Local author’s book reveals untold story of tragic death

Local historian Dale Ross is the author of a new book, “A Voice for Ira.” Steve Johnson / Eureka Springs Times-Echo about researching and reconstructing the accident and the political landscape of 1932 Arkansas? Ross: “Over two years of research went into investigating the condition, people and political landscape of 1932 Arkansas. State and newspaper archives were extremely helpful.” Q: What did you learn about Ira Gurley and his contributions to Carroll County and Arkansas? Ross: “I learned that Ira was a man to be admired. He was an educator, lawyer and role model for others. Ira showed how education was the key to escape poverty.” Q: How did the lack of investigation into the elevator accident shape your perspective on the events that occurred? Ross: “Nothing is more suspicious than the refusal to allow law enforcement to investigate. Common sense says to step away and avoid an appearance of impropriety, but for unexplained reasons, that wasn’t an option.” Q: What was your writing process like, and how did you balance telling the story of the accident with providing historical context? Ross: “My writing process was to prove my suspicions wrong. I wanted to be convinced that the story we were given was correct. But the more I dug, the dirtier
By Steve Johnson Eureka Springs Times-Echo

A local historian has finally given voice to a prominent Carroll County native, 90 years after a suspicious elevator accident took the man’s life.

Dale Ross, vice president of the Carroll County Historical Society, has written a book titled “A Voice For Ira” that delves into the accident that killed Ira Gurley. The accident occurred in June of 1932, when Ira was pinned and crushed in the doorway of an elevator inside the Arkansas State Capitol Building.

Gurley was a Carroll County educator who taught in several schools, some being the old one-room schools, around the county. He also served as principal at Alpena and Green Forest school districts. He taught Sunday School at the Methodist Church in Green Forest and was active in local associations.

His daughter, Helen Gurley Brown, would have a celebrated career as an American author, publisher and businesswoman. In 1962, Brown’s book “Sex and the Single Girl” was published in 28 countries, and stayed on the best-seller lists for more than a year. She served as editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine for 32 years.

Ira Gurley was awarded a law degree from Cumberland University in Tennessee, and was shortly thereafter elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives. He served four terms in the House and was appointed to the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

It was while Ira was preparing for a campaign for Secretary of State that he died as he entered an elevator in the state capitol building.

The book reconstructs the mysterious accident, political landscape and Depression Era times of 1932 Arkansas. According to the author, the book tells the reader what happened, and then reveals what should have happened, leaving the reader to decide for themselves if this was a tragic accident, or if something more sinister occurred inside the State Capitol that day.

In the book, Ross points to one glaring fact: No law enforcement agency ever investigated the accident; instead, it was handled in-house solely by the man Ira planned to run against for the office of Arkansas Secretary of State.

“A Voice For Ira” is available to order online. Most major bookstores such as Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble and many other sites list the book for sale.

A conversation with the author: Dale Ross
Q: What was your inspiration for writing “A Voice for Ira,” and how did you become interested in this incident?

Ross: “I’ve read hundreds or even thousands of historical stories and this one stood out. The whole idea that an employee of the Secretary Of State’s office kills an opponent and then the Secretary of State investigates. That was a big red flag in my opinion.” Q: How did you go

it got.”

Q: What reactions have you received from readers of the book, and how have they responded to the story you’ve told?

Ross: “Most people had never heard of Ira, but knew about his daughter, Helen Gurley Brown. So when they read this story there’s the element of shock, surprise and anger that this happened.” Q: Do you think there are any larger themes or lessons that can be drawn from the incident and its aftermath?

Ross: “As far as themes and lessons go, I think there’s plenty to be taken from this story, but I like letting the readers come to their own conclusions.” Q: How do you think your book contributes to our understanding of Arkansas history, and why is it important to remember incidents like this?

Ross: “This book is local history, but carries a message that has a national significance. One of our politicians being crushed to death in the Arkansas State Capitol is not just a 1932 lesson. We learn that giving men power without checks and balances is a recipe for corruption.” Q: Did you encounter any challenges or obstacles while writing the book, and how did you overcome them?

Ross: “The biggest challenges were trying to research during COVID and the fact that all the characters are long dead. As cold cases go, this one was freezing. I do want to acknowledge the Democrat- Gazette archives department for their assistance.”

Q: Are there any other little-known incidents in Arkansas history that you would like to explore in future writing projects?

Ross: “Yes, so I’ll keep digging.”

Other News