Thomas Jarvis

Thomas Jarvis

Thomas J. Jarvis, Oil on canvas, 35 1/8" x 28 1/8," Artist Unknown

The portrait of Thomas Jarvis (1836-1915) was given to Duke University by his wife (Mary Woodson Jarvis) in 1916 as a memorial. "For many years [Governor Jarvis] was a member of the board of trustees; and it was he who delivered the address at the laying of the cornerstone of the first Duke building." A dorm on East Campus, Jarvis Hall, is named in his honor. Mr. Jarvis pursued many different professions in his lifetime including: teacher, lawyer, businessman, Governor of North Carolina, ambassador to Brazil, and U.S. Senator.