Governors

by Wager, Paul W. Alexander, Nathaniel by Paul W. Wager, 1979; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, April 2023 See also: Alexander, Nathaniel (from Research Branch, NC OA&H) 5 Mar. 1756–6 Mar. [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. NATHANIEL ALEXANDER Governor: 1805-1807 by Wilson Angley, Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, 2005; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, June [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Hood, Henry G., Jr. John Archdale, colonial governor and proprietary shareholder of Carolina, was born in England, the son of Thomas and Mary Nevill Archdale and the grandson of Richard Archdale, a London merchant. [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. JOHN ARCHDALE Governor: 1683-1686; 1694-1696 by Dennis F. Daniels Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Whiteside, Heustis P. Ashe, Samuel by Heustis P. Whiteside, 1979; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, April 2023 See also: Ashe, Samuel 1725–3 Feb. 1813 Samuel Ashe, judge and governor, was born [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. SAMUEL ASHE Governor: 1795-1798 by Wilson Angley, Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, 2004; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, April [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Hill, Michael. No North Carolina governor, with the possible exception of Zebulon B. Vance, has been as venerated and memorialized as Charles Brantley Aycock (1859-1912), with whose term in 1901 the Democratic [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Aycock, Cora Lily Woodard by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted fromNorth Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission from North [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Powell, William S. The loose structure of government institutions in colonial North Carolina at times resulted in lapses of decorum that appear outrageous and humorous from a modern perspective. An early example of the [...] (from Encyclopedia of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Bickett, Fanny Neal Yarborough by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Magruder, Nathaniel F. Thomas Walter Bickett, attorney general (1909–17) and governor (1917–21) of North Carolina, was born in Monroe, the eldest of four children of Thomas Winchester and Mary Covington Bickett. His [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Hill, Michael. To Thomas W. Bickett (1869-1921), the first North Carolina governor to reach the office by way of a statewide party primary, fell the task of leading the state through World War I. The “War Governor” [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Folmsbee, Stanley J. William Blount, governor, senator, and land speculator, was born in Bertie County, the first son of Jacob and Barbara Gray Blount, one of the colony's earliest families. He obtained a good education [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Folmsbee, Stanley J. Willie Blount, lawyer, judge, and governor of Tennessee, was born at Blount Hall, Craven County, the son of Jacob Blount and Hannah Salter Baker, widow of William Baker. He was educated at Princeton [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Pitts, C. E. Bragg, Thomas by C. E. Pitts, 1979; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, July 2023 9 Nov. 1810–21 Jan. 1872 See also: Thomas Bragg, Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. THOMAS BRAGG Governor: 1855-1859 by Jerry L. Cross, Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, 2004; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, July [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Counihan, Harold J. John Branch, governor of North Carolina, U.S. senator, secretary of the navy, and governor of Florida, was born in the town of Halifax. His father, John Branch, Sr., was a wealthy landowner and [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. John Branch (November 4, 1782- January 4, 1863), in addition to serving as governor of North Carolina, was governor of the Florida Territory, Secretary of the Navy, and U.S. Senator. Born on November [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Anderson, Eric D. Curtis Hooks Brogden, governor and member of Congress, born on a small farm in Wayne County, was the son of Pierce Brogden and Amy Bread Brogden. As with most North Carolina farm boys of the time, [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. Curtis Hooks Brogden (1816-1901) was elevated to the Governor’s Office upon the death of Tod R. Caldwell and, over the course of his administration, faced strong opposition from a heavily Democratic [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Broughton, Alice Harper Willson by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Moye, William T. Broughton, Joseph Melville by William T. Moye, 1979 17 Nov. 1888–6 Mar. 1949 See also: Joseph Melville Broughton, Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, Alice [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Hill, Michael. J. Melville Broughton (1888-1949), the only native of Wake County to serve as governor of North Carolina, led the state through most of the World War II era. Born in Raleigh on November 17, 1888, the [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Watterson, John. Thomas Burke, governor and poet, was born in Ireland and grew up in Dublin, probably in a Protestant household. He migrated to the colonies following family quarrels in 1759 or 1760 and settled in [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. Thomas Burke (ca. 1744-1783), skilled in the literary as well as the political arts, was taken prisoner by Loyalists shortly after taking office as governor. He was born in County Galway, Ireland, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Price, William S., Jr. George Burrington, colonial governor, was born in Devonshire, England. His father was Gilbert Burrington, and his relatives were among the earliest supporters of William III in the Glorious [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. GEORGE BURRINGTON Governor: 1724-1725; 1731-1734 by Dennis F. Daniels Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Mcfarland, Daniel M. Burton, Hutchins Gordon by Daniel M. Mcfarland, 1979; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, March 2023. 1774 or 1782–21 Apr. 1836 See also: Hutchins Gordon Burton, Research [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. Despite some uncertainty as to place, Hutchins Gordon Burton (1774-1836) appears to have been born in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, the son of John Burton and the former Mary Gordon. Orphaned as a [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Harris, William C. Tod Robinson Caldwell, lieutenant governor and governor, was born in Morganton, the son of an Irish immigrant who became a prominent Burke County merchant. He obtained the rudiments of reading and [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. Tod Robinson Caldwell (1818-1874), the first lieutenant governor in North Carolina history, succeeded his predecessor William Woods Holden as Chief Executive when the latter was brought to trial on [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Steelman, Lala Carr. Elias Carr, planter, North Carolina State Farmers' Alliance Leader, and governor, was born at Bracebridge Hall, the family plantation in Edgecombe County near Old Sparta. Born into the planter [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. Elias Carr (1839-1900), leader of the statewide Farmers’ Alliance and the broader agrarian movement, exemplified the fading tradition of the planter-governor. The son of Jonas and Elizabeth Hilliard [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Carr, William Eleanor Kearny by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission from [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Parker, Mattie E. E. Peter Carteret (Cartrett, Cartwright), governor, secretary, and council member in North Carolina, was the son of Helier de Carteret and Rachella Cloche Carteret of Saint Peter's Parish, Isle of [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. PETER CARTERET Governor: 1670-1672 by Dennis F. Daniels Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Price, William S., Jr. Thomas Cary, deputy governor and council president, was born in England and related by marriage to the Quaker proprietor John Archdale. Cary apparently emigrated to South Carolina late in the [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. THOMAS CARY Governor: 1705-1706; 1708-1711 by Dennis F. Daniels Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Holloman, Charles R. Richard Caswell, militia officer and governor of North Carolina, was born at Joppa, then a flourishing seaport and the county seat of Baltimore County, Md. His parents were Richard Caswell and [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. Richard Caswell Governor: 1776-1780; 1784-1787 by Wilson Angley, Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, 2005; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, March [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Cherry, Mildred Stafford by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission from [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Morgan, Thomas S. Robert Gregg Cherry, post-World War II governor of North Carolina and speaker and long-time member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, was born at Catawba Junction, near York, S.C., to [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Hill, Michael. R. Gregg Cherry, a veteran of World War I, led the state through the closing months of World War II and the years of readjustment to a postwar economy, a period of general prosperity. The “Iron [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Iobst, Richard W. Henry Toole Clark was a lawyer, politician, enslaver, and one of the Confederate governors of North Carolina. He was born on his father's plantation on Walnut Creek near Tarboro. His [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. Henry Toole Clark (1808-1874) was the second of three chief executives to serve North Carolina during the Civil War. The son of Maj. James W. and Arabella Toole Clark, he was born on February 7, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Anderson, Brian. Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury, was a renowned English statesman who came to found the Whig Party in 18th century England and served as a Lord Proprietor of the Province of Carolina. [...] (from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Libraries.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Craig, Annie D.M. Burgin by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Meehan, James. Locke Craig, governor and legislator, was born in Bertie County of Scottish heritage. His paternal ancestors had come in 1749 from Ireland to Orange County, where they played an active role in the [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Hill, Michael. LOCKE CRAIG Governor: 1913-1917 by Michael Hill Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Price, William S., Jr. Robert Daniel, a prominent figure in the politics of both North Carolina and South Carolina, arrived in South Carolina from Barbados about April 1677 and took up warrants on 1,500 acres of land. He [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. The brief tenure of Robert Daniel (1646-1718) as North Carolina governor was marked with tension between Anglicans and non-Anglicans and between Indians and colonists. The tensions eventually erupted [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Robinson, Blackwell P. Davie, William Richardson by Blackwell P. Robinson, 1986; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, March 2023 22 June 1756–5 Nov. 1820 See also: William Richardson Davie, Research [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. William Richardson Davie (1756-1820), who had a distinguished record in the Revolution, guided the creation of the University of North Carolina and is known as the “Father of the University.” Born on [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Davis, Richard Beale. Arthur Dobbs, colonial governor of North Carolina, surveyor-general of Ireland, promoter of exploration for a Northwest Passage, and scholar and scientist, was a son of the Enlightenment and one of [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Wegner, Ansley Herring. Arthur Dobbs (1689-1765) arrived at his post as royal governor with the colonies on the brink of war and brought with him the instructions, money and supplies to get North Carolina involved in any [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Paschal, Herbert R., Jr. William Drummond, first governor of the County of Albemarle, was born in Scotland where he apparently received a sound education. He went to Virginia about 1637 as an indentured servant of Theodore [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. WILLIAM DRUMMOND Governor: 1665-1667 by Dennis F. Daniels Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Mcfarland, Daniel M. Dudley, Edward Bishop by Daniel M. McFarland, 1986; Revised by Jared Dease, Government and Heritage Library, December 2022 15 Dec. 1789–30 Oct. 1855 See also: Edward Bishop Dudley, [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. Edward Bishop Dudley (1789-1855) was the first governor of North Carolina elected by the vote of the people. He was born on December 15, 1789, a few miles north of Jacksonville in Onslow County. His [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Hill, Michael. The first chief executive inaugurated in the twenty-first century and the first born after World War II, Michael Francis Easley (1950- ) guided the state as it transitioned from an agricultural and [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Parker, Mattie E. E. Thomas Eastchurch (Esthurt), surveyor general in the North Carolina colony and speaker of the Assembly, was commissioned governor but died without taking office. Described by the Carolina Proprietors [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. Thomas Eastchurch (d. ca. January 1678) became Albemarle’s governor with cunning and the aid of the proprietary faction. Little is known about his family background; however, the Lords Proprietors [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Nash, Jaquelin Drane. Eden, Charles by Jaquelin Drane Nash, 1986 1673–26 Mar. 1722 See also Charles Eden, Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History Charles Eden, governor of North Carolina under the [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. Charles Eden (1673-1722) was governor of North Carolina during a period of progressive change. Although there are but a few surviving records generated by Eden personally, most of those [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Morgan, Thomas S. Ehringhaus, John Christoph Blucher by Thomas S. Morgan, 1986   See Also: Governor J.C.B Ehringhaus - Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, Matilda Ehringhaus 5 Feb. [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Hill, Michael. A fiscal conservative, John Christoph Blucher Ehringhaus (1882-1949) balanced the state’s budget during the worst economic crisis since Reconstruction while offering nominal if unenthusiastic support [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Ehringhaus, Matilda Bradford Haughton by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Tolbert, Noble J. John Willis Ellis, legislator, superior court judge, and governor, son of Anderson and Judith Bailey Ellis, was born in the section of eastern Rowan County that later became part of Davidson County. [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. John Willis Ellis (1820-1861) led North Carolina out of the Union and into the Confederacy. The son of Anderson and Judith Bailey Ellis, he was born on November 23, 1820, in eastern Rowan County [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. SIR RICHARD EVERARD Governor: 1725-1731 by Dennis F. Daniels Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Powell, William S. Everard, Sir Richard by William S. Powell, 1986 24 June 1683–17 Feb. 1733 See also: Sir Richard Everard, Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History Sir Richard Everard, governor, [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Agan, Kelly, Kemp, Amy. From colonial times to the present day, many women -- and one man -- have occupied the role of "first lady" or "first gentleman" to North Carolina's governors. And in a few cases where a wife [...] (from Government & Heritage Library, State Library of North Carolina.)

by Cross, Jerry L. The first governor to occupy the new Executive Mansion, Daniel Gould Fowle (1831-1891) died just over two years into his term of office. The fourth child of Samuel Richardson and Martha Marsh Fowle, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Fowle, Helen Whitaker (Knight) by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission from [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Mcfarland, Daniel M. Franklin, Jesse by Daniel M. McFarland, 1986 24 Mar. 1760–31 Aug. 1823 See also: Jesse Franklin, Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History Jesse Franklin, Revolutionary War [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. JESSE FRANKLIN Governor: 1820-1821 by Wilson Angley Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Gardner, Fay Lamar Webb by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission from [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Hill, Michael. O. Max Gardner (1882-1947), whose political organization dominated state politics for a generation, took office only months before the stock market crash of 1929 and responded to the economic crisis [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Watson, Richard L., Jr. Oliver Maxwell (O. Max) Gardner, attorney and governor, was born in Shelby. His father, Dr. Oliver Perry Gardner, had two children by his first wife and ten by his second, Margaret Young. Max was the [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Parker, Mattie E. E. John Gibbs (Gibbes, Gibs), acting governor, presumably was the John Gibbs of Norwich, England, whom the Proprietors of Carolina named to the nobility of their province, with the rank of cacique, on 9 [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Morton, Patrick, Butler, Lindley S. Gibbs's Rebellion in July 1690 was one of several rebellions and attempted coups in North Carolina's turbulent political environment during the Proprietary period. It occurred at the time of King [...] (from Encyclopedia of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. JOHN GIBBS Governor: 1689-1690 by Dennis F. Daniels Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Glenn, Cornelia G. "Nina" Deaderick by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Cotten, Alice R. Robert Brodnax Glenn, attorney, state political leader, and governor, was the son of Chalmers L. and Annie S. Dodge Glenn of Rockingham County. Chalmers Glenn, a tobacco planter and lawyer, became a [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Hill, Michael. While a champion of educational progress and railroad regulation, Governor Robert Brodnax Glenn (1854-1920) most effectively used the powers of his office to advance the cause of prohibition, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Powell, William S. William Glover, acting governor, councillor, and judge, moved to the Albemarle region of North Carolina prior to 1690 from Henrico County, Va., where he was a justice in 1688. He owned land there on [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. William Glover (d. prior to October 1712), an attorney, had a long career as a public servant, culminating his selection as acting deputy governor following the dismissal of Governor Thomas Cary. [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Case, Steven, Agan, Kelly. NCpedia has one and in many cases two articles for many of North Carolina's Governors. Many of these entries have been contributed by historians from the Research Branch at the NC Office of [...] (from NCpedia.)

by Williams, Max R. Graham, William Alexander by Max R. Williams, 1986; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, July 2023 5 Sept. 1804–11 Aug. 1875 See also: William Alexander Graham, Research [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. In addition to serving as governor, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of the Navy, William Alexander Graham (1804-1875) was the Whig nominee for Vice-President in 1852.  The son of Gen. Joseph and Isabella [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Butler, Lindley S. John Harvey, Proprietary governor of Albemarle, was probably born in Warwickshire, England, the son of Thomas and Mary Harvey who received a grant on Harvey's Neck, James City County, Va., in July [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. JOHN HARVEY Governor: 1679 by Dennis F. Daniels Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Parker, Mattie E. E. Thomas Harvey, deputy governor, Council member, and justice of the General Court and of the county court of Albemarle, was the son of John and Mary Harvey of the Heath, in Snitterfield Parish, [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. THOMAS HARVEY Governor: 1694-1699 by Dennis F. Daniels Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Price, William S., Jr. James Hasell, judge, councillor, and acting governor, was a native of Bristol, England, the son of James Hasell, a merchant. He served an apprenticeship in Bristol from 1714 to 1721. After [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Wegner, Ansley Herring. James Hasell (d. 1785) was the acting governor in the summer of 1771 after William Tryon departed for his new post in New York and while Josiah Martin was delayed due to illness. He served as [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Maupin, Armistead J. William Hawkins, lawyer and governor of North Carolina, was born at Pleasant Hill in Granville (now Vance) County, the oldest of seven sons of Philemon III and Lucy Davis Hawkins. He was the grandson [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. William Hawkins (1777-1819) was governor during the War of 1812. He was born in present-day Vance (then Granville) County on October 20, 1777, being one of twelve children of Philemon Hawkins III and [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Dunn, Charles. Luther Hartwell Hodges, businessman, lieutenant governor, governor, secretary of commerce, and civic leader, was born at Cascade, Pittsylvania County, Va., the son of John James and Lovicia Gammon [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Hill, Michael. After a career in business, Luther H. Hodges (1898-1974) made industrial development the hallmark of his administration and was instrumental in the establishment of the Research Triangle Park. The [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Hodges, Martha Elizabeth Blakeney by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Gatton, T. Harry. Clyde Roark Hoey, printer, newspaper publisher, state legislator, attorney general, governor, congressman, and U.S. senator, was born in Shelby, the fifth child of Mary Charlotte and Samuel Alberta [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Hill, Michael. Clyde R. Hoey (1877-1954) is remembered for his oratory, courtly manner, long white hair, and distinctive style of dress, replete with swallow-tail coat, striped pants, wing collar, high-topped [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Hoey, Margaret Elizabeth Gardner by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Raper, Horace W. Joseph William Holden, poet, newspaperman, and state political leader, was born in Raleigh, the son of William Woods and Ann Augusta Young Holden. He attended the Lovejoy School in Raleigh and later [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Raper, Horace W. Holden, William Woods by Horace W. Raper, 1988; Revised SLNC Government and Heritage Library, June 2023 24 Nov. 1818–2 Nov. 1892 See also: William Woods Holden, Research Branch, NC Office of [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. William Woods Holden (1818-1892), the illegitimate son of Thomas Holden and Priscilla Woods, was born on November 24, 1818, near Hillsborough. From age six, he lived with his father and stepmother, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Mcfarland, Daniel M. Gabriel Holmes, lawyer, governor, and congressman, was a native of Duplin (now Sampson) County. He attended Zion Parnassus Academy in Rowan County and for a time was a student at Harvard. Afterwards [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. GABRIEL HOLMES Governor: 1821-1824 by Wilson Angley Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Hill, Michael. JAMES EUBERT HOLSHOUSER, JR. 1934 Oct. 8 - 2013 June 17 Governor: 1973-1977 by Michael Hill Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Holshouser, Patricia Ann Hollingsworth by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Holt, Louisa Matilda Moore by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission from [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Holt, Rachel Y. Thomas Michael Holt, textile manufacturer, legislator, and governor, was born at Locust Grove in Alamance (formerly Orange) County, near the site where the Regulators fought in 1771. He was the [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. Taking office upon the unexpected death of Governor Daniel G. Fowle, Thomas Michael Holt (1831-1896) employed skills developed as a textile leader to captain the ship of state. The second of Edwin [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Johnson, Elmer D. Rednap Howell, "poet of the Regulators," moved to North Carolina from New Jersey, probably in the early 1760s. He settled first in present Chatham County, then moved about 1768 to what is now [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Hill, Michael. JAMES BAXTER HUNT, JR. Governor: 1977-1985; 1993-2001 by Michael Hill Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Hunt, Carolyn Joyce Leonard by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission from [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Paschal, Herbert R., Jr. Edward Hyde, first to hold the office of governor of North Carolina, was probably born at the family estate of Norbury Manor in Cheshire County, England. He inherited the family manors of Norbury and [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. Edward Hyde (1667-1712) was the first Governor of the colony of North Carolina separate and distinct from South Carolina. His brief tenure was dominated by turmoil and violence owing to a revolt led [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Angley, Wilson. James Iredell Jr. (1788-1853) was born in Edenton on November 2, 1788, to parents of the highest social and political standing. His father, James Iredell Sr., was a prominent Federalist leader and [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Crabtree, Beth G. James Iredell, Jr., U.S. senator, North Carolina governor, general of state militia, and Superior Court judge, was born in Edenton. His father was James Iredell, Sr., well-known jurist and member of [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Mills, Jerry Leath. "It's a Damn Long Time between Drinks" is the famous statement allegedly made by North Carolina governor John Motley Morehead during a tense visit from South Carolina governor James H. Hammond in the [...] (from Encyclopedia of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Parker, June Dunn. Thomas Jarvis, landowner, member of the Grand Council, and deputy governor of the Albemarle, was one of the earliest settlers in the Carolinas. His birthplace, birthdate, and parents are unknown [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. THOMAS JARVIS Governor: 1691-1694 by Dennis F. Daniels Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, 2005; Revised October [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Parker, June Dunn. Thomas Jordan Jarvis, teacher, lawyer, lieutenant governor, governor, ambassador to Brazil, and U.S. senator, was born in Jarvisburg, Currituck County, the son of Elizabeth Daley and Bannister Hardy [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. THOMAS JORDAN JARVIS Governor: 1879-1885 by Jerry L. Cross Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Butler, Lindley S. John Jenkins, Proprietary governor of Albemarle County, was born in England and may have been the John Jenkins who was graduated from Clare College, Cambridge, in 1642. On 14 May 1653, he patented [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. John Jenkins (d. December 17, 1681) served more times as proprietary governor than any other person, taking the seat no less than four times. He achieved power with the backing of the [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Nash, Jaquelin Drane. Gabriel Johnston, second royal governor of North Carolina, was born in Southdean, Borders Region, Scotland, where he was baptized on 28 Feb. 1698, the son of the Reverend Samuel and Isobel Hall [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Wegner, Ansley Herring. Gabriel Johnston (ca. 1698-17 July 1752) served longer than any Governor in North Carolina’s history, eighteen years. Even more remarkable is that, due to problems collecting the quitrents that paid [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Bair, Anna Withers. Johnston, Samuel by Anna Withers Bair, 1988; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, February 2023 15 Dec. 1733–17 Aug. 1816 See also: Samuel Johnston, Research Branch, NC Office of [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. SAMUEL JOHNSTON Governor: 1787-1789 by Wilson Angley, Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, 2007; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, March [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by London, Lawrence F. Edward Jones, legislator and lawyer, was born in Lisburn, Ireland. He was the second son of Dr. Conway and Mary Wray Todd Jones and the brother of William Todd Jones, the Irish patriot. On his [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Kitchin, Sue Musette Satterfield by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Hill, Michael. WILLIAM WALTON KITCHIN Governor: 1909-1913 by Christopher Meekins Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. RALPH LANE Governor: 1585-1586 by Dennis F. Daniels Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by . Extraído de Libro de hechos de El Viejo Estado del Norte. La propiedad literaria 2011 por la Oficina de Archivos e Historia de Carolina del Norte, Departamento de Recursos Culturale de [...] (from NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Derohan, Geoffrey A. Jacob Elmer Long, lieutenant governor, legislator, and attorney, was born in Yanceyville, the son of Jacob A. and Esta Teague Long. He received his early schooling at Graham College (1888–90) and [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Parker, Mattie E. E. Philip Ludwell, governor of North Carolina, governor of South Carolina, and Council member, secretary of state, and speaker of the House of Burgesses in Virginia, was the son of Thomas and Jane [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. Philip Ludwell (ca. 1638-1723) was a career public servant who served both Virginia and Carolina. In Virginia, Ludwell was a secretary of state, commander of the militia, and a member of the House of [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Mitchell, Memory F. Charles Manly, lawyer, governor, and treasurer of The University of North Carolina, was born in Chatham County. His father was Basil Manly, a native Marylander of Scottish ancestry who served in the [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. Charles Manly (1795-1871) presided over the decline and fall of the Whig Party in North Carolina. The son of Basil and Elizabeth Maultsby Manly, he was born on May 13, 1795 at Oak Mont, the family [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Angley, Wilson. Alexander Martin (ca. 1739-1807) served nonconsecutive terms as governor in the late eighteenth century. He was born in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, the eldest son of Hugh Martin and the former Jane [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Martin, Dorothy Ann McAulay by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission from [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Hill, Michael. The election of Republican James G. Martin (1935- ) to two consecutive four-year terms as governor reflected the fact that North Carolina was no longer a one-party state. A political moderate and the [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Stumpf, Vernon O. Josiah Martin, last royal governor of North Carolina, was born in Dublin, Ireland, the son of Colonel Samuel and Sarah Wyke Irish Martin of Greencastle, Antigua, West Indies. He was a scion of the [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Wegner, Ansley Herring. Josiah Martin (1737-1786), the last royal governor of North Carolina, aroused sentiment for independence in North Carolina through his inflexible loyalty to the crown. He was born in April 1737 in [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Underwood, Evelyn. Angus Wilton McLean, lawyer, businessman, and governor, was born on a farm in Robeson County, the son of Archibald Alexander and Caroline Amanda Purcell McLean and a descendant of a proud line of [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Hill, Michael. ANGUS WILTON McLEAN Governor: 1925-1929 by Michael Hill Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. McLean, Margaret Jones French by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Bell, John L., Jr. McRae, John Jones by John L. Bell, Jr., 1991; Revised by Jared Dease, Government and Heritage Library, December 2022 10 Jan. 1815–31 May 1868 John Jones McRae, [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Powell, William S. Mercer, George by William S. Powell, 1991 23 June 1733–Apr. 1784 George Mercer, Virginia officer and lieutenant governor of [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. Thomas Miller (d. ca. 1685) served as Albemarle’s governor for about six months in 1677, during which time his government was overthrown in an uprising known as Culpeper’s Rebellion. Miller [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Mcarver, Charles H., Jr. William Miller, governor, legislator, and diplomatic agent, was born in Warren County, the second son of Thomas Miller, Jr., and his first wife, who appears to have been a daughter of Allen Love of [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. After his term as governor, William Miller (ca. 1783-1825) was appointed to a diplomatic position in Central America but died en route to taking up the post. Born in Warren County, he was the second [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Hill, Michael. With years of experience on the bench, Dan K. Moore (1906-1986) brought to the Governor’s Office during the turbulent 1960s a calm, judicial temperament and a moderately conservative approach to [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Rodenbough, Charles D. Moore, Gabriel by Charles D. Rodenbough, 1991 1785–6 Aug. 1844 Gabriel Moore, congressman, U.S. senator, and governor of Alabama, was born in Surry [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Moore, Jeanelle Coulter by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission from [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Kearney, H. Thomas, Jr. Morehead, John Motley by H. Thomas Kearney, Jr., 1991; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, March 2023 4 July 1796–27 Aug. 1866 See also: Blandwood, John Motley Morehead, [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. JOHN MOTLEY MOREHEAD Governor: 1841-1845 by Jerry L. Cross Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Morrison, Angelia Lawrance (Harris) by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Hill, Michael. In a public career spanning fifty years, Cameron Morrison (1869-1953) served as United States Senator and Representative as well as governor, but is best remembered for highway and school [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Morrison, Sara Virginia Ecker Watts by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Poteat, RaeLana. In 1663 Charles II, king of England, granted a large swath of land, part of which would become the state of North Carolina, to eight noblemen who had helped him regain the throne. (The area's name, [...] (from Tar Heel Junior Historian, NC Museum of History.)

by Nash, Jaquelin Drane. Nash, Abner by Jaquelin Drane Nash, 1991; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, March 2023 ca. 1740–2 Dec. 1786 See also: Abner Nash, Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. ABNER NASH Governor: 1780-1781 by Wilson Angley Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Tyner, David H. William Calhoun Newland, lawyer, legislator, and lieutenant governor, was born near Marion in McDowell County. The Newland family had immigrated to the American colonies from Wales, and William [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Hill, Michael. While it is common to find towns and counties in North Carolina named for Governors who held office prior to 1900, it is unlikely those places will be renamed for more recent Governors. Today, former [...] (from Tar Heel Junior Historian, NC Museum of History.)

by Owen, Guy. John Owen, farmer, politician, and governor, was born in Bladen County of Welsh ancestry, the son of Eleanor Porterfield and Colonel Thomas Owen, one of the leaders of the Battle of Elizabethtown in [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. John Owen (1787-1841) presided over advances in internal improvements and education while governor and, post-term, turned down an offer to be the Whig vice-presidential candidate. Born in Bladen [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Powell, William S. John L. Pennington, newspaper editor and governor of the Dakota Territory, was born in Wake County, N.C. The names of his parents seem not to be recorded, but he probably was the son of John [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Gass, W. Conard. Thomas Pollock, lawyer, planter, colonial official, and acting governor of the colony of North Carolina, was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and a descendant of Pollok of Balgra, Renfrewshire, [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. Thomas Pollock (1654-1722), one of North Carolina’s wealthiest and largest landowners during the proprietary period, served as chief executive following the deaths of Governors Edward Hyde and [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Stumpf, Vernon O. William Reed, acting governor, president of the Council, Proprietor's deputy, Church of England vestryman, and Virginia–North Carolina boundary commissioner, probably came to the colony from England. [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. WILLIAM REED Governor: 1722-1724 by Dennis F. Daniels Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Butler, Lindley S. David Settle Reid, antebellum governor and U.S. senator, was the son of Reuben and Elizabeth Settle Reid of Rockingham County. He was the nephew of Thomas Settle, Sr., U.S. congressman and superior [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. David Settle Reid (19 April 1813-18 June 1891), in addition to being governor, served in both houses of Congress; his long political career extended beyond the era of Reconstruction. The oldest son [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Powell, William S. William Cary Renfrow, governor of Oklahoma Territory, was born in Smithfield, the son of Perry and Lucinda Hawkins Atkinson Rentfrow [sic ]. After attending local schools young Renfrow volunteered [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Price, William S., Jr. Nathaniel Rice, colonial official, entered North Carolina from England early in 1731. Previously (ca. 1725) he had visited and acquired property in South Carolina. Rice carried with him commissions [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Wegner, Ansley Herring. Nathaniel Rice (d. January 1753) came to North Carolina from England in 1731 with commissions as royal councillor and provincial secretary. He had procured these through the influence of his [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Bromberg, Alan B. James Lowrie Robinson, legislator, lieutenant governor, and railroad champion, was born in Franklin, Macon County, the son of James, a merchant and native of Tennessee, and Matilda Lowrie Robinson, a [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Stephens, H. Kenneth, II. Matthew Rowan, colonial official and acting governor, of Scottish descent but born in Ireland, was the son of the Reverend John Rowan and his wife, Margaret Stewart of County Antrim, Ireland. It is [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Wegner, Ansley Herring. Matthew Rowan (d. April 1760), longtime member of the executive council, became President of the Council and acting governor upon the death of Nathaniel Rice and served in that capacity for nearly [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Bullock, J. Marshall. Hiram George Runnels, governor of Mississippi, was born in Hancock County, Georgia. His family later moved to Mississippi in 1810. His father, Harmon Runnels, had served with the Continental [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. Daniel Lindsay Russell, Jr. (1845-1908) was elected to office by the uneasy “Fusion” alliance of Republicans and Populists in the bitter and racially charged election of 1896. The “Maverick [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Evans, William Mckee. Russell, Daniel Lindsay by William McKee Evans, 1994 7 Aug. 1845–14 May 1908 See also: Daniel Lindsay Russell, Jr., Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, Sarah [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Russell, Sarah Amanda Sanders by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001; Revised by Jared Dease, [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Powell, William S. Ruth, Earl Baker by William S. Powell, 1994 7 Feb. 1916–15 Aug. 1989 Earl Baker Ruth, congressman, college professor, and governor [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Sanford, Margaret Rose Knight by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by . Terry Sanford (1917-1998), the youngest governor since Charles B. Aycock and the first born in the twentieth century, heralded a “New Day” for the state in his inaugural address. He was elected the [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Downs, Alan C. Alfred Moore Scales, lawyer, legislator, congressman, soldier, governor, and banker, was born in Reidsville, Rockingham County. His parents were Robert H. Scales, whose father, Nathaniel, was a [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. Alfred Moore Scales (1827-1892) served with distinction in the Confederate army, in the legislature, and in Congress before his election as governor in 1884.  The son of Robert and Jane Bethel [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Scott, Jessie Rae Osborne by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission from [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Scott, Mary Elizabeth White by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission from [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Hill, Michael. ROBERT WALTER SCOTT Governor: 1969-1973 by Michael Hill Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Stewart, Alva W. Scott, William Kerr by A. W. Stewart, 1994; Revised by NC Government & Heritage Library, May 2022 17 Apr. 1896–16 Apr. 1958 See also: William Kerr Scott, Research Branch, NC Office of [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Hill, Michael. Agricultural leader and champion of rural North Carolinians or, as his supporters were known, the “Branchhead Boys,” W. Kerr Scott (1896-1958) inaugurated a new era of progressive reforms, chief [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by McCraw, Paul L. The Shelby Dynasty, a political machine named for its locus in the town of Shelby, controlled state government for 20 years (1929-49) after gaining power with the 1928 election of Governor O. Max [...] (from Encyclopedia of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Grant, Dorothy F. Smith, Benjamin by Dorothy Fremont Grant, 1994; Revised by Jared Dease, Government and Heritage Library, January 2023 10 Jan. 1756–26 Jan. 1826 See also: Benjamin Smith, Research Branch, NC [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. Benjamin Smith (1756-1826) owned what is now Bald Head Island and was once known as Smith’s Island. Born on January 10, 1756, in present-day Brunswick (then New Hanover) County, he came from a family [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Parker, Mattie E. E. The plan discussed in Shaftesbury's letter was never executed, probably because Sothel found a more promising opportunity in North Carolina. About October 1677 he became one of the Lords Proprietors [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. SETH SOTHEL Governor: 1678; 1682-1689 by Dennis F. Daniels Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Wegner, Ansley Herring. Richard Dobbs Spaight Jr. (1796-1850) was the son of Richard Dobbs Spaight, governor from 1792 to 1795, and was the last governor to be elected by the General Assembly. His mother was the former Mary [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Carraway, Gertrude S. Spaight, Richard Dobbs by Gertrude S. Carraway, 1994; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, March 2023 25 Mar. 1758–6 Sept. 1802 See also: Richard Dobbs Spaight, Research Branch, [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Carraway, Gertrude S. Spaight, Richard Dobbs, Jr. by Gertrude S. Carraway, 1994; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, March 2023 1796–17 Nov. 1850 See also: Richard Dobbs Spaight, Jr., Research [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. Richard Dobbs Spaight (1758-1802), a signer of the United States Constitution and the first native-born governor, was the father of Richard Dobbs Spaight Jr., who served as governor, 1835-1836. Of [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Bell-Kite, Diana. The Stanly-Spaight Duel by Diana Bell-Kite NC Museum of History, [...] (from North Carolina Museum of History.)

by Parker, Mattie E. E. Stephens (Stevens), Samuel by Mattie Erma E. Parker, 1994 ca. 1629–70 See also: Samuel Stephens, Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History Samuel Stephens (Stevens), governor of [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. SAMUEL STEPHENS Governor: 1662-1664; 1667-1670 by Dennis F. Daniels Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Mcfarland, Daniel M. Montfort Stokes, Revolutionary veteran, U.S. senator, governor, and Indian commissioner, was born in Lunenburg County, Va., the eleventh child of David and Sarah Montfort Stokes of Halifax County, [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. Montfort Stokes (1762-1842) served in the U.S. Senate prior to his term as governor, a post from which he resigned in 1832 to accept President’s Andrew Jackson’s appointment as chairman of a federal [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Taylor, Melonie Johnson. David Stone, governor, congressman, senator, legislator, and justice, was born in Bertie County of English ancestry. He was the son of Zedekiah and Elizabeth Shivers (or Shriver) Hobson Stone. His [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. DAVID STONE Governor: 1808-1810 by Wilson Angley Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Angley, Wilson. David Lowry Swain (1801-1868) had a long tenure as president of the University of North Carolina (1835-1868) after his service as the state’s chief executive. He was born in Buncombe County on [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Dease, Jared, Putt, Alyssa. The Regulator Movement By Jared Dease and Alyssa Putt, 2022 From the NCPedia K-8 Collection See also: The Regulator Movement on NCPedia, The Regulators Chapter on [...] (from NCpedia K-8 Collection.)

by Dill, Alonzo T. William Tryon, professional soldier and governor of the province of North Carolina and New York on the eve of the Revolution, was born at Norbury Park in Surrey, England. His father was Charles [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Wegner, Ansley Herring. William Tryon (1729-January 27, 1788), royal governor of both North Carolina and New York, served the two colonies during times of controversy and conflict. Tryon was born in Surrey, England, to [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Powell, William S. Tilghman Mayfield Tucker, congressman and governor of Mississippi, was born near Lime Stone Springs, the son of John, a farmer, and Margaret Mayfield Tucker. The family moved to Mississippi when he [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Parker, Roy, Jr. Turner, James by Roy Parker, Jr., 1996; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, January 2023 20 Dec. 1766–15 Jan. 1824 See also: James Turner, Research Branch, NC Office of Archives [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. James Turner (1766-1824) was a friend and ally of United States Senator Nathaniel Macon. Turner was born on December 20, 1766, in present-day Warren (then Bute) County, the son of Thomas and Rebecca [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Ham, Marie Sharpe, Blake, Debra A., Morris, C. Edward. Umstead, Merle Holland Davis by Marie Sharpe Ham, Debra A. Blake, and C. Edward Morris. Excerpted from North Carolina's First Ladies, 1891-2001, copyright 2001. Reprinted with permission from [...] (from North Carolina's First Ladies: 1891-2001, North Carolina Historical Publications.)

by Stewart, Alva W. Umstead, William Bradley by A. W. Stewart, 1996; Revised by SLNC Government and Heritage Library, June 2023 13 May 1895–7 Nov. 1954 See also: William Bradley Umstead, Research Branch, NC [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Hill, Michael. A veteran of both houses of the United States Congress, William B. Umstead (1895-1954) suffered a heart attack two days after his inauguration as governor and spent much of his twenty-two month term [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Barrett, John G. Zebulon Baird Vance, Confederate soldier, governor of North Carolina, congressman, and U.S. senator, was the third child and second son of David and Mira Baird Vance. He was born in the old homestead [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. ZEBULON BAIRD VANCE Governor: 1862-1865; 1877-1879 by Jerry L. Cross Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Parker, Mattie E. E. Walker, Henderson by Mattie Erma E. Parker, 1996; Revised by Jared Dease, Government and Heritage Library, January 2023 ca. 1659–14 Apr. 1704 See also Henderson Walker, Research Branch, NC [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. HENDERSON WALKER Governor: 1699-1703 by Dennis F. Daniels Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Quinn, David B. White, John by David B. Quinn, 1996 fl. 1577–93 See also: John White, Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History; Art of John White John White, colonizer and artist, who was [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. JOHN WHITE Governor: 1587-1590 by Dennis F. Daniels Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History, [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Daniels, Dennis F. The Lords Proprietors commissioned Captain Henry Wilkinson (b. ca. 1620) as governor of Albemarle in November 1680 with the hope that he would restore peace. Wilkinson made all the preparations to [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Carraway, Gertrude S. Benjamin Williams, governor, congressman, and soldier, was the son of Colonel John and Ferebee Savage Pugh Williams of Craven County. A maternal ancestor, Thomas Savage, on 2 Jan. 1608 joined the [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Angley, Wilson. Benjamin Williams (1 January 1751-20 July 1814) served as governor in nonconsecutive terms. Born in Johnston County on January 1, 1751, he was son of John Williams and the former Ferebee Pugh. [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Butler, Lindley S. Williams, Robert by Lindley S. Butler, 1996; Revised by Jared Dease, Government and Heritage Library, January 2023 ca. 1770–25 Jan. 1836 See also:  Williams, Lewis; Williams, [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by White, Christopher Lewis. Warren Winslow, governor of North Carolina, congressman, and lawyer, was born and raised in Fayetteville, the son of John, magistrate of Fayetteville, and Caroline Martha Winslow. He had one brother, [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Cross, Jerry L. Warren Winslow (1810-1862) served as governor for less than one month, the shortest term of any of the state’s chief executives. The son of John and Caroline Martha Winslow, he was born in [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Cross, Jerry L. Jonathan Worth (1802-1869) found his Quaker upbringing and temperament tested by the trials of Reconstruction. The first of Dr. David and Eunice Gardner Worth’s twelve children, Jonathan Worth was [...] (from Research Branch, NC Office of Archives and History.)

by Butler, Lindley S., Paschal, Herbert R., Jr. Yeamans, Sir John by Lindley S. Butler and Herbert R. Paschal, 1996 February 1611–August 1674 Sir John Yeamans, Proprietary governor of Carolina and landgrave, was born in Bristol, England, [...] (from Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, University of North Carolina Press.)

by Tate, David. Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace, a North Carolina State Historic Site established in 1955 and located 12 miles northeast of Asheville on Reems Creek Road near Weaverville, serves as a memorial to North [...] (from Encyclopedia of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Press.)