Harold W. Handley

Infobox Politician
name = Harold Willis Handley


order3 =40th
office3 =Governor of Indiana
term_start3 =January 14, 1957
term_end3 =January 9, 1961
lieutenant3 = Crawford F. Parker
predecessor3 = George N. Craig
successor3 = Matthew E. Welsh
office =Indiana State Senate
term_start =1940
term_end =1942
term_start1 =1949
term_end1 =1941
office2 =Lieutenant Governor of Indiana
term_start2 =January 12, 1953
term_end2 =January 14, 1957
birth_date= November 27, 1909
birth_place= LaPorte, Indiana
death_date= August 30, 1972
death_place= LaPorte, Indiana
religion = Presbyterian
spouse = Barbara Winterble
alma mater = Indiana University
party=Republican
profession=salesman

Harold Willis Handley (November 27, 1909 - August 30, 1972) was a Republican governor of the U.S. state of Indiana from 1957 to 1961.

Biography

Handley was born November 27, 1909 in LaPorte, Indiana. He attended Indiana University and graduated in 1932 and took a job in his father's furniture store in LaPorte. He later became a salesman for Unagusta Furniture Corporation in North Carolina.

Handley first entered politics in 1940 after being elected to the Indiana State Senate. He remained in his senate seat until 1942 when he enlisted into the army. He was assigned to the Army's 85th Division where he eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was discharged in 1946 and returned to Indiana. In 1949 he returned to the State Senate and served until 1952.

In 1953 Handley became lieutenant governor of Indiana winning on a ticker with George N. Craig. He served at that position until 1957 when he was elected to his own term as governor. He was inaugurated January 14, 1957. During his tenure as governor the veterinary school was founded at Purdue University. A new 13 story state office building was constructed. A "right to work" bill was passed by the legislature who overrode Handley's veto.

In 1958 Handley ran for the United States Senate causing some controversy. Due to a clause in the state constitution it was generally expected that a governor should resign before running for a federal position. Handley was defeated though by Democrat Vance Hartke and returned his full attention to the duties of governor. Handley left office January 9, 1961 without seeking reelection and retired from public life.

After leaving office Handley created a public relations business. He died on August 30, 1972, and was buried at the Pine Lake Cemetery in LaPorte, Indiana.

References

ee also

*List of Governors of Indiana

External links

*cite web|url=http://www.in.gov/gov/2646.htm|title=Indiana Historical Bureau: Biography and portrait|publisher=Indiana Historical Bureau|accessdate=2008-05-21
*cite web|url=http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.29fab9fb4add37305ddcbeeb501010a0/?vgnextoid=9edc224971c81010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e449a0ca9e3f1010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD|title=Indiana Governor Harold Willis Handley|publisher=National Governors Association|accessdate=2008-05-21