Born: December 8, 1911
Died: November 12, 2002
Birth State: West Virginia
Party: Democrat
Family: Married Opal Wilcox; three children
Religion: Presbyterian
School(s): Washington and Lee University, West Virginia University
| Periods in Office: | From: | January 16, 1961 |
| | To: | January 18, 1965 |
State Web Site
Military Service: Army
War(s) Served: World War II WILLIAM W. BARRON was born in Elkins, West Virginia. He received an A.B. degree from Washington and Lee University in 1934 and an LL.B. from West Virginia University in 1941. After serving in the Army during World War II, he became Mayor of Elkins and then a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. He also served as Deputy Land Commissioner, Commissioner of Accounts, and Commissioner of the Chancery of Randolph County. He served as state Attorney General from 1957 until 1961, when he was elected governor. During his gubernatorial administration, strip-mine controls were tightened and the state income tax law was revised to coincide with changes in federal income tax law. After leaving office, Barron worked for the firm of Barron and Davis in Charleston, West Virginia. Sources: Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 4. Westport, CT: Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols. West Virginia Archives and History WorldStatesmen.org |
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