National Governors Association

Born: March 1, 1898
Died: January 16, 1975
Birth State: West Virginia
Party: Democrat
Family: Married Isabel Hedges Wood; three children
Religion: Presbyterian
School(s): Washington and Lee University

Periods in Office:	From:	January 18, 1937
	To:	January 13, 1941

State Web Site

Military Service: Army

War(s) Served: World War I

HOMER ADAMS HOLT was born in Lewisburg, West Virginia. After receiving an A.B. and an LL.B. from Washington and Lee University, he enlisted as an Army private but was promoted to Second Lieutenant in the Coast Artillery during World War I. He went on to teach mathematics and law at Washington and Lee from 1920 to 1925, and then practiced law before being elected Attorney General of West Virginia in 1932, a position that he held until running for governor. During his gubernatorial administration, a modern parole and probation system was established and distribution of state aid to schools was improved. After completing his term as governor, Holt returned to the practice of law and held various executive positions with Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation. In addition, he served as President of the Charleston Area Medical Center, as trustee and a member of the executive committee of Washington and Lee University, and as President of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

Sources:

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 4. Westport, CT: Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography, Vol G. New York: James T. White & Company.

West Virginia Archives and History