G. Alvin Massenburg

G. Alvin Massenburg
48th Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates
In office
January 6, 1947  January 11, 1950
Preceded by Thomas B. Stanley
Succeeded by E. Blackburn Moore
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates for Elizabeth City and Hampton
In office
January 13, 1926  January 11, 1950
Preceded by Harry R. Houston
Succeeded by Victor P. Wilson
Personal details
Born George Alvin Massenburg
( 1894 -09-19)September 19, 1894
Hampton, Virginia, U.S.
Died November 25, 1968 ( 1968 -11-25) (aged 74)
Hampton, Virginia, U.S.
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Carrie Wood
Occupation Maritime pilot
Religion Methodist
Signature
Military service
Allegiance  United States
Service/branch United States Coast Guard
Years of service 1942–1945
Rank Captain
Unit U.S. Coast Guard Reserve
Battles/wars World War II

George Alvin Massenburg (September 19, 1894 – November 25, 1968) was an American politician. A Democrat, he served in the Virginia House of Delegates 192650 and was its Speaker 194750.[1]

Personal life

Massenburg was born in Hampton, Virginia to Virginius and Virginia Massenburg. He left high school after two years for an electrical engineering apprenticeship. He became a maritime pilot in the area of Hampton Roads and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, eventually becoming president of the Virginia Pilot Association. He held a commission in the United States Coast Guard Reserve, rising to the rank of captain during World War II.[1]

He married Carrie Wood of Hampton October 19, 1918.[1]

Political career

Massenburg first entered the House of Delegates in 1926. He became Democratic floor leader from 1936, succeeding Ashton Dovell when he became speaker, and served until becoming speaker himself. By 1940 he had become chair of the Privileges and Elections committee. He succeeded Thomas B. Stanley as Speaker in 1947, after Stanley's election to the United States House of Representatives. He retired from the House in 1950.[1][2]

From 194852 Massenburg was chair of the State Democratic Committee. He was a delegate to the 1948 and 1952 Democratic National Conventions. In 1956 he was an unsuccessful candidate for presidential elector in support of Adlai Stevenson and Estes Kefauver.[1][3]

Death

Massenburg died in Hampton November 25, 1968. He was interred in the cemetery of St. John's Episcopal Church in Hampton.[1][4]

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Jamerson, p. 137
  2. "Virginia House of Delegates; Session 1940; Massenburg, George Alvin". Virginia House of Delegates. Retrieved 2009-01-28.
  3. "Massenburg, G. Alvin". The Political Graveyard. Retrieved 2009-01-28.
  4. "George Alvin Massenburg". Find A Grave. Retrieved 2009-01-28.

References

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