Jane Simpson McKimmon

Jane Simpson McKimmon (November 13, 1867 – December 1, 1957) was an American author and agricultural educator, civic leader, state home demonstration agent, and director of women's institutes.

Early life She was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, on November 13, 1867. She was the oldest of nine children born to William and Anne Cannon Shanks Simpson. Her mother, Anne Cannon Shanks, had moved to Raleigh from Glasgow, Scotland. Jane grew up in a house of strong Christian beliefs. When she was 19, she married 40-year-old Charles McKimmon, a local business owner. Together, they had four children.

Jane Simpson attended public school for four years and spent another five years at the Peace Institute in Raleigh. She devoted one year to studying art and graduated from Peace at 16. At age 60, McKimmon obtained a B.S. degree from State College in 1926 and an M.S. degree in 1929. She received an honorary LL.D. in 1934 from the University of North Carolina, which recognized her contributions to education. She traveled across the state of North Carolina recruiting farm girls to join tomato clubs.

In 1917, she was appointed by Governor Thomas W. Bickett to help direct the food conservation program established during World War I. During World War II, Governor J. Melville Broughton appointed her to the State Council for National Defense.

Legacy

1927: North Carolina home demonstration agents established the Jane S. McKimmon loan fund. 1947: McKimmon's portrait was presented by the North Carolina Agriculture Extension workers at State College. 1966: McKimmon was the first woman elected to the Agricultural Hall of Fame. 1976: The Jane S. McKimmon Center for Extensions and Continuing Education was completed at North Carolina State University.