THOMAS M. HOLT, the forty-seventh governor of North Carolina, was born in Alamance County, North Carolina on July 15, 1831. His education was attained at the Caldwell Institute, and at the University of North Carolina, where he studied for one year. After working in the mercantile industry in Philadelphia, Holt returned home and went into business with his father, eventually establishing the successful Thomas M. Holt Manufacturing Company. Holt first entered politics, as a county commissioner and magistrate. He also served as a member of the North Carolina State Senate from 1876 to 1877; was a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from 1883 to 1887; and served as the lieutenant governor of North Carolina from 1889 to 1891. On April 7, 1891 Governor Daniel G. Fowle died in office, and Holt, who was the lieutenant governor at the time, assumed the duties of the governorship. During his tenure, a state department of agriculture was created; three state colleges were formed; and the state deficit was cut. After running unsuccessfully for reelection, Holt retired from political life. He continued to stay involved with educational issues, as well as serving as a trustee board member for the University of North Carolina and for Davidson College. Governor Thomas M. Holt passed away on April 11, 1896, and was buried somewhere in Alamance County.