Cecil H. Underwood

Cecil H. Underwood was an American politician who served as the 25th and 32nd governor of West Virginia, holding office from 1957 to 1961 and again from 1997 to 2001. A member of the Republican Party, Underwood is notable for being the youngest governor in West Virginia's history when he first took office at the age of 34 and later became the oldest when he was re-elected at 74. His political career spanned over five decades, during which he engaged in various roles, including legislative service, academic positions, and business endeavors. Underwood's governance was marked by his focus on civil rights, economic development, and tax reform.

Early life and career

Cecil Harland Underwood was born on November 5, 1922, in Josephs Mills, West Virginia, to Della N. and Silas Henry Underwood. Growing up during the Great Depression, he contributed to his family's livelihood by working on local farms. He completed his secondary education at Tyler Consolidated High School in 1939 and subsequently enrolled at Salem University in Harrison County. While at Salem, he was active in student government, serving as student body president, and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Underwood graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1943.

Following his graduation, Underwood served as an Army Reservist during World War II. After the war, he returned to West Virginia, where he taught high school biology in St. Marys from 1943 to 1946. He later pursued a master's degree at West Virginia University, which he completed in 1965. Underwood's early political career began at the age of 22 when he won a seat in the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1944. He served six consecutive terms in the House until 1956 and held the position of House Minority Leader multiple times throughout his tenure.

In addition to his political activities, Underwood had a significant academic career. He taught at Marietta College from 1946 to 1950 and subsequently served as vice president of Salem College from 1950 until he became governor in 1957. His early involvement in both politics and education laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in public service.

Governorship

Underwood's first election as Governor of West Virginia in 1956 marked a significant political shift in the state, as he became the first Republican to hold the office since 1928. His victory came after a competitive primary against Charleston Mayor John T. Copenhaver, which he won by a narrow margin, followed by a decisive general election win against Democratic U.S. Representative Robert Mollohan. Underwood's election was notable not only for its historical context but also because he turned 34 just one day before taking office, making him one of the youngest governors in U.S. history.

During his first term from 1957 to 1961, Underwood continued the desegregation efforts initiated by his predecessor, Governor William C. Marland, and was a proponent of civil rights legislation. His administration focused on addressing corruption within the state government, exemplified by his controversial decision to inform state employees of their termination via a televised address. Underwood sought to dismantle the entrenched political "machine" system and advocated for the establishment of a structured civil service and retirement pension system. He also initiated temporary employment relief programs aimed at assisting low-income families.

Underwood's administration was marked by significant developments in mental health services, as he played a key role in the establishment of the West Virginia Mental Health Department. Additionally, he oversaw the construction of the interstate highway system within the state. His term also included overseeing the last three executions in West Virginia, all of which occurred in 1959.

Due to a constitutional prohibition against consecutive terms for governors, Underwood was unable to seek re-election in 1960. He subsequently ran for the United States Senate but was defeated by incumbent Democrat Jennings Randolph. Over the following decades, Underwood continued to engage in various political and business ventures, including multiple unsuccessful bids for the governorship and other political offices.

In 1996, Underwood made a political comeback, winning the governorship for a second time. His campaign focused on the theme of "Better Government, not Bigger Government," and he achieved victory by carrying a significant majority of the state's counties. His second term from 1997 to 2001 was characterized by efforts to reform the state's tax structure through the establishment of the Governor's Commission on Fair Taxation, which provided recommendations for improvements. Underwood also worked to streamline administrative costs in education and other government sectors.

In October 1999, he was appointed co-chairman of the Appalachian Regional Commission for the year 2000, reflecting his engagement with regional issues affecting West Virginia and surrounding states. However, Underwood's second term ended with a narrow defeat in the 2000 gubernatorial election, making him the only sitting Republican governor to lose re-election that year.

Policy focus and legacy

Cecil H. Underwood's political legacy is marked by his commitment to civil rights, economic development, and governance reform. His early advocacy for desegregation and civil rights legislation during his first term as governor positioned him as a progressive figure in a time of significant social change. Underwood's efforts to address corruption and promote civil service reform reflected his dedication to improving the integrity and efficiency of state government.

Throughout his career, Underwood maintained a focus on education and vocational training, as evidenced by his roles in academia and his leadership in vocational education initiatives. His work in establishing the West Virginia Mental Health Department and overseeing the development of the interstate highway system contributed to the state's infrastructure and public health services.

After leaving office, Underwood largely withdrew from public life, though he remained a respected figure in West Virginia politics. He faced health challenges in his later years, including strokes that affected his ability to communicate. Underwood passed away on November 24, 2008, at the age of 86. His contributions to West Virginia's political landscape and his dual terms as governor continue to be recognized as significant periods in the state's history.