MLK Library

HOBLITZELL, John Dempsey, Jr., a Senator from West Virginia; born in Parkersburg, Wood County, W.Va., December 30, 1912; attended the public schools; graduated from the University of West Virginia in 1934; involved in the insurance, real estate, construction, and banking businesses; member, board of governors of West Virginia University 1937-1944; served in the United States Naval Reserve 1942-1946, retiring as a lieutenant; member, Wood County School Board 1950-1956; delegate, White House Conference on Education 1954; chairman, Governor’s West Virginia Commission on State and Local Finance 1954; president, West Virginia School Board Association 1954; member, National Citizens Committee on Higher Education 1955; unsuccessful in 1956 for the Republican nomination to the House of Representatives; appointed on January 25, 1958, as a Republican to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Matthew M. Neely and served from January 25, 1958, to November 4, 1958; unsuccessful candidate for election to the vacancy; resumed his business interests; died in Clarksburg, W.Va., January 6, 1962; interment in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Parkersburg, W.Va.