Posted on March 31, 2011 at 11:54 AM by Global Reach
Jesse’s father was active in Fremont County Fair before Jesse. In 1928, before he was in 4-H, Jesse had a ton litter for Farm Bureau. He started 4-H in 1929 as a member of the WMP 4-H Club. Jesse was very active in Fremont County 4-H from 1929 to 1940. Jesse exhibited the Grand and Reserve Champion hogs at Ak-Sar-Ben in 1936 and went to the National 4-H Congress that year. Jesse also exhibited the Grand Champion hog at Ak-Sar-Ben in 1937. He also showed at St. Joseph.
Jesse graduated from Tarkio College June 3, 1941, with a business degree. On June 18, 1941, he went into the Air Force, where he obtained the rank of Major. He was discharged March 1946. After his military service, Jesse went to auction school at Creston, Iowa. In 1949, Jesse started as auctioneer at the Fremont County Fair and continues to be the auctioneer at the fair sale today. In 1963, a cherry pie sale was started to benefit the 4-H program. Jesse has been the auctioneer for the pie sale since its inception.
Jesse received the Meritorious Service to 4-H Award in 1955, the Alumni Award in 1968 and the Honorary 4-H pin in 1973. Jesse received the Outstanding Service to Agriculture award from the Shenandoah Chamber of Commerce in 1990 and the Small Businessman of the Year from the Southwest Iowa SCORE in 1995. Jesse has spent 58 years as an auctioneer, has been on the Fremont County Extension Council and the Board of Review. Recently he was recognized for a million dollar land sale.
Jesse’s wife of 62 years passed away earlier this year. Jesse and Irene have three daughters (once of which was a 4-H member), eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren (with one on the way). Two of Jesse’s grandsons were quite active in Fremont County 4-H.
Jesse says, “4-H has been good to me.” We think Jesse has been very good for the 4-H program in Fremont County.
Categories: Fremont
