Cecil H. Underwood facts for kids
Cecil Harland Underwood (November 5, 1922 – November 24, 2008) was an American politician from West Virginia. He was a member of the Republican Party and was known for his long career in public service. He holds a special record: he was both the youngest and the oldest person ever to serve as the Governor of West Virginia. He was also the first guest on the television game show To Tell the Truth.
Quick facts for kids
Cecil H. Underwood
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Underwood from The Monticola (1959)
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| 25th & 32nd Governor of West Virginia | |
| In office January 13, 1997 – January 15, 2001 |
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| Lieutenant | Earl Ray Tomblin |
| Preceded by | Gaston Caperton |
| Succeeded by | Bob Wise |
| In office January 14, 1957 – January 16, 1961 |
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| Preceded by | William C. Marland |
| Succeeded by | William Wallace Barron |
| Member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from Tyler County |
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| In office December 1, 1944 – December 1, 1956 |
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| Preceded by | Cecil Nichols |
| Succeeded by | Sprigg Smith |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Cecil Harland Underwood
November 5, 1922 Josephs Mills, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | November 24, 2008 (aged 86) Charleston, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Resting place | Spring Hill Cemetery Tyler, West Virginia |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Hovah Hall
(m. 1948; died 2004) |
| Children | 3 |
| Profession | Educator |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Unit | Reserves |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Contents
About Cecil Underwood
Early Life and Education
Cecil Underwood was born in 1922 in Josephs Mills, West Virginia. His parents were Della N. and Silas Henry Underwood. As a young person, he worked on farms during the Great Depression. He finished high school in Tyler County in 1939.
After high school, he joined the United States Army Reserve during World War II. He then went to Salem College in Harrison County. He graduated in 1943. While there, he was elected student body president.
From 1943 to 1946, he taught high school biology in St. Marys, West Virginia. He met his future wife, Hovah Hall, through her sisters at Salem College. They got married on July 25, 1948.
Underwood taught at Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio, from 1946 to 1950. He then became Vice President of Salem College from 1950 to 1956. Later, he earned a master's degree from West Virginia University.
Start in Politics
At just 22 years old, Cecil Underwood began his political career. He ran as a Republican for the West Virginia House of Delegates. He won six terms, serving from 1944 to 1956. During this time, he was the House Minority Leader several times.
Governor of West Virginia
First Term as Governor (1957-1961)
In 1956, Cecil Underwood was elected Governor of West Virginia. This was a big deal because he was the first Republican to win this office since 1928. He was only 34 years old when he was elected, making him one of the youngest governors in U.S. history.
As governor, Underwood continued the process of ending segregation in West Virginia schools. This happened peacefully at all levels. He also supported civil rights laws.
One of his first actions was to announce on television that many state employees would be let go. He believed this was necessary to change the old system. He later worked to create an organized civil service and a retirement pension system. He also helped provide temporary jobs for families with low incomes.
Underwood played a key role in creating the West Virginia Mental Health Department. He also oversaw the building of the interstate highway in the state.
Between Terms as Governor
West Virginia's state Constitution at the time did not allow governors to serve two terms in a row. So, Underwood ran for the United States Senate in 1960 but lost. He ran for governor again in 1964 and 1976 but was not elected.
During the 1960s, he was a temporary chairman of the Republican National Convention. He was even considered as a possible Vice President for Richard Nixon. After his Senate race in 1960, Underwood worked for coal and chemical companies. He also started his own land development company.
He continued his work in education, serving as President of Bethany College. He also taught political science at Marshall University.
Second Term as Governor (1997-2001)
Cecil Underwood was elected Governor of West Virginia again in 1996. His campaign promised "Better Government, not Bigger Government." He won in many of the state's counties.
During his second term, he created the Governor's Commission of Fair Taxation. This group looked closely at the state's tax system and suggested ways to make it better. He also worked to reduce administrative costs in education and other government areas.
In 1999, governors from the Appalachian states chose Underwood to be West Virginia's co-chairman for the Appalachian Regional Commission for the year 2000.
Underwood was the only Republican governor who lost his re-election bid in 2000. He narrowly lost to Democrat Bob Wise.
Later Life
Cecil Underwood's wife, Hovah, passed away in 2004. In 2006, Underwood had a minor stroke. He had another major stroke in early 2008, which affected his ability to speak. He later had a severe blood infection.
He passed away on November 24, 2008. He is survived by his son, two daughters, and six grandchildren. His body was donated to Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.
