Hugh Carter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hugh Carter
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Carter, c. 1978
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| Member of the Georgia State Senate from the 14th district |
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| In office January 10, 1967 – January 9, 1981 |
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| Preceded by | Jimmy Carter |
| Succeeded by | Lewis H. "Bud" McKenzie |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Hugh Alton Carter
August 13, 1920 Plains, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | June 24, 1999 (aged 78) Americus, Georgia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Ruth Godwin Carter |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | Jimmy Carter (cousin) |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army U.S. Army Reserve |
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Hugh Alton Carter (born August 13, 1920 – died June 24, 1999) was an American politician and businessman from Georgia. He was also the first cousin of U.S. president Jimmy Carter.
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Hugh Carter's Early Life and Education
Hugh Carter was born in Plains, Georgia. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a lieutenant and fought in Europe. After the war, he stayed in the Army Reserve. He retired from the Reserve in 1964 as a lieutenant colonel.
Carter attended Georgia Southwestern State University. At that time, it was a two-year college. He then went on to graduate from the University of Georgia.
Political Career in Georgia
Hugh Carter was a politician who served in the Georgia State Senate. This is a part of Georgia's government that makes laws. He was a member of the Democratic Party.
He served seven terms, which means 14 years, from 1967 to 1981. He represented District 14. Before him, his cousin, who would later become President Jimmy Carter, held the same position. Hugh Carter represented eight rural counties in Georgia. He also led the Senate Education Committee. He was an important member of other committees too, like Appropriations and Fiscal Affairs.
Business Ventures and Worm Farming
Besides being a politician, Hugh Carter was also a businessman. He owned a bait shop and a general store. Later, his general store became an antique shop.
In 1949, Carter started a unique business: growing fish bait. He began by raising crickets. Later, he expanded into raising worms. By the mid-1950s, he was selling worms all over the country. He even claimed to be "the world's largest worm farmer." He produced more than 60 million worms each year!
Carter wrote several small books, called pamphlets, about farming worms and crickets. His most popular one in 1958 was called 18 Secrets of Successful Worm Raising. It first sold for $1.00. When he raised the price to $2.95, sales actually grew even faster.
In 1978, he wrote a book about his family called Cousin Beedie and Cousin Hot: My life with the Carter Family from Plains, Georgia. The book caused some disagreement with his aunt Lillian Carter and cousin Billy Carter. In the book, he described the President's mother as "domineering." He also shared his thoughts on President Carter's brother, Billy.
After his book came out, Carter faced a political opponent in an election. This opponent was supported by his aunt Lillian and cousin Billy. However, Carter was re-elected to the State Senate.
Later Years and Legacy
Hugh Carter retired from the State Senate in 1981. His business of growing bait saw fewer sales in the 1990s. He closed it down in 1996.
Hugh Carter passed away on June 24, 1999, in Americus, Georgia. He was 78 years old.
