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William Emerson Brock
William E. Brock I.jpg
United States Senator
from Tennessee
In office
September 2, 1929 – March 3, 1931
Appointed by Henry Hollis Horton
Preceded by Lawrence Tyson
Succeeded by Cordell Hull
Personal details
Born (1872-03-14)March 14, 1872
Mocksville, North Carolina
Died August 5, 1950(1950-08-05) (aged 78)
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Political party Democratic

William Emerson Brock (born March 14, 1872 – died August 5, 1950) was an important American politician. He served as a U.S. Senator for Tennessee from 1929 to 1931. He was a member of the Democratic Party.

Who Was William Brock?

William Emerson Brock was born in Davie County, North Carolina. His parents were Mary Ann (Howell) and Richard Emerson Brock. He grew up on a farm and worked in agriculture until he was about 22 years old.

In 1894, he moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. There, he started working as a clerk in a general store. This was his first step into the world of business.

How Did He Start His Career?

From 1896 to 1901, William Brock worked as a tobacco salesman. This job helped him learn a lot about business and sales.

In 1909, he moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee. In Chattanooga, he became very successful in making candy. He also got involved in other businesses, like insurance and banking.

What Else Did He Do?

William Brock cared about education. He became a trustee for several colleges. These included the University of Chattanooga (now the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga), Emory and Henry College, and Martha Washington College. Being a trustee means he helped guide and support these schools.

His Time as a Senator

On September 2, 1929, William Brock was chosen to be a U.S. Senator. The Governor of Tennessee, Henry Hollis Horton, appointed him to fill a spot that became empty when Senator Lawrence D. Tyson passed away.

Governor Horton had first offered the job to another person, Luke Lea, but he said no. So, William Brock was chosen instead.

How Was He Elected?

On November 4, 1930, William Brock was officially elected to finish the rest of that Senate term. However, he decided not to run for a full six-year term at the same time.

His time as a U.S. Senator ended on March 3, 1931. After him, Cordell Hull became the new Senator for Tennessee.

Life After Politics

After leaving the Senate, William Brock went back to his candy manufacturing business in Chattanooga. He continued to work there until he passed away in 1950. He was buried at Forest Hills Cemetery in Chattanooga.

His Family's Legacy

William Brock's grandson, William Emerson Brock III, also became a famous politician. He was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives and later a U.S. Senator from Tennessee. This shows that public service ran in the family!

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