The twenty-third governor of Florida (January 4, 1921-January 6, 1925), Cary Augustus Hardee, was born in Taylor County on this date.  Educated in the public schools, Hardee was a school teacher until 1900, when he was admitted to the state bar and began his legal practice in Live Oak.  From 1905 until 1913, he served as the State’s Attorney. In 1915 and 1917, Hardee served as the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. Hardee’s administration oversaw reapportionment of the Florida Legislature, the amendment of the state constitution to prohibit income taxes and inheritance taxes, and the abolition of “convict leasing” to private corporations and individuals. After his term as governor, Hardee became a banker in Live Oak.  In 1932, he sought the Democratic nomination for governor, but was defeated. Cary Augustus Hardee died in Live Oak on November 21, 1957. Hardee County is named in his honor.