Joseph Walker Barr American businessman and politician Date of Birth: 17.01.1918 Country: USA

1. Biography of Joseph Walker Barr
2. Early Life and Education
3. Military Service
4. Political Career
5. Treasury Secretary and Later Career

Biography of Joseph Walker Barr

Joseph Walker Barr was an American businessman and politician. He served as the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury from 1965 to 1968 during the administration of Lyndon Johnson, and later as the 69th United States Secretary of the Treasury from December 21, 1968, to January 20, 1969. Barr holds the distinction of being the Treasury Secretary with the shortest tenure in the history of the United States.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Walker Barr was born on January 17, 1918, in Bicknell, Indiana. He completed his undergraduate studies at DePauw University in 1939 and earned a Master's degree in Economics from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1941.

Military Service

During World War II, Barr served in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1945. He participated in submarine warfare in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Barr was awarded the Bronze Star for his role in sinking an enemy submarine during the Anzio-Nettuno campaign.

Political Career

After the war, Joseph Barr worked in various industries, including theater, real estate, and elevators. He was also involved in the publishing business. Seeking a successful political career, Barr was elected as a Democrat to represent the 11th district of Indiana in the 86th United States Congress. He served as a Congressman from 1959 to 1961, advocating for the interests of his district. Following his unsuccessful reelection bid, Barr assisted in providing information to Congress while working at the United States Department of the Treasury. In 1963, he was appointed Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

Treasury Secretary and Later Career

Joseph Walker Barr served as Deputy Secretary of the Treasury from 1965 to 1968 under the administration of Lyndon Johnson. He then assumed the role of United States Secretary of the Treasury from December 21, 1968, to January 20, 1969. Barr's tenure as Treasury Secretary was notably brief compared to his predecessors. His signature appeared on one-dollar bills during his time in office, and these notes have become sought-after collectibles due to their limited circulation. Approximately $458,880,000 worth of one-dollar bills with Barr's signature were produced. However, the exact number of remaining banknotes is unknown due to their short lifespan.

After leaving the Treasury Department, Barr served as President and Chairman of the American Security and Trust Company from 1969 to 1974. He later became Chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1977 to 1981. Joseph Walker Barr passed away on February 23, 1996, in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.