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Last week in researching Isham Barney Hudson, I found that he was a man of many accomplishments other than the best superintendent of the Andrews School System. He had an eye for educational progress and the quiet determination to see his plans put in place. Hudson’s precise execution of making the school system work efficiently stemmed from the fact of his disciplined military background.
On May 26, 1918, he was inducted into military service in the United States Army to serve in World War I, and was sent to Camp Jackson in South Carolina for his basic training the next day. He was transferred to Camp Sevier in South Carolina and was assigned to the 156th Depot Brigade. He was then transferred to Company F 323rd Infantry and on July 20, 1918, he was sent to Camp Mills on Long Island, N.Y.
On Aug. 25, 1918, Hudson was transferred to Company M 168th Infantry 42nd Division, known as the “Rainbow Division.” He would proudly serve in the Rainbow Division under Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the Battle of St. Mihiel.
While stationed in England and through the United States Army, Hudson was allowed to study
at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland for the summer quarter of 1919. Then he received an Honorable Discharge, Aug. 1, 1919.
By 1920, Isham Hudson had returned to live on the family farm in Sampson County. He returned to school and graduated from Wake Forest College in Wake Forest, N.C., with a law degree after two years. In the fall of 1923, he accepted the principal position in Beaufort County, and two more principalships in Warren County, and later serve as superintendent of Andrews School System from 1935 to 1951.
Eleanor Chowning was Hudson’s childhood sweetheart, and they married on Aug. 12, 1926. She was an exceptional teacher at Andrews High School. She taught math and English, and was the music director. She was also the high school chorus director, which proved to be the most outstanding activity of the school programs. Their show-stopping performances during the Christmas season, Easter cantatas and the commencement program were unsurpassed in this area.
In 1978, during Homecoming at Wake Forest University, Isham Barney Hudson was honored with the “Distinguished Service Citation in the Humanities.” In addition, Onslow County declared an “I.B. Hudson Appreciation Day” and named the new school administration building in his honor.
He began teaching school at the age of 18, which began a 44-year career in education. While at Wake Forest, he was awarded the L.L.B. degree in 1921, and the A.B. degree in 1925. He was a charter member of the Golden Bough, which later merged with Phi Beta Kappa. His other community accomplishments and civic honors are too many to mention.
President J. Ralph Scales greeted more than 500 people in attendance for the honoring of Isham Hudson. After presenting the “Distinguished Service Citation in the Humanities,” he said. “His 83 years have been devoted to the service of God and his fellowmen; he is proof that dedication leads to a long life. His
magnificent spirit, his unfailing generosity and impish sense of humor endear him to the hearts of many and reflect honor on his Alma Mater.”
For the senior citizens who attended school in Andrews under Hudson’s supervision, I thought you may like to know more about his life. He was born June 11, 1895, and he passed away Oct. 7, 1986, several years after the death of his wife.
Kandy Barnard is a columnist for the Cherokee Scout. To talk about the Andrews Valley, call her at 361-3268 or email kandybarnard@gmail.com.