Byas Family

was available because he had talked to his friends in four states and my name had been mentioned. I said to him, “Well, I don’t have a job, so yes, I’m available.” He replied that he would give my name to the Roosevelt people.

They called about a week later, and I went for an interview. They called back and offered me the job, but I said, “No, I want a chance to look over the district at your expense before I make my decision.” So they agreed to my conditions, providing a rental car and hotel for a week. I went to New York, went in and out of poolrooms, talked to people on the main drag, and basically looked things over without anyone knowing who I was. Nobody knew me, and I didn’t know anybody either.

I decided to accept the job.

Even with moving expenses and a doubling of my Macon County salary, it was not much of an improvement because of the increased cost of living in New York. So no, it didn’t pay much, but big pay has never been one of my criteria for taking a job. We were able to buy a house out of the salary and to live at the level to which we were accustomed.

Byas family at the unveiling of his portrait.