Cecil H. Underwood
Cecil Underwood | |
|---|---|
Underwood from The Monticola (1959) | |
| 25th & 32nd Governor of West Virginia | |
| In office January 13, 1997 – January 15, 2001 | |
| Lieutenant | Earl Ray Tomblin |
| Preceded by | Gaston Caperton |
| Succeeded by | Bob Wise |
| In office January 14, 1957 – January 16, 1961 | |
| Preceded by | William C. Marland |
| Succeeded by | Wally Barron |
| Member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from Tyler County | |
| In office December 1, 1944 – December 1, 1956 | |
| 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 |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3 |
| Profession | Educator |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Unit | Reserves |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Cecil Harland Underwood (November 5, 1922 – November 24, 2008) was an American politician who served as the 25th and 32nd governor of West Virginia from 1957 to 1961, and again from 1997 to 2001. A member of the Republican Party, he was the youngest governor in the state's history when first elected in 1956 at age 34 and later became the oldest when re-elected in 1996 at age 74. His career spanned more than five decades, including multiple gubernatorial bids, legislative service, and roles in academia and business. Underwood was known for his work in civil rights, economic development, and tax reform.