William Wallace Barron

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

Early years and political rise

William Barron attended Washington and Lee University and then studied at West Virginia University law. During the Second World War he served in the U.S. Army. Barron's political career began in 1949 with his election as Mayor of Elkins. At the same time he took still perceive some administrative tasks in Randolph County. In the years 1950 and 1952, he was elected as a member of the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives from West Virginia. 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 Minister of Justice ( Attorney General ) of that State.

Governor of West Virginia

1960 Barron was elected governor of his state. His four-year term began on January 16, 1961. During this time, a new pension system was introduced for employees in the public service. In the government created separate departments of Commerce, Industrial development, human rights, environmental protection and natural resources. The governor promoted the industrial development of his country and stood up for an extension of the state parks and recreation areas. The tax laws of the country was reformed in accordance with the requirements of the new federal laws.

Further CV

After the end of his term Barron led a law firm in Charleston. In 1968 he went into a twilight when he and some of his confidants were indicted for bribery. Except Barron were all found guilty and sentenced. In 1971, Barron had again tried for these allegations. Diesemal he was sentenced to prison and lost his license to practice law. These events threw in hindsight a dark shadow over his political career. After spending four years in prison, to Barron and his family moved to Pompano Beach in Florida back. In November 2002, he died in North Carolina. William Barron was married to Opal Wilcox; the couple had three children.