History of Haw River, (Alamance County) North Carolina United States of America

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Thomas Michael Holt, governor of North Carolina, was born in Alamance county, N.C., July 15, 1831; son of Edwin M. (1807-84), and Emily (Farish) Holt, and grandson of Michael Holt and of Thomas and Fannie (Banks) Farish. He was prepared for college at Caldwell institute, Hillsboro, N.C., and entered the sophomore class of the University of North Carolina in June, 1849, but was not graduated. As he had decided to devote his life to mercantile and manufacturing pursuits, he was sent to Philadelphia to learn mercantile business, and afterward became associated with his father in cotton manufacturing, which grew to be one of the most important enterprises of the state. He was married in 1855, to Louise, daughter of Samuel and Mary A. B. Moore. He was elected a county commissioner in 1879 and 1874; a state senator in 1876; and a member of the state house of representatives in 1882, 1884 and 1886, being speaker in 1884. He became a director in the North Carolina railroad company in 1869, and was president of the company, 1876-96. In 1888 he was elected lieutenant governor of North Carolina, presiding over the state senate in the sessions of 1889-91, and on the death of Governor Fowle, April 8, 1891, he became acting governor, serving until 1893, when he was succeeded by Elias Carr. He was a trustee of Davidson college and of the University of North Carolina, 1883-96, and president and chief financial supporter of the State Agricultural society, 1872-96. He received the degree of LL.D. from the University of North Carolina in 1895. He died at Haw River, N.C., April 11, 1896.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Haw River, (Alamance County) North Carolina

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