Some Notable North Carolinians

Caleb Bradham (1867 - 1934) Pharmacist from New Bern, North Carolina, created the first Pepsi-Cola for dyspepsia, or indigestion. In 1902 Bradham began bottling the soft drink in the back room of his drugstore. Born in Chinquapin, NC John Coltrane (1926 - 1967) Tenor and soprano saxophonist, bandleader, and composer; Known for his jazz music. Born in Hamlet, NC Ava Gardner (1922 - 1990) Became a Hollywood star and acted in more than 20 films by the age of 28. Born in Brogden, NC Andy Griffith (1926 - ) Actor made famous in television shows such as The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. Born in Mount Airy, NC Andrew Johnson (1808 - 1875) Started his career as a tailor's apprentice in Raleigh, North Carolina and rose to lead in the reuniting of the nation as the seventeenth President of the United States. Born in Raleigh, NC

Herman Lay (1909 - 1982) An American businessman who became the owner of the Frito-Lay Company. Born in Charlotte, NC James K. Polk (1795 - 1849) Eleventh President of the United States; He served from 1845-1849 and was the last strong pre-Civil War president. Born in Mecklenburg County, NC William Sydney Porter (1862 - 1910) Writer who used the pen name O. Henry; He has written over 400 short stories that are known for their wit and twist endings. Born in Greensboro, NC Hiram R. Revels (1827 - 1901) Clergyman, first African American to sit in the U.S. Senate (1870 - 1871). Born in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, NC Hiram Rhoades Revels (1822 - 1901) First African-American member of the United States Congress. Born in Fayetteville, NC