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North Carolina's Governors
In 1932 voters elected Umstead to the first of three terms in the U.S. House. A political moderate, Umstead supported causes such as tobacco, rural electrification, and soil conservation. In 1946, on the death of Josiah Bailey, Governor Gregg Cherry appointed Umstead to the Senate. Two years later, Umstead lost to former governor J. Melville Broughton in the Democratic primary for the seat. In 1952 he defeated Hubert F. Olive in the Democratic primary for governor and in the fall defeated Republican H. F. ("Chub") Seawell. Umstead's serious health problems appeared without notice, frustrating what should have been the climax to his political career. On inauguration day, he was hoarse and appeared to suffer from a cold. A heart attack was diagnosed and he was moved in May to a bedroom in the Executive Mansion. As his health would permit, he took on responsibilities and met with staff and legislators. Umstead, who in his inaugural address issued a call for a "better tomorrow," continued programs initiated by his predecessor Kerr Scott by endorsing state bond issues to finance school buildings and improve mental institutions. After the May 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision mandating school desegregation, Umstead, unlike other southern governors, counseled moderation and appointed a biracial panel to make recommendations. Umstead was widely admired for his integrity and his commitment to public service. On November 4, he was hospitalized and, three days later, became the first chief executive since Daniel Fowle in 1891 to die in office. He was buried at Mount Tabor Methodist Church in Bahama.
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William B. Umstead (1895-1954) suffered a heart attack two days after his inauguration and spent much of his twenty-two month term confined to bed. Born near Bahama in Durham County, Umstead graduated from the University of North Carolina and served in France during World War I. On his return he studied law at Trinity College and began practice in Durham. 
