Paul Coverdell: “James Philander Campbell made significant contributions to the State of Georgia and the Nation during his lifetime…”

“James Philander Campbell made significant contributions to the State of Georgia and the Nation during his lifetime, especially in the area of agriculture. J. Phil Campbell was born in Dallas, GA, just northeast of Atlanta, on March 28, 1878. He grew up on a farm and at an early age helped enact legislation to authorize agriculture instruction in Georgia's rural schools. Mr. Campbell was a true visionary who saw the importance of agriculture to our Nation and the need to establish a comprehensive national strategy. Between 1908 and 1910, Mr. Campbell served as the first farm extension supervisor to the southeast region. This was done before passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1915, which created the Federal extension service. In 1910, he began a career as the Georgia State agent for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as serving on the staff of Georgia State University's College of Agriculture. Mr. Campbell was the director of extension work in agriculture and home economics. In 1933, he helped assist the Agriculture Adjustment Administration with its cotton belt crop replenishment division. Shortly thereafter, he was named as Assistant Chief of the Soil Conservation Service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He remained at that post until his death in December 1944.”