Thomas Walter Bickett

Thomas Walter Bickett
54th Governor of North Carolina
In office January 11, 1917 – January 12, 1921
Lieutenant	Oliver Max Gardner
Preceded by	Locke Craig
Succeeded by	Cameron A. Morrison
Attorney General of North Carolina
In office 1909–1917
Preceded by	Robert D. Gilmer
Succeeded by	James S. Manning
Member of the North Carolina General Assembly
Personal details
Born	Thomas Walter Bickett February 28, 1869 Monroe, North Carolina
Died	December 28, 1921 (aged 52) Raleigh, North Carolina
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Fannie Yarborough
Children	3
Alma mater	Wake Forest University
Profession	Lawyer, politician

Thomas Walter Bickett (February 28, 1869 – December 28, 1921) was the 54th Governor of the U.S. state of North Carolina from 1917 to 1921. He was born in Monroe, North Carolina.

Bickett was a graduate of Wake Forest College. Prior to being elected Governor, Bickett practiced law in Louisburg, represented Franklin County in the North Carolina General Assembly and then served as North Carolina Attorney General for two terms (1909–1917).

In 1916, Bickett became the first state governor who was nominated by means of a Democratic Party primary election (in which he defeated Lt. Gov. Elijah L. Daughtridge).^[1] Under Bickett's leadership, the state saw improvements in child welfare, public health, electricity, and running water. He persuaded the legislature to establish the state's first income tax.^[2] He also had to lead the state through World War I.

Walter Bickett Elementary in Monroe, NC (where he was born) is named for him.

Notes

1. "Our Campaigns - NC Governor - D Primary Race - Jun 03, 1916". ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
2. News & Observer

External links

• North Carolina Historical Marker