James Spencer McHargue was born in London, Kentucky to James and Nancy Norvell McHargue. He attended the Williamsburg Institute (Cumberland College) and graduated in 1901. He earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Kentucky in 1906 and was a student of Dr. A. M. Peter. He received his master's degree in 1913 from UK and his Ph. D. from Cornell University in 1921. James Spencer McHargue was the head of the research chemistry department at the University of Kentucky Experiment Station from 1927-1948 when he retired. He was famous for research in soil elements.
From the description of James Spencer McHargue papers, ca. 1920-1950. (University of Kentucky Libraries). WorldCat record id: 192072508