William Wallace Barron

William Wallace Barron

William Wallace Barron (born December 8, 1911 in Elkins , Randolph County , West Virginia , † November 12, 2002 in Charlotte , North Carolina ) was an American politician . He was the 26th governor of the state of West Virginia from 1961 to 1965  .

Early years and political advancement

William Barron attended Washington and Lee University and then studied law at West Virginia University . During the Second World War he served in the US Army. Barron's political career began in 1949 when he was elected mayor of Elkins. At the same time he took on some administrative duties in Randolph County. In 1950 and 1952 he was a member of the Democratic Party in the West Virginia House of Delegates elected. Between 1953 and 1957 he was chairman of the alcohol control committee ( Liquor Control Commission ) of West Virginia and from 1961 to 1965 he served as attorney general ( Attorney General ) of this state.

West Virginia Governor

In 1960 Barron was elected the new governor of his state. His four-year term began on January 16, 1961, during which time a new pension system was introduced for public employees. Independent departments for trade, industrial development, human rights, environmental protection and natural resources were created in the government. The governor promoted the industrial development of his country and advocated the expansion of state parks and recreational areas. The state's tax legislation was reformed in line with the requirements of the new federal laws.

Another résumé

After his tenure ended, Barron ran a law firm in Charleston. He fell into twilight in 1968 when he and some of his confidants were charged with bribery. All but Barron were found guilty and convicted. In 1971, Barron had to go to court again on these charges. This time he was sentenced to prison and lost his lawyer license. In retrospect, these events cast a dark shadow over his political career. After serving four years in prison, Barron retired with his family to Pompano Beach , Florida . He died in North Carolina in November 2002. William Barron was married to Opal Wilcox; the couple had three children.

Web links

• William Wallace Barron in the database of the National Governors Association (English)
• The governors of West Virginia (English)