DAVID STONE was born in Bertie County, North Carolina on February 17, 1770. His education was attained at Windsor Academy, and at Princeton University, where he graduated in 1788 with honors. He went on to study law, and then established his legal career in Halifax. Stone first entered politics as a member of the state convention that ratified the federal constitution in 1789. From 1791 to 1794 he served as a member of the North Carolina House of Commons; and from 1974 to 1798 he served on the North Carolina Superior Court bench. He also served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1799 to 1801; was a member of the U.S. Senate from 1801 to 1807; and served again on the North Carolina Superior Court from 1807 to 1808. Stone next won election to the governorship on November 28, 1808. He went on to win reelection annually until 1809. During his tenure, the state’s agricultural industry was promoted; transportation advancements were supported; and improvements to the educational system were lobbied for. After completing his term, Stone won reelection to the North Carolina House of Commons, a position he held from 1811 to 1812. In 1813 he was reelected to the U.S. Senate, where he served until 1814. Governor David Stone passed away on October 7, 1818, and was buried in the family graveyard on the banks of the Neuse River, near Raleigh, North Carolina.