Arthur, Billy, 1911-2006

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William Joseph Eudy "Billy" Arthur, North Carolina editor, publisher, columnist, comedian, politician, and businessman. Arthur, a dwarf, toured on the vaudeville circuit, 1929-1930, then attended the University of North Carolina where he majored in journalism and was head cheerleader, 1931-1932. From the 1930s through the 1950s, he edited or wrote for several newspapers. He also represented Onslow County in the North Carolina House of Representatives, 1943-1945, and served as House reading clerk, 1955-1961. In 1962, Arthur opened a hobby shop in Chapel Hill, from which he retired in 1980.

From the description of Billy Arthur papers, 1883-1997. WorldCat record id: 31908561

  • 1911: Born in Charlotte, N.C., to Annis Eudy and J. A. Arthur, with the congenital disease achondro-plasia that results in dwarfism
  • 1922 - 1927 : Mascot for Charlotte Hornets
  • 1925: Worked for WBT radio in Charlotte, N.C.
  • 1928: Graduated from Charlotte Central High School
  • 1929 - 1930 : Toured on the vaudeville circuit on the eastern seaboard
  • 1931 - 1933 : Attended the University of North Carolina, majored in journalism, and was the head cheerleader, 1931-1932
  • 1933 - 1940 : Became city editor of the New Bern Tribune in New Bern, N.C.
  • 1940 - 1953 : Published News and Views in Jacksonville, N.C.
  • 1943 - 1945 : Served in North Carolina House of Representatives, representing Onslow County
  • 1950: Married Edith Harris of Elizabeth City, N.C.
  • 1951: Annis Lillian Arthur born (also a dwarf)
  • 1952: Billy Arthur Jr., born (also a dwarf)
  • 1954: Moved to Chapel Hill and worked as publicist for the Morehead Planetarium and wrote for The Chapel Hill Weekly
  • 1955 - 1961 : Served as reading clerk in the North Carolina House of Representatives
  • 1958: Started a newspaper clipping service
  • 1962: Opened a hobby shop in Eastgate Mall in Chapel Hill, which was bought by Trico, Inc., in 1974, but managed by Arthur
  • 1980: Retired from hobby business

From the guide to the Billy Arthur Papers, 1883-1997, (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. Southern Historical Collection.)

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Person

Birth 1911-01-04

Death 2006-03-27

Male

English

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