Home >> Kids' Corner >> Meet Iowans in Agriculture >> Jessie Field Shambaugh

Meet Iowans in Agriculture

Jessie Field Shambaugh
4-H Pioneer
Born on a farm new Shenandoah; lived 1881-1971

What made this person a famous Iowan?
She was a teacher in rural Iowa and created the Boys Corn Club and the Girls Home Club. These clubs eventually became the 4-H Club in 1912. Jessie Field Shambaugh became the “mother of 4-H” in Clarinda, Iowa.

How is this person related to agriculture?
She introduced competitions in modern agriculture, such as soil testing and corn judging. In 1910 she designed the three-leaf-clover pin with the letter “H” on the leaves, representing head, hands and heart. Soon after, she added the fourth “H” for home (which later became health). In 1914, the national 4-H organization was formed.

Source

| Home | Kids' corner | Homework helper | Educator resources | Ag links | Contact us |

Copyright © 2006, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation