Henry D. Hatfield

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Henry Hatfield

Henry Drury Hatfield (September 15, 1875 – October 23, 1962) was an American physician and politician who served as the 14th Governor of West Virginia from 1913 to 1917. He was a member of the Republican Party.

Early Life and Education

Henry D. Hatfield was born in Logan County, West Virginia. He was the nephew of the infamous Hatfield family patriarch, Devil Anse Hatfield. Hatfield attended Franklin College in New Athens, Ohio, and later graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 1895. He furthered his medical education at the New York University School of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania.

Medical Career

After completing his education, Hatfield returned to West Virginia, where he practiced medicine and became involved in public health issues. He served as the chief surgeon for the Norfolk and Western Railway and was a professor of surgery at the West Virginia University.

Political Career

Hatfield's political career began when he was elected to the West Virginia State Senate in 1908. He served as the President of the Senate from 1911 to 1913. In 1912, he was elected Governor of West Virginia, serving from 1913 to 1917. During his tenure, he focused on labor reforms, including improving working conditions in the coal mines and establishing a state compensation system for injured workers.

After his term as governor, Hatfield continued his political career by serving as a member of the United States Senate from 1929 to 1935. He was known for his efforts to improve public health and labor conditions.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving the Senate, Hatfield returned to his medical practice and continued to be active in public health issues until his death in 1962. He is remembered for his contributions to both medicine and politics in West Virginia.

See Also

• List of governors of West Virginia
• Hatfield–McCoy feud
• Republican Party (United States)