John Sandlin Hargett

John Sandlin Hargett. Image Source: From the News and Observer, May 9, 1936, p. 8.

John S. Hargett served on the ECTC board from 1926–1930, helping to guide the teachers college through an unprecedented era of expansion in campus size, faculty numbers, and student enrollment. Most importantly, Hargett’s tenure coincided with ECTC’s assumption of greater importance than ever before as a major producer of highly certified public-school teachers. As a trustee, Hargett also witnessed young men returning to campus as the onset of the Great Depression in late 1929 prompted many families to look for less expensive options in higher education for their sons. ECTC was a major beneficiary on this count, accommodating an increasing number during the 1930s.

Hargett was born in Richlands, Onslow County, in 1874. He later moved to Trenton in Jones County where he soon rose to prominence in Democratic Party politics in eastern North Carolina. He was elected sheriff of Jones County and twice elected state senator, representing Carteret, Craven, Onslow, Greene, Lenoir, and Jones counties. He served in that capacity from 1920-1928. In 1929, Governor O. Max Gardner (1882–1949) appointed Hargett to the N. C. Department of Conservation and Development as assistant director in charge of inland fisheries. Hargett served in that capacity until 1934 when state budget cuts forced the department to consolidate positions, resulting in Hargett’s retirement from the state office

Sources

• “Big Increase in Fishing Licenses.” News and Observer. July 17, 1929. P. 18.
• “College Board Holds Session: Takes Steps Looking to Putting in Effect Building Work at Greenville.” News and Observer. April 15, 1927. P. 11.
• “Counties Require Anglers’ License: Action Taken By 16 Counties To Date After State Fishing Law Amended.” News and Observer. April 4, 1929. P. 3.
• “J. S. Hargett, 62, Dies in Kinston: Assistant State Conservation Director Was Prominent East N.C. Democrat.” Charlotte Observer. May 9, 1936. P. 3.
• “John S. Hargett Dies at Kinston: Official of Conservation Department Succumbs to Apoplexy; Rites Today.” News and Observer. May 9, 1936. P. 8.
• “Sportsmen Raise One Million Fish.” News and Observer. November 10, 1929. P. 6.
• “State Board to Meet Here Today: Board of Conservation Scheduled to Act on Consolidation of Offices.” News and Observer. November 23, 1933. P. 11.
• “To Inspect State Fish Hatcheries.” News and Observer. April 16, 1929. P. 6.
• “Trenton to Stage Teachers Meeting.” News and Observer. September 10, 1930. P. 12.

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