William B. Umstead

William Bradley Umstead (born May 13, 1895 in Mangum Township , Durham County , North Carolina , † November 7, 1954 in Durham , North Carolina) was an American politician and the 63rd governor of North Carolina. He also represented this state in both chambers of Congress .

Early years and political advancement

William Umstead attended Durham High School and until 1916 the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill . His training was interrupted by the First World War, in which he took part as a first lieutenant. After the end of the war, he studied law at Duke University . After his admission to the bar, he began a legal career in Durham. Between 1922 and 1926 he was a district attorney in Durham County. He then served as a district attorney in the tenth judicial district of North Carolina until 1933.

As a member of the Democratic Party , he was a member of the US House of Representatives in Washington, DC from 1933 to 1939. In 1944 he was the campaign manager of R. Gregg Cherry . After the death of US Senator Josiah William Bailey in December 1946, he replaced him to fill the vacancy. In the next election, however, he was not re-elected.

North Carolina Governor

For the upcoming gubernatorial elections in 1952, Umstead was nominated by his party as a candidate, with 67.5 percent of the vote clearly prevailing against Republican Herbert Seawell. His term of office began on January 8, 1953. Just two days later, he suffered a heart attack. As a result, his health was in poor health. Nevertheless, he was initially able to continue the official business. During his tenure, a school committee was set up made up of members of both races. The pardon committee was reorganized and industry promoted. However, the governor's health deteriorated and on November 7, 1954, he died in office. Lieutenant Governor Luther Hodges ended his term of office. Umstead was married to Merle Davis.

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personal data
SURNAME	Umstead, William B.
ALTERNATIVE NAMES	Umstead, William Bradley (full name)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	American politician
DATE OF BIRTH	May 13, 1895
PLACE OF BIRTH	Mangum Township , North Carolina
DATE OF DEATH	November 7, 1954
Place of death	Durham , North Carolina