John M. Walker (Pennsylvania)

John M. Walker
Republican Leader
of the Pennsylvania Senate
In office
January 4, 1949  November 30, 1952
Preceded by Weldon Heyburn
Succeeded by Rowland Mahany
Member of the Pennsylvania Senate
from the 44th district
In office
January 3, 1939  November 30, 1954
Preceded by George Rankin, Jr.
Succeeded by Theodore Schmidt
Personal details
Born January 15, 1905
Oakmont, Pennsylvania
Died December 10, 1976
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Marie Gordon

John M. Walker was a Republican politician from Pennsylvania. Born on January 15, 1905, in Leechburg, Pennsylvania, he was the son of a general manager of Allegheny Steel Company. Walker studied at Culver Military Academy before serving in the infantry in World War I. After obtaining a degree from University of Pittsburgh's School of Business Administration, he attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, graduating in 1925. Following his education, Walker practiced law in Leechburg.[1]

In 1931, he was appointed Special Deputy Attorney General to Governor Gifford Pinchot.[1] From 1939 through 1954, he served in the State Senate, reprensenting parts of Allegheny County. He gained a reputation for his combative anti-tax viewpoints while in the Senate. He later served as a member of Allegheny County's Board of Commissioners. Walker won the party's 1958 primary for Lieutenant Governor, but was part of a losing ticket with Arthur McGonigle.

Walker was appointed Judge of the Courts of Allegheny County in 1964, and retired in 1968. He died on December 10, 1976, at Shadyside Hospital.[1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 John M. Walker Papers Finding Aid, 1926-1976, AIS.1976.16, Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania State Senate
Preceded by
George Rankin, Jr.
Member of the Pennsylvania Senate for the 44th District
19391954
Succeeded by
Theodore Schmidt
Party political offices
Preceded by
Weldon Heyburn
Republican Leader of the Pennsylvania Senate
19491952
Succeeded by
Rowland Mahany
Preceded by
Frank Truscott
Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania
1958
Succeeded by
Raymond Shafer