Joseph Melville Broughton (1888-1949)

North Carolina Governor, and U.S. Congressman. He graduated from Wake Forest College, in 1910 and taught school in Bunn, North Carolina, (1910-12). He earned a law degree from Harvard University, in 1913, was admitted to the bar in 1914 and commenced to practice in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was a member of the North Carolina State Senate (1927-29) and was a member of the board of trustees of Wake Forest College and of the University of North Carolina. In 1941, he was elected as a Democrat the 60th Governor of North Carolina, serving until 1945. While he was in office, educational improvements were sanctioned, the good health program was initiated, teachers' and state employees' retirement system was created and public library funds were increased. After his term, he was elected in 1949, as a Democrat to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Josiah W. Bailey and served until death at age 60.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith

Inscription

Front of stone:
BROUGHTON

Reverse:
JOSEPH MELVILLE BROUGHTON
NOVEMBER 17, 1888 - MARCH 6, 1949
GOVERNOR OF NORTH CAROLINA 1941-1945
UNITED STATES SENATOR 1948-1949

ALICE WILLSON BROUGHTON
JULY 13, 1889 - AUGUST 15, 1980
WIFE OF JOSEPH MELVILLE BROUGHTON