Famous People

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 (420)

John Coltrane (1926 - 1967) Tenor and soprano saxophonist, bandleader, and composer; Known for his jazz music. Born in Hamlet, NC (415)

Elizabeth Hanford Dole (1936 - ) Secretary of Transportation (1983 - 87) and Labor (1989 - 90) and president of the American Red Cross (1990 - ). Born in Salisbury, Rowan County, NC (416)

Ava Gardner (1922 - 1990) Became a Hollywood star and acted in more than 20 films by the age of 28. Born in Brogden, NC (426)

Andy Griffith (1926 - ) Actor made famous in television shows such as The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. Born in Mount Airy, NC (417)

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 (425)

Herman Lay (1909 - 1982) An American businessman who became the owner of the Frito-Lay Company. Born in Charlotte, NC (421)

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 (427)

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 (423)

Hiram R. Revels (1827 - 1901) Clergyman, first African American to sit in the U.S. Senate (1870 - 1871). Born in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, NC (311)

Hiram Rhoades Revels (1822 - 1901) First African-American member of the United States Congress. Born in Fayetteville, NC (424)