditionally in Arkansas an incumbent forced into runoff lost. Not this time. The old warrior won against the young turk Pryor. He was a fighter and showed it.
John McClellan finished his career as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He ruled the United States purse strings and used the position to directly help communities like Warren.
I personally experienced the Senator’s ability to utilize his power. In 1975 Warren was devastated by a tornado. Many people were hurt and several killed. There was great property damage. Then Mayor John B. Frazer sought help from the federal government. There was a lot of red tape to overcome and the needs were immediate. Senator McClellan took a personal interest and Warren received over a million dollars in grant funds to help clean up, repair houses, pave general streets and install sewer lines where none had existed. His personal involvement moved federal agencies to assist. He could get results from Congress, from various agencies, and from The White House.
The book concludes with Senator McClellan’s funeral conducted at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock. I was privileged to attend with Mayor Frazer. Many dignitaries attended including Vice President Mondale, First Lady Roselyn Carter and many others. It was a fitting tribute to John McClellan’s impact on Arkansas.
Read the book. It will be worth your time.
Filed under: FEARLESS: JOHN L MCCLELLAN
Sherry Laymon, Author 
