Preceded by William M. O. Dawson Name William Glasscock Succeeded by Henry D. Hatfield Religion Methodist Party Republican Party | Profession Politician Political party Republican Role American Politician | |
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Born December 13, 1862
Monongalia County, West Virginia ( 1862-12-13 ) Died April 12, 1925, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States Spouse Mary Miller Glasscock (m. 1888) | ||
Education West Virginia University | ||
William Ellsworth Glasscock (December 13, 1862 – April 12, 1925) was an American politician who served as the 13th Governor of West Virginia as a Republican from 1909 to 1913.
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Early life and career
Glasscock was born on a farm near Arnettsville, Virginia, now part of Monongalia County, West Virginia on December 13, 1862. He was educated in the local public school system and graduated from West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. In 1888, he married Mary Miller. He worked for several years as a teacher, becoming the superintendent of schools in 1887 before leaving education to become the clerk of the county circuit court in 1890. He was admitted to the bar in 1903 and began practicing law. Glasscock worked as an attorney for Senator Stephen B. Elkins. At Elkin's recommendation, Glasscock was appointed as the internal revenue collection for the District of West Virginia in 1905 by President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1908, Glasscock resigned from this position to run for governor.
Governor of West Virginia
Glasscock ran as the Republican nominee for Governor of West Virginia in 1908, beating Louis Bennett Sr. by 12,133 votes.
Coal Wars
In his last year as governor, he declared martial law three times, sending troops to quell violent Coal Wars.
Glasscock returned to practicing law. He died in Morgantown, West Virginia and was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery.