Jane Simpson McKimmon facts for kids

Jane Simpson McKimmon (born November 13, 1867 – died December 1, 1957) was an important American educator and writer. She helped many farm families, especially women and girls, learn new skills. She was a leader in her community and worked to improve farming life for everyone.

Early Life and Education

Jane Simpson McKimmon was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, on November 13, 1867. She was the oldest of nine children. Her parents were William and Anne Cannon Shanks Simpson. Her mother had moved to Raleigh from Glasgow, Scotland. Jane grew up in a family with strong Christian beliefs.

When she was 19, Jane married Charles McKimmon, who was a local business owner. He was 40 years old. Together, they had four children.

Jane went to public school for four years. Then, she studied for five years at the Peace Institute in Raleigh. She also spent a year studying art. She graduated from Peace Institute when she was 16. Much later, when she was 60, McKimmon earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from State College in 1926. She then earned a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in 1929. In 1934, she received an honorary law degree (LL.D.) from the University of North Carolina. This award recognized her important work in education.

Helping Farm Families

In the early 1900s, Jane McKimmon started training special teachers called home demonstration agents. These agents worked directly with women on farms. At the time, farmers were learning new scientific ways to grow better crops. McKimmon and her agents wanted to find new ways for women to be more involved in farm life.

When she took over the program in 1911, it had 416 farm girls in 14 counties. Thirty years later, the program had grown a lot. It reached 70,000 members across 100 counties! Jane traveled all over North Carolina. She encouraged farm girls to join "tomato clubs," where they learned how to grow and preserve tomatoes. She also strongly supported hiring African-American women as permanent home demonstration agents.

Wartime Contributions

Jane McKimmon also helped her state during difficult times. In 1917, during World War I, Governor Thomas W. Bickett asked her to help lead a program about saving food. This was very important to make sure everyone had enough to eat during the war.

Later, during World War II, Governor J. Melville Broughton appointed her to the State Council for National Defense. She continued to help organize efforts to support the country during the war.

In 1945, she wrote a book called When We're Green We Grow. This book was about her experiences and the important work of home demonstration in North Carolina.

Lasting Impact

Jane S. McKimmon left a lasting mark on education and agriculture.

• 1927: The home demonstration agents in North Carolina created the Jane S. McKimmon loan fund. This fund helped students pay for their education.
• 1947: A portrait of McKimmon was given to State College by the North Carolina Agriculture Extension workers.
• 1966: McKimmon was the first woman to be chosen for the Agricultural Hall of Fame. This is a great honor for people who have made big contributions to agriculture.
• 1976: The Jane S. McKimmon Center for Extensions and Continuing Education was finished at North Carolina State University. This center continues her work by offering educational programs to the community.