William A. MacCorkle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William A. MacCorkle
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| 9th Governor of West Virginia | |
| 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 | Belle Goshorn MacCorkle |
| Profession | Politician |
William Alexander MacCorkle (May 7, 1857 – September 24, 1930) was an important American leader. He was a teacher, a lawyer, and a successful businessman. He also served as the ninth Governor of West Virginia.
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About William MacCorkle
William MacCorkle was born near Lexington, Virginia. He started his career as a teacher in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Later, he went to Washington and Lee University to study.
His Early Career
In 1879, MacCorkle moved to Charleston. There, he started his own law practice. He also continued to teach school for a while. From 1880 to 1889, he worked as the prosecuting attorney for Kanawha County. This means he was a lawyer who worked for the government to handle legal cases. In 1884, he married Belle Goshorn.
Serving as Governor
In 1892, William MacCorkle was elected governor of West Virginia. He was a member of the Democratic Party. As governor, he wanted to make the state better. He worked to get more money for state schools and other public places. He also wanted to improve roads and transportation.
Governor MacCorkle worked hard to bring new businesses to West Virginia. He promoted the state's natural resources, like coal, to attract companies. He also faced challenges with workers' rights. He sent the state militia to help end a strike by coal miners.
After Being Governor
After his time as governor, MacCorkle went back to being a lawyer in Charleston. He traveled a lot and continued to tell people about West Virginia's resources. In 1910, he was elected to the West Virginia Senate.
MacCorkle was also a successful businessman. He helped start the Citizens National Bank. This bank later joined with the Charleston National Bank. He wrote a book about his life called The Recollections of Fifty Years, which was published in 1928. He passed away at his home in Charleston, called Sunrise, in 1930.
His Lasting Impact
William MacCorkle left behind an important legacy. His large home, Sunrise, later became a children's museum in the 1960s. This house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This means it is a special place recognized for its history.
In Charleston, a major road is named after him, MacCorkle Avenue. This road carries U.S. Route 60 through the area. His personal papers are kept at the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. These papers are a valuable resource for people studying the state's history.
The children's museum that was once in his home moved in 2003. It is now called the Avampato Discovery Museum and is located in downtown Charleston. MacCorkle's old home, Sunrise, is now used by a law firm.
William MacCorkle also spoke about important social issues. In 1900, he gave a speech in Montgomery, Alabama. In his speech, he strongly supported rights for African Americans.
