Andrew Hargrett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrew Hargrett
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Andrew Joshua Hargrett, Sr. (1879–1932) was an important African-American educator. He helped start the first schools for Black students in Wakulla County, Florida. His work made a big difference for many young people in the area.
Andrew J. Hargrett, Sr.'s Legacy
Andrew J. Hargrett, Sr. was a true pioneer in education. In 1909, he created Shadeville Elementary School. This was the very first school for Black children in Wakulla County, Florida. He believed strongly that all children deserved a good education.
Later, in the late 1920s, he led the effort to open Shadeville High School. This was the first high school for Black students in the county. His oldest son, Andrew Hargrett II, was part of the first group to graduate from this school in 1930.
Shadeville High School taught students for 37 years. It closed in 1967 when schools became desegregated. This meant students of all races could attend the same schools.
To honor his work, a road was renamed after him on August 21, 1989. It's now called Andrew J. Hargrett, Sr. Road. You can find a monument there, set up in 1992, that remembers the old Shadeville High School.
A Champion for Education
Beyond starting schools, Andrew J. Hargrett, Sr. also helped train adults to become teachers. The state of Florida required teachers to be certified. So, he tutored both Black and White people to help them pass the teaching exam.
His efforts made sure that Wakulla County had qualified teachers. He also traveled around the county. He spoke about how important education was and encouraged parents to send their children to school.
Personal Life
Andrew J. Hargrett, Sr. went to Florida Normal and Industrial College. Today, this school is known as Florida A&M University. He studied carpentry, math, and history there. After his studies, he passed the Florida teacher's exam. This made him a certified teacher.
In 1906, he married Cora Horton. She passed away in 1909, shortly after their son, Ovid Vance Hargrett, was born. In 1913, he married Delia Green, who was also a teacher.
They lived in the Hyde Park Community in Wakulla County, Florida. Together, they had nine children: Garrett, Andrew II, Quinton, Eddie, Ethel, Fred, Mary De, Doris (Doris Hargrett Clack), and Edith.
Andrew and Delia taught their children that education was very important. All of their children, except Quinton who died as a baby, graduated from high school and went to college.
Andrew J. Hargrett, Sr. passed away on March 9, 1932, after a serious illness. His wife, Delia, continued to support education in their family until she died on August 15, 1964.
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