William M. O. Dawson

William Mercer Owens Dawson ( born May 21, 1853 in Bloomington, Garrett County, Maryland, † March 12, 1916 in Charleston, West Virginia ) was an American politician and from 1905 to 1909, the twelfth governor of the state of West Virginia.

Early years and political rise

William Dawson attended the public schools in Cranberry, now part of Terra Alta. He was then working as a journalist. Between 1873 and 1891 he was the owner and publisher of a newspaper called " Preston County Journal." Dawson became involved early on in the Republican Party. 13 years he was district manager of the party in Preston County. Between 1881 and 1889 he represented his district in the Senate. of West Virginia In 1895 he became mayor of Kingwood, from 1897 he was a member of the Cabinet as Secretary of State by Governor George W. Atkinson His party nominated him as a candidate for the 1904 gubernatorial elections this year, he with 50.8. percent of the vote to Democrat John J. Cornwell decided for themselves.

Governor of West Virginia

After the successful election Dawson could assume office on March 4, 1905. During his tenure, the powers of the Tax Commissioner, whose office had been launched only by his predecessor Albert B. White, were greatly expanded. After a change in the law, it was easier for the governor, financial officials who did not comply with the legal requirements to dismiss from office. In 1909, the management was restructured. Many ministries were subordinated to a Control, known as the Board of Control. The governor could also enforce a new electoral law. Other plans, such as in the area of ​​environment or for better labor laws, were left hanging in the Parliament.

Further CV

After his four-year term of office on March 4, 1909, he held a few different administrative posts in the government of their country. He was also a member and founder of the Control Council. William Dawson died in 1916.