The Russell County Fair’s Livestock Division Hall of Fame welcomed its newest members during a ceremony on September 7.
Members of the class of 2026 are Beecher Jessee, K.O. Hartsock and Michael Witt.
Jessee was a Navy veteran of World War I and a lifelong farmer in Russell County.
“He always said his day wasn’t complete unless he was on his horse before sunrise,” stated Bruce Warner, who served as emcee of the induction ceremony.
In 1968, Jessee was the first county recipient of the National Family Farm Award. Having participated in fair events prior to World War I, Jessee was instrumental in reestablishing the fair in 1948 and he served on the fair’s board for several years.
“K.O. Hartsock was a respected farmer, businessman and community leader whose legacy continues through the family farm that is still operated by later generations to this day,” Warner said.
Hartsock was among the first cattlemen to bring Angus cattle to Russell County. In addition to working on his farm, he owned and operated a country store and was among the first to have a television in Russell County.
Hartsock also served on the Russell County School Board, Southern States Cooperative Board, Livestock Committee of the Russell County Fair and as treasurer of his church.
“K.O. left a lasting impact on his community and family,” Warner said.
A lifelong resident of Russell County, Michael Witt had a history of farming on both sides of his family.
“When asked to sit on the livestock committee of the Russell County Fair he said he’d like to help young people that wanted to show lambs,” Warner said.
Witt still serves at the fair some 30 years later. He raises Black Angus cattle and enjoys his time on the farm.
