Charles Henry Hartley was a pioneer of Cooperative Extension and 4-H in West Virginia. “Uncle Charlie” was a humble man. His religious attitude toward life was a daily commitment. He knew that by helping one another, we help ourselves. “Living to the extent of our abilities is our task” was his philosophy. As eldest child from a WV farm, he was among five siblings to receive college degrees. As chairman of the WV legislative Home Education Committee in the 1913, he helped pass an act creating the Agriculture Extension Department of the WV University College of Agriculture. He was instrumental in organizing and directing the first Farmers Institute which took agricultural education to rural communities.
Hartley was appointed Assistant Director of Extension, College of Agriculture (1915), and later the WVU Cooperative Extension Service (1919). He served on a committee to develop a constitution for the newly founded WV 4-H All Stars in 1919. He was responsible for administrating the 4-H Charting Program beginning in 1920. In 1933 he became the State 4-H Leader, and Director of Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp in 1937. He was an active member of the group who chose the Jackson’s Mill site for the WV State 4-H Camp. After a 38 year Extension Service career, Charles retired in 1952. He and his wife, Ruth, continued their service to their church and community. It was just their way of life.
