Cary A. Hardee

Cary Augustus Hardee ( born November 13, 1876 at Taylor County, Florida, † November 21, 1957 in Live Oak, Florida ) was an American politician and from 1921 to 1925 the 23 governor of Florida.

Early years and political rise

Cary Hardee attended the schools of his home and was then teacher. After studying law he settled in Live Oak as a lawyer down. He also went there in the banking business. In 1902 he co-founded the First National Bank of Live Oak, whose president he became in 1907. In addition, he was also involved in the Mayo State Bank and State Bank of Branford. In 1905, Hardee was prosecutor at the 3rd Judicial District of Florida. This office he held until 1913. Between 1915 and 1917 he was a deputy and even President of the State House of Representatives. In 1920 he was nominated by his Democratic Party top candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election.

Governor of Florida

After the election won Hardee began his four -year term on January 4, 1921. During his reign the rental system of convicts was abolished for the purpose of forced labor. In Florida, created six new districts ( counties ) and the country's constitution was revised. The changes primarily impacted the field of taxation and the United States House of Representatives. At that time the first fuel tax in Florida has been introduced. The electric chair was on legal method of execution in Florida.

Another Journey

The Constitution of Florida did not allow for direct re-election of a governor. Therefore, Hardee had to resign from his post after the expiry of the term of office on January 5, 1925. He retired to Live Oak and went back to his private business. In 1932 he applied again to the office of governor, but failed already in the primaries. The rest of his life he spent in Live Oak, where he died in November 1957. Cary Hardee was married to Maud Randle. Hardee County, Florida is named after him.