William Walton Kitchin Sr. (1866-1924)

U.S. Congressman, North Carolina Governor. He attended Vine Hill Academy, graduated from Wake Forest College in 1884, and was editor of the Scotland Neck Democrat in 1885. He studied law at the University of North Carolina, was admitted to the bar in 1887 and commenced to practice law in Roxboro, North Carolina, in 1889. Entering politics, he was elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-fifth Congress and to the next five succeeding Congresses, serving from 1897-1909. In 1909, he was elected as a Democrat the 52nd North Carolina Governor, serving until 1913. As governor, he increased expenditures for public education and services for public health oversaw expansion of railroads and increased stability of the state's banks. After leaving office, he resumed the practice of law until his death.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith