Dr. Joseph DeJarnette held the longest tenure as Superintendent at Western State Hospital, serving from 1906-1943 (continuing to work at the DeJarnette Sanitarium until 1947). He is most well-known for his strong advocacy and practice of eugenic sterilization at his institution. As a result, his reputation today suffers, and he is often thought of as a monster who tortured helpless children, quoting Adolf Hitler all the while. Through this website, enter into the world and mind of this doctor and learn that this was not always the case. He used to be loved and respected by patients, doctors, and community, even while he actively practiced sterilization .