William A. MacCorkle
| William A. MacCorkle | |
|---|---|
 |
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| 9th Governor of West Virginia | |
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In office March 4, 1893 – March 4, 1897 |
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| Preceded by | Aretas B. Fleming |
| Succeeded by | George W. Atkinson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 7, 1857 Lexington, Virginia |
| Died | September 24, 1930 (aged 73) Charleston, West Virginia |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Belle Goshorn MacCorkle |
| Profession | Politician |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
William Alexander MacCorkle (May 7, 1857 – September 24, 1930), was a United States teacher, lawyer, prosecutor, the ninth Governor of West Virginia and state legislator of West Virginia, and financier.
He was born near Lexington, Virginia. After briefly teaching school in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, he attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. Returning to West Virginia, in 1879, he established a law practice in Charleston and also taught school. From 1880 to 1889, he served as the Kanawha County prosecuting attorney. In 1884 he married Belle Goshorn.
In 1892, as the Democratic Party's candidate, he was elected governor of West Virginia. As governor, MacCorkle advocated increased funding for state institutions and improved transportation. Through an advertising program, he actively promoted the state's natural resources to attract industry. MacCorkle opposed the growing labor movement among coal miners and dispatched the state militia to break a strike.
After leaving office, MacCorkle returned to his Charleston law practice. In his numerous travels, he continued to publicize the state's resources. In 1910, he was elected to the West Virginia Senate. MacCorkle was also a founder and president of the Citizens National Bank, which later merged with the Charleston National Bank. He wrote an autobiography, The Recollections of Fifty Years, which was published in 1928. He died at his home, Sunrise, in 1930.
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