Oscar W. Underwood (Virginia, Alpha 1882) was the first Pike to be elected to Congress, serving in the U.S. House as the Representative from Alabama from 1895-1915. He served in the U.S. Senate from 1915 until 1927. Brother Underwood’s aspirations to become president began at the 1912 Democratic National Convention. His name was placed into nomination but, during the 46th roll call vote, Underwood withdrew his name, paving the way for Woodrow Wilson to win the party’s nomination. Wilson preferred Underwood as his vice-presidential running mate, but Underwood turned down the offer. Wilson went on to become the nation’s 28th President. Underwood’s name resurfaced at the 1920 Democratic National Convention and he made his strongest presidential bid at the 1924 Democratic National Convention.
