Walter S. Hallanan (1889/1890 – December 28, 1962) was a West Virginia political figure who served as temporary chairman of the 1952 Republican National Convention and vice-chairman of the Republican National Committee.[1] He was named West Virginian of the Year for 1952. An oilman, he was installed as temporary convention chairman by his fellow supporters of Sen. Robert A. Taft, who went on to lose the nomination to Dwight D. Eisenhower.[2]

Walter S. Hallanan
Member of the West Virginia Senate
In office
1926–1930
Personal details
Born1889 or 1890
Died (aged 72)
Charleston, West Virginia
Resting placeSpring Hill Cemetery
Political partyRepublican
SpouseImogene Hallanan
Children2
OccupationJournalist, oil executive, politician

Earlier in his career, Hallanan edited the Huntington Herald-Dispatch newspaper[3] and served as West Virginia's state Tax Commissioner.[4] He was elected to one term in the West Virginia Senate in 1926. After being defeated for re-election to the Senate, Hallanan was elected to serve as West Virginia's Republican National Committeeman in 1928.[5] He remained an RNC member until his death in Charleston on December 28, 1962.[6] He was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery.[7]

References edit

  1. ^ Wheeling Ready To Receive Ike At 7:10 Tonight - GOP Dignitaries Converge on City To Greet Leader
  2. ^ Life magazine, July 7, 1952
  3. ^ WVGazette.com: Past West Virginians of the Year
  4. ^ Supplementary Report of the State Tax Commissioner to Hon. E.F. Morgan, Governor, Concerning the Gross Sales Tax
  5. ^ Life magazine, July 7, 1952
  6. ^ Roots of Modern Conservatism
  7. ^ "W. Hallanan Funeral Rites In Charleston". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. December 31, 1962. p. 20. Retrieved July 7, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.