Zebulon Baird Vance

Zebulon Baird Vance (May 13,1830--April 14,1894) was an American Civil War hero and three-time Governor of North Carolina. A prodigious writer, Vance became one of the most influential southern leaders of the Civil War and post-bellum periods.

Childhood

Zebulon Vance was born on May 13, 1830, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, the third of eight children. His family is known to have owned some slaves. At age twelve he was sent to study at Washington College in Tennessee, now known as Washington College Academy. The death of his father forced Vance to withdraw and return home at the age of fourteen. It was during this time that he began to court the well-bred Miss Harriet Espy by letter.

Related Topics:
May 13 - 1830 - Buncombe County, North Carolina - Slaves - Tennessee - Washington College Academy

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In order to improve his standing, Vance determined to go to law school. At the age of twenty-one he wrote the President of the University of North Carolina, former Governor David L. Swain, and asked for a loan so that he could attend law school. Governor Swain arranged for a $300 loan from the university, and Vance performed admirably. By 1852 Vance had begun practicing law in Asheville, and was soon elected county solicitor. By 1853, he and Harriet Espy were married, and they would subsequently have four sons.

Related Topics:
University of North Carolina - David L. Swain - 1852 - Asheville - Solicitor - 1853

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