Gov. Clyde Roark Hoey

About

CLYDE R. HOEY, the fifty-ninth governor of North Carolina, was born in Shelby, North Carolina on December 11, 1877. His early education was attained in the local public schools. At the age of twelve, he left school to become a printer’s apprentice. Four years later, he became the owner and editor of the Cleveland Star. He also continued his education, enrolling at the University of North Carolina, where he studied law. Hoey first entered politics as a member of the North Carolina House of Commons, a position he held from 1898 to 1902. He also served in the North Carolina State Senate from 1902 to 1904; was the assistant U.S. attorney for the western district of North Carolina from 1913 to 1919; and served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1919 to 1921. Hoey next secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in the 1936 general election. During his tenure, teacher salaries were improved; graduate programs were initiated in Black colleges; the state’s highway system was advanced; and industrial development was promoted. After leaving the governorship, Hoey continued to stay active in politics. He was a member of the U.S. Senate, serving from 1945 until his death on May 12, 1954. Governor Clyde R. Hoey was buried in the Sunset Cemetery in Shelby, North Carolina.

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