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David Lowry SwainJanuary
4, 1801
| Born in Buncombe County in
January 4, 1801, David Lowry Swain was the
youngest state governor at the time of his
election. He served for two consecutive terms
from 1832 to 1835. His political career included
five years as a state legislator, a period as
teacher at and president of the University of
North Carolina, and advisor to later governors
Vance and Worth. During Governor Swain's term in
the governor's office, the foundation for the new
Capitol was laid, the prior State House having
being destroyed by fire. While a state
legislator, he was influential in getting a bill
passed to construct the French Broad Turnpike as
a route to open western North Carolina to
commerce. As university president, he obtained
additional operating funds and guided an
enrollment increase from ninety to 500 students.
In the following years he worked as the state
agent for the collection of historical material
and compiled a documentary history of the state
which was published as the colonial and state
records. He founded the State Historical Society,
which was the first significant historical museum.
During the period of and immediately after the
War Between the States, he was able to keep the
University open for students until 1868, when he
was forced to close the doors. He is buried in
historic Oakwood Cemetery. |
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