Matthew M. Neely

Matthew M. Neely was a prominent American politician from West Virginia who served in all three branches of the state's federal representation. A member of the Democratic Party, his lengthy career included multiple terms in both the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, as well as a term as the Governor of West Virginia. Neely was known as a staunch New Deal liberal and a passionate advocate for the economic interests of his state, particularly its coal mining communities.

Early life and education

Matthew Mansfield Neely was born on a farm near Grove, West Virginia, in Doddridge County. He attended local public schools before pursuing higher education at Salem College in Harrison County. Neely later studied law at West Virginia University in Morgantown, graduating and gaining admission to the West Virginia State Bar in 1897. He began his legal practice in Fairmont, a city in Marion County that would remain his political base.

Political career

Neely's political career began with his election to the United States House of Representatives in 1912, representing West Virginia's 1st congressional district. He served four consecutive terms until 1921, aligning himself with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. After an unsuccessful campaign for the United States Senate in 1922, he returned to the House of Representatives for a single term from 1923 to 1925. In 1930, Neely successfully campaigned for the United States Senate, defeating incumbent Republican Guy D. Goff.

Senate service and legislation

During his first Senate term from 1931 to 1941, Neely was a fervent supporter of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal. He championed legislation aimed at aiding Appalachia and the struggling coal mining industry. Notably, he sponsored the Neely Coal Act of 1935, which sought to stabilize the coal market. He also advocated for veterans' benefits and public works projects. After declining to seek re-election in 1940, he successfully ran for Governor of West Virginia, serving from 1941 to 1945 during World War II.

Later life and death

Following his gubernatorial term, Neely returned to the United States House of Representatives for two more terms from 1945 to 1949. In 1948, he was again elected to the United States Senate, reclaiming his old seat from Republican Chapman Revercomb. He served in the Senate from 1949 until his death, continuing to focus on economic issues affecting West Virginia. Matthew M. Neely died of a heart ailment on January 18, 1958, at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. He was succeeded by appointed Republican John D. Hoblitzell Jr..

Legacy and honors

Neely is remembered as one of West Virginia's most influential and enduring political figures of the 20th century. His name is memorialized in the state through various public works, including the Matthew M. Neely Bridge in New Martinsville and the Matthew M. Neely Appalachian Center at Salem College. His papers are housed at the West Virginia and Regional History Center at West Virginia University. The Matthew M. Neely United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Charleston also stands as a testament to his long service to the state.

Category:1874 births Category:1958 deaths Category:Democratic Party United States senators from West Virginia Category:Governors of West Virginia Category:West Virginia lawyers