Gov. Angus Wilton Mclean

About

ANGUS W. MCLEAN, the fifty-sixth governor of North Carolina, was born in Robeson County, North Carolina on April 20, 1870. His education was attained at the McMillan Military School, at Laurinburg Academy, and at the University of North Carolina, where he earned a law degree in 1892. Along with his legal career, McLean also was a successful businessman, with holdings in the real estate, banking, railroad, and textile industries. He first entered politics in 1892, serving as the chairman of the Robeson County Democratic Executive Committee. He also was a delegate to the 1904 Democratic National Committee; was state chairman of Woodrow Wilson’s 1912 and 1916 campaigns; and served as a member of the National Democratic Executive Committee from 1916 to 1924. From 1918 to 1922 he served on the War Finance Corporation; and from 1920 to 1921 he was the assistant secretary of the treasury. McLean next secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in the 1924 general election. During his tenure, an executive budget system was initiated; a department of conservation and development was established; and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was formed. After completing his term, McLean retired from political life. He continued to stay active in both his business and legal interests. Governor Angus W. McLean passed away on June 21, 1935, and was buried in the Meadowbrook Cemetery in Lumberton, North Carolina.

Source

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 3, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

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