Broughton, J. Melville (Joseph Melville), 1888-1949

Joseph Melville Broughton Jr. (1888–1949) was the 60th Governor of North Carolina from 1941 to 1945. He later briefly served as a United States Senator from January 3, 1949 until his death in office approximately two months later.

Broughton graduated from Wake Forest College, in 1910 and taught school in Bunn, North Carolina, (1910-1912). 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 (1927-1929) 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.