CHAPTER VI
IOWA COUNTY LIVE STOCK INDUSTRIES
Statistics furnished by the Iowa Department of Agriculture show that Iowa County’s prosperity is reflected in its livestock industries.
In a state where prosperity has become a habit, which lead the nation in the acreage of the world´s principal crops, viz., corn, wheat, oats, wild and tame grasses, and which leads the world in the quantity and value of livestock of all kinds, the livestock industry of Iowa County is deserving of more than the limited mention that lack of space in this chapter allows.
The causes to which may be attributed the success with which the livestock industry in Iowa county has grown are many, but the all-important cause is the simple production of the soil of this county.
Science has played an important part in the destruction of contagious diseases of livestock. More especially is this true in the serum used in vaccinating of hogs to prevent the ravages of cholera, which predominated in the year of 1913 and which caused a loss to the farmers of Iowa County of 3,656 hogs, or in dollars and cents, a loss of $43,872.
Scientific methods in farming have tended to create the necessary enthusiasm in the farmer, to specialize on some particular breed of livestock, and the results of raising blooded stock and feeding them scientifically and keeping them in barns that are perfectly sanitary, light and clean, has proven that it pays to raise full-blooded stock, and that he has been more than repaid who has put forth a special endeavor along this line.
The casual observer, as he rides over the county, is astounded at the sight of the many fine herds of full-blooded cattle, hogs and sheep. And as he continues on his journey he is impressed with the fact that beyond a doubt the scientific breeding and feeding of blooded stock is economical and produces great results.
The livestock industry of Iowa County embraces two distinct classes, viz., the thoroughbreds and the graded stock. To these classes it may be said that Iowa county contributes largely to the thoroughbreds, as almost very farmer has come to realize the necessity of grading his stock and improving his herds of cattle or hogs or sheep, as the case may be, by heading the herd with a purebred sire.
In speaking of the ample production of the soil of Iowa County and the important part it plays in the livestock industry, we might mention that in 1913 a census taken by the township assessors shows at that 36,837 acres of ground produced 49,409 tons of tame hay, or an average production of 1.3 tons per acre; 458 acres of ground produced 634 tons of wild hay, or an average production of 1.4 tons per acre.
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SCENES ON AN IOWA COUNTY FARM
Alfalfa, which was only recently introduced in this county, shows a production of 144 tons from 59 acres of ground. There were 3,452,984 bushels of corn produced at a farm value of 59 cents per bushel, or $2,026,760.56; oats, 1,835,277 bushels at 34 cents per bushel, or $26,862.20 in value; barley, 29,445 bushels at 53 cents per bushel, or
$15,605.85; rye, 7,823 bushels at 59 cents per bushel, or $4,615.57.
By assembling grain values we find that Iowa County produced $2,697,838.36 in corn, rye, barley, wheat and oats.
By assembling value on the wild and tame grasses we find that Iowa County produced $496,210.57.
This gives the county a total production of grains and hays of $3,194,048.93, practically all of which went back into the livestock industry and produced results which are shown by the following statistics to be without comparison:
This grain and hay production produced and fed 16,963 horses, 894 mules, 118,876 hogs, 84,975 cattle, 3,874 sheep and 416,862 chickens, wholly within the county.
This goes to prove the well-known fact that while other land is producing and its products are being shipped to other parts of the country, Iowa County is consuming practically all of her grain and hay productions and putting them into the livestock industry, which in turn, through its large herds and droves of cattle, hogs and sheep, plays an important part in the fertilizing of the soil and the maintaining of the high productive ability of the land.
The principal strains of breeds of livestock used in heading herds of beef cattle are the Shorthorns, the Herefords, the Aberdeen-Angus, the Galloways, the Polled Durham and the Polled Angus. Holsteins and Jerseys head the class of dairy cattle, with a few Guernseys, Ayrshires and Brown Swiss.
In the above classes we have noted that the shorthorn and Aberdeen-Angus take the lead with regard to the number of farmers specializing in them and the number of each class produced.
In the swine class we find the Duroc Jersey, or “reds” as they are called, taking the preference. The Poland China and Chester Whites come next. The Hampshires, noted for their size, strength of bone and smoothness, while few in number, are not to be overlooked.
Shropshire sheep, noted for their pink skin, true fleece and wonderful set legs, are practically the only special strain in this class.
The horses are represented in the Percherons, Clydesdales, Shires and Belgians. Of these the Percherons and Clydesdales take the lead.
In the poultry class the industry has a varied representation, the best layers predominating, as is shown by the report the poultry of Iowa County produced 1,207,312 dozens of eggs in the year 1913.
As the farmers of Iowa county are all more or less specializing in thoroughbred livestock, it is hard to discriminate between the man who has gone into the industry extensively and the man who has only in recent years started to grade his stock and is every year getting further to the front on some particular breed or strain.
By townships we have attempted to show just who is specializing in any particular breed or strain, and what this breed or strain may be.
HONEY CREEK TOWNSHIP
Montgomery Brothers introduced the Shorthorns and their success has been followed by almost every individual farmer in this township.
CONO TOWNSHIP
C. E. Brown, on Herefords. Headed his herd with a sire that cost him $700 and has since demonstrated that the pure bred, as a rule, is a better producer and has many advantages over the scrub, as in the spring of 1915 he sold seven calves at an average of $100 each.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
Is represented in the industry by Otto Greevotts with his fine herd of Hereford cattle, and by Arthur Brown with the favorite Polled Angus strain.
Mr. Brown headed his herds some years ago with a pure-blood animal at a cost of $1,700, and says he has been amply paid for his investment.
LENOX
August Sloeman, of Lenox, has had more than ordinary success in breeding Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. He has been specializing for a number of years, which is evidenced by the numerous prize winners he has produced. Mr. Sloeman takes particular pride in a young Shorthorn bull, which was sired by a $400 animal, and which shows the perfect lines and massiveness characteristic of this breed. He has placed a price of $1,000 on this young producer, and without a doubt he has just cause in being proud of him. He also specializes in Buff Orpington chickens with the same degree of success.
MARENGO TOWNSHIP
Marengo township contributes its share of representatives to the industry of the county.
H. M. Havner three years ago graded his stock and headed each class with a pure blood, pedigreed animal and with dams of the same quality. As a result he is now a producer of pedigreed pure-bloods. His Percheron horses are a marvel, one colt weighing 1,570 pounds at the age of seven months. The mother of this colt weighs 2,250 pounds.
His Shorthorn cattle bear evidence of the redeeming features of this class in the full crest, the fine silky hair and pliable hide. His Duroc Jersey hogs reflect his judgment in the careful attention given to each individual hog and the proper and scientific feeding of stock.
Mr. Havner´s success in pure bloods shows the importance of records, and proves that while pedigrees are to be recognized, there are other things to be considered which are just as important, such as the individuality of the sire.
H. H. Reed, specializing in Aberdeen-Angus cattle and Shropshire sheep, has met with remarkable success in producing prize winners.
George McKerg has identified himself with the industry for a number of years with his famous Shorthorns. Mr. McKerg is considered an authority on pedigrees of all strains of cattle. By this we mean that he can walk into a herd of graded cattle and by his wonderful knowledge of cattledom and its characteristics can trace the strain of each and every head.
William Cummings, with his fine Herefords, and John Gode, with the famous Clydesdale horses, contribute their share to the industry of the county.
HARTFORD
Hartford has many farmers who specialize, among which may be mentioned: Barnhardt Bosteadt, with his pure-blood Poland China hogs and Shorthorn cattle; Paul Keil, with his prize-winning Percheron horses; John Smith, Duroc Jersey hogs and shorthorn cattle, who is a very extensive breeder and has an annual sale which is attended by all the leading breeders of the Middle West. He has had more than ordinary success in his endeavor.
Lew Feller breeds Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs.
A.J. Clarke has for many years specialized on Percheron horses with marked success.
Samuel Beeh & Son are also extensive breeders of the famous Aberdeen-Angus.
SUMNER
John Lockwood specializes in the famous dairy producers, the Holsteins and also Poland China hogs. Winnie Keil has pure-blood Poland China hogs. Frank Mathes, in Herefords, and Everett Hursh, thoroughbred Plymouth Rock chickens.
HILTON
Hilton is represented by William Hakes, John Cash, Plagmen Brothers, Silas Evans, John Frick and John Jaeger, all with fine herds of Shorthorn cattle; Hanson Brothers, with Herefords.
IOWA TOWNSHIP
Iowa Township, through the firm of Owen Brothers (H. R. Owen, Evan E. Owen) is accredited with being the greatest producer of Polled Durham purebloods. Their success is shown in the sale held about a year ago when they received $20,000 for sixty head of the famous cattle, which were shipped into a dozen different states.
Burgy Brothers, in addition to the breeding of pure-blood Herefords, are meeting with great success in prize seeds, such as corn, oats and wheat.
Most of the farmers of Iowa Township confine themselves to Shorthorns, which, while they are pure blood, are of the nonpedigreed type of higher graded stock.
There are a number of Iowa Township farmers who raised nonpedigreed Norman and Shire horses.
C. C. Frost specializes on Poland China hogs.
LINCOLN, ENGLISH, DAYTON, FILLMORE, TROY AND PILOT TOWNSHIPS
Lincoln, English, Dayton, Fillmore, Troy and Pilot are represented by the following:
C.C. Evans, Chester White hogs.
J. H. Smart and W. H. Sanger, Aberdeen-Angus cattle.
Messenger Brothers, Shorthorn cattle and Hampshire hogs.
Black Brothers, Shorthorn cattle.
James McTough, David Roth, William Boerlin and John D. Fitzer, all specialize on fine horses.
William L. Williams, W. R. Long and Shaull Brothers have had great success in fine strained chickens.
Patrick Leahey has produced some fine Aberdeen-Angus cattle.
In York and Greene townships we find some of the finest herds of Black Aberdeen-Angus cattle to be found in the world. It is like going to the fairyland of cattledom to visit the choice pure blood cattle herds of P. J. Donahue, John Cash, Michael Donahue and M. H. Donahue.
Mr. P. J. Donahue´s productions have made him famous among the breeders of the world. On his beautiful farm at Holbrook one may see the cream of perfection in his well lined, glossy black, high crested pure bloods.
Mart Carroll has also been very successful in Shorthorns.
F. O. Harrington and J. A. Daniels specialize in Shorthorn cattle.
William Cash, in Black Aberdeen-Angus.
Jacob Cox has some fifty head of pureblood Norman coach horses, and stands ten stallions and one mule jack.
While mules are not raised to any great extent throughout the county in recent years, at the same time there are many fine animals of this breed to be found, as statistics show there are 894 in the county.
The county and district fairs, the farmers’ institutes and other livestock societies and publications have materially assisted in the promoting of the livestock industry of Iowa County.
ORIGIN OF THE ABERDEEN-ANGUS CATTLE
Hornless cattle existed in the earliest age to which we can trace the bovine form. In the day when first humanity appeared-when man was a savage and a hunter, but yet an artist-there existed a finely formed polled race of cattle, as depicted on the walls of the caverns of these dark-skinned folks, “the oldest of men.” During that period Britain was continuous with the continent, and consequently the polled cattle spread into the nooks and the corners of what was then the land’s end of Europe. Fossil and semi-fossil remains, found in Scotland, establish the fact of the prehistoric existence of the wild polled cattle in those very districts occupied by the known ancestors of the present Aberdeen-Angus breed. King Kenneth MacAlpine of Scotland, when promulgating the
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NEW HOME OF GEORGE MCCLOUD
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HOME OF HENRY W. BURGY
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SCENES ON THE HENRY W. BURGY FARM
laws of Scone in Perthshire, specifically mentions “black homyl” cattle which is the first historical reference to the breed we have. “Homyl” is the Scotch equivalent of the words “polled” or “hornless.”
Memorial stones erected by the native Scots in commemoration of the repulses of invading Norsemen, and now found at Aldbar and Meigle in Forfarshire and Burghead in Morayshire certainly depict “the hornless cattle of the country.” Kenneth´s laws applied to the region that became the early seat of the Aberdeen-Angus breed, and there is documentary evidence to show that in 1523 the black homyl cattle occurred in Aberdeenshire, but the first specific mention of polled animals of the breed is that of the prize-winning “black humble” exhibited in 1811 from a well-known Aberdeenshire source, the influence of which on the breed is still felt. These concentrated facts prove that the Aberdeen-Angus is the oldest polled breed-in Britain at least-and accounts for its extraordinary prepotency in transmitting its color and hornless character. The value of these characteristics in crossing or grading up-in putting the royal stamp of market-topping supremacy on the progeny of the otherwise untrade-marked stock-is, in the light of these marshaled facts, as easily explained as it is unchallenged.
THE BREED´S BIRTHPLACE
Scotland´s earliest historians describe the region comprising the northeast counties as a famous grazing ground for cattle and point out that Buchan was so called because it paid its tribute to the Roman legionaries in cattle. Church and state encouraged the improvement of the native stock, the church being responsible for the establishment of the great Scotch fairs or trysts, which were originally gatherings, held on days dedicated to the saints. Hence at a very early date they had the Aikey, Paldy and Tarnty fairs in Aberdeenshire, Kincardinshire and Augusshire, and these fairs, as the evidence proves, were the first places where the breeders disposed of their surplus stock, which was eagerly snapped up by the English graziers. With the great increase in the demand for beef, as a result of the Queen Anne wars (1664-1714), cattle breeding in Scotland received a great impetus. Englishmen-always great beef eaters-found that their choicest meats came from the Scottish side of the border, and it was while this trade was at its height-in the middle and latter portions of the eighteenth century-that authentic record was made of the breed´s progress in Aberdeenshire and Augusshire, Kincardinshire and Morayshire. In Aberdeenshire we find the breed described as having been “improved” by putting the best males to the best females, rules being laid down for breeding both for beef and the dairy, which proves the breed to have been originally what we term a dual-purpose one.
The breeds of Aberdeenshire are fully described and innumerable descriptions are given of the fine specimens killed in the City of Aberdeen. The butchers or fleshers there had their own guild and were men of a high class. They were closely associated with the breeders and the dealers-and among those particular mention is made of the Williamsons, of St. John´s Wells, and Robert Walker, of Wester Fintray. Both these were breeders, though the Williamsons were also the largest dealers in Scotland, their only rival being Charles McCombie,
of Tillyfour, father of William McCombie, who thus inherited his love of the native humlies, as the breed was called, the word being the same as the homyl of Kenneth’s laws, and of Aberdeenshire in 1523. The blood of the Williamson and Walker cattle made a distinct mark in the early show yards of the Highland Society. Robert Walker, of Wester Fintray, had in fact exhibited “black humble” cattle at the Garioch show, in Aberdeenshire, in the year 1811, and Charles McCombie, of Tillyfour, judged them. The first mention of a “dodded” animal in connection with the Highland show was of an Aberdeenshire polled steer, exhibited in 1823.
In the meantime operations had also been going on in Augusshire, especially in the eastern part of the county-the Brechin district, the great fair of which was Tarnty. There the “First Families” of the breed are head of-the Keillor Jocks and Favorites, the Buchan Black Megs and Panmure-to which sources may be traced, the great improvement that then appeared in the breed. It was to the great Tarnty market that Hugh Watson resorted in 1808 to buy six cows and heifers and a bull, which were derived from farms in this section and Kincardinshire, with which to start his herd at Keillor. Old Grannie, the Prima cow, is believed to have been among the lot, and purchased originally from a Kincardinshire breeder. From her also the first of the Jocks came.
Among the other early breeders of this formative period were, besides Fullerton, of Ardovie, and the others indicated, Mustard of Leuchland, Ruxton of Fannell, Scott of Balwyllo, Dalgairns of Balgavies Chalmers of Aldbar, Kinnaird (Lord Southesk) and Bowie, Mains of Kelly, the great bull breeder.
In Kincardinshire the early breeders of the formative class included Hector, of Fernyflatt (of sire of Panmure fame); Silver of Netherly, of Black Meg, the dam of Panmure fame; Sir Thomas and Alexander Burnett, of The Leys; Scott, of Easter Tulloch; McInroy, of the Burn, and Portlethen. Portlethen is the oldest herd today, having had a continuous existence from 1818, which might be extended beyond that if we take into account the herd of the previous occupier, Mr. Williamson, breeder of the polled Aberdeen bull, Colonel. But 1818 is enough for the purpose.
In Aberdeenshire the list includes the Williamsons and the Walkers, unique in these annals; the Earl of Kintore; McCombie of Tillyfour, Pirrie of Collithie, Wilson of Netherton of Clatt, Colonel Fraser of Castle Fraser, whose herd was a famous show herd; Reverend Brown of Coull, Lamond of Pitmurchie, Conglass of Culsh, Walker of Ardhuncart, whose herd was founded about 1812 by purchases from Ester Fintray; Cooper of Hillbrae, of Earl O´Buchan fame; besides the breeders and exhibitors of these prime specimens of the breed that appeared at the early *Aberdeen shows.
In Banff was the herd of Sir John Macpherson Grant, from which is descended the present premier herd as it exists today; Brown of Westertown; Walker of Montbletton (with close Fintray affinities); Collie of Ardgay, Skinner of Drumin, and Patterson of Mulben. In Morayshire were Brown of Linkwood and others. Besides this there were breeders on Cromarty and Rosshire, as the annals of the Highland society´s show prove-all breeding Aberdeens.
At the earliest shows of the Highland Society, before the first regular appearance of animals of the breed, which occurred in 1829, we have proofs of its
prominence. In 1822 there was a general classification of “Black Cattle,” which included both polled and horned. At the show of 1823, at the same place, an Aberdeen “dodded” steer is mentioned. In 1824, at Edinburgh, we find Adam Bogue exhibiting an Aberdeenshire steer that took the prize open to all breeds, weighing 1,225 pounds, sinking the offals, or 2,145 pounds live weight. At the 1825 Edinburgh show an Aberdeenshire steer of enormous size was also exhibited, selling for $225. In 1827, the last of the first series of shows, Mr. Bogue obtained the second prize for a steer bought from, this time “Mr. McCombie of Tillyfour,” at the Falkirk 1826 September Tryst-this being William (not Charles) McCombie.
Many pages more could be consumed in tracing the growth of this famous breed of cattle in Scotland, Ireland and England, but this detail is not so worthy of mention as the history of the breed in the United States and Iowa County. Enough has been stated above to show the origin of the Aberdeens in the old country, and now to take up the American side of the question.
THE BREED IN AMERICA
Though perhaps the first Aberdeen-Angus cattle that ever trod American soil was the cow Duchess, which went from Portlethen in 1850, it was not until 1873 that stock was imported for the express purpose of improving the range cattle. In that year the late George Grant, of Victoria, Kan., imported three bulls, two of which he exhibited at the Kansas city fair-the first polls that ever appeared in an American showyard. These bulls, which created much interest, were the forerunners of the great influx which occurred a few years later as a result of the world-wide renown the breed had acquired by winning the two champion group prizes at Paris in 1878.
These bulls were used upon the common stock of the range, horned and coarse, and they changed the complexion and appearance of the old stock. Many half-breed steers from these Aberdeen-Angus bulls were fed by a number of feeders and gave them a foretaste of the quality that lay beneath the black skins. In 1876, James McDonald, the late secretary of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland visited the ranch and reported them as doing splendidly. In 1876 there were probably more than eight hundred black polled calves after them, declared to have been superior to any ever seen in those parts before. They were short-legged, big around the girth; vigorous, healthy and thoroughly at home. They proved themselves superior in every way to the Shorthorn and other crosses; standing the winters better, coming out in remarkable condition, without the necessity of artificial food or coddling, as the other breeds required. It is a pity Mr. Grant did not live to reap the benefit of his foresight, which would have been his in good measure. Yet his work followed after him. In 1883 there were sold in the stock yards at Kansas City fourteen half-bred Aberdeen-Angus steers, the produce of the Grant bulls. They were bought by Charles Still, at $4.25, averaging 1,038 pounds in weight. Four months and six days later they were sold at the same yards for $5.45, when they averaged 1,280 pounds in weight, and then they were not “full fed.”
The inquiry from America had just begun after the Paris Exposition. Perhaps the first to seriously inquire into the opportunities for importing the breed
into the United States was Mr. Libbey, then editor of the Rural New Yorker, who visited Scotland one summer and made an investigation of the breed. Then John Wallace, publisher of the American Trotting Register and Wallace´s Monthly, wrote to Tillyfour about them, having become interested with his friend, Mr. Redfield, Batavia, N.Y., one of the first importers. But it was not until after the dispersion sale of the Tillyfour herd that the rush-the boom-began.
What might be termed the parent herd of America was that formed by Anderson & Findlay, Lake Forest, Ill. Mr. Findlay was indeed a native of Buchan and had retained all the affection for the native “humlies” that everyone acquainted with them in youth undoubtedly is bound to preserve. It was during the summer of the memorable year, 1878, that Anderson & Findlay commissioned Mr. Findlay, of Peterhead, Scotland, brother of the latter, to purchase five heifers and a bull from the best herds; which commission was followed by others. Anderson & Findlay exhibited their importations at the Illinois and other fairs.
Among the animals in their first importation was a bull from the old Westside of Brux herd, descending from Keillor blood. In the next importation visits were made to Mains of Kelly, Wellhouse, Bridgend, Earnside and other herds, resulting in the securing of specimens of the Jennets-derived from old Young Jenny Lind, a Tillyfour foundress; Lady Jean, a good old Rothiemay sort; Montbletton Charlotte, Westertown Victoria and other families. Waterside King II of the old Fanny of Kinnaird tride, and Basuto, a blackbird-Erica bull, headed the new herd. Again, in 1882, Scotland was revisited; and the herd of Burleigh & Bodwill, that had been formed at Vassalboro, Me., was purchased, in which were Ericas, and specimens of Drumin, Mains of Advie and other tribes. The verdict of the owners of the herd, which was the foremost in the country for years, was that “for plains and beef cattle, early maturity, weight, quality of beef and hardiness they cannot be surpassed.”
In 1881 the herd was conspicuous at St. Louis; in 1882 had the championship for the best cow at Kansas City and it also spread the fame of the breed at many other fairs. From this fountain-head many American herds were supplied-notably those of the late T. W. Harvey, Turlington, Neb., and J. V. Farwell, Chicago, who was interested in land development in the Panhandle of Texas. The influence of the Lake Forest herd was spread wide athwart the country. On the X. I. T. Ranch, which was the scene of the great drama played by the Lake Forest sires, experience fully demonstrated the value of the breed as range transformers-just as the Victoria bulls had done in Kansas. On the other hand, the Turlington herd, going into the fight of the breeds at the fairs and fat stock shows, did more perhaps than any other to break down the barriers and make easier the path of the feeder and exhibitor who came after Mr. Harvey’s death.
In the same year F. B. Redfield, Batavia, N. Y., established his herd. His purchases were made at Kinochtry, being three heifers and a bull-all by Shah, senior male champion at Dumfries, 1878. The families were of families deep in Keillor blood. Two years later sixteen animals from the same herd were imported-nine bulls and seven females, mostly of the same blood. This herd made an enviable reputation in the great showyards and the bulls carried the
stamp of the market-topper to the ranches where they were introduced. Mr. Redfield´s estimation of them is summed up in a word-“they have constitutions of iron.”
In 1881 J. J. Rogers, Abingdon, Ill., founded a herd by selections from Kinochtry-of Favorites, Baronesses, Princesses and other families, six of them being by Prince of the Realm, Shah´s son.
In the same year Messrs. Gudgell and Simpson formed their herd, Colonel Simpson visiting Scotland and personally selecting the foundation stock. His selections were made from Waterside, where he got Blackcap (4042), bred at Ballindalloch-an Erica-Mayflower, Rosa Bonheur II (3351), bred at Tillyfour; and others of Drumin, Greystone, Old Morlich, Mains of Advie and other noted tribes. The bull selected to head the herd was Knight of St. Patrick, from Bridgend, which had a very creditable career in this country, siring some of the most noted animals that appeared at the early shows. In 1887 this herd was sold to the Fairmount Cattle Company, Stratton, Neb., and it also made an excellent record in the ring.
In 1882 A. B. Matthews, who had already secured some animals from Canada and elsewhere, visited the home of the breed and made an excellent selection from Haughton, Greystone, Waterside, Kinochtry, Easter Tulloch, Gavenwood, Baads, Balquhain and Blairshinnoch. His herd, when he had got it all assembled, numbered 170 head. Mr. Matthews was a prominent figure in breed circles and at the showyards and sales rings for a number of years succeeding his entry into the ranks of the importers. He wrote early in his experience: “The prospect for the breed is beyond anything that I have ever known for any class of cattle.”
Another great exponent of the breed of this era was George W. Henry, also of Kansas City, whose visit to Scotland is still remembered with pleasure. He visited Bridgend and secured Dandy II (3266), Empress (Queen Mother family) and other old-fashioned sorts. Greystone, the old herd of James Reid, so well-known to all breeders, supplied Bella II, which was later sold by Mr. Henry for $1,000. Other selections were also made from Wester Fowlis, Blairshinnoch, Wellhouse and elsewhere. The bulls included black commodore from Montbletton-a Ballindalloch Coquette. Mr. Henry´s appearance in the fat stock show arena is mentioned in a succeeding chapter.
This year, 1882, also saw the founding of the herd of Estill & Elliott, Woodlands, Mo., which had a marked effect in forwarding the fortunes of the breed. Among their purchases were: Effie of Aberlour, at the price of $2,400; Carrie of Montbletton, May of Achlochrach and Harriet of Balfluig, from which were bred the state fair winners of the herd, which was dispersed in 1900, when fifty-eight females averaged $583, and fourteen bulls $561. Lucia Estill brought $2,800 from W. A. McHenry, then a new star in the horizon. Purchasers from eleven states took home animals from this noted herd that had stood in the front of the battle line for the breed.
A special place in the history of the breed will always be reserved for George Geary, who, with his brother, started his career as a breeder and importer in 1882, purchasing nineteen head from Gavenwood of the strongest families maintained there. Representatives of Ballindalloch, Balliol College Farm, Kinochtry, Easter Tulloch, Westertown, Montbletton, Rothiemay, Brumin and Queen
Mother families were chosen. In 1886 they startled the breeders by the purchase of the entire Gavenwood and Rothiemay herds, numbering fifty-eight and thirty-four head respectively.
The great year 1883 also saw the advent of the Heatherton herd of John S. and W. R. Goodwin, now located at Naperville, Ill. This herd is famed as the home of the Blackbirds and early world-beaters, Judge and Justice. This year, 1883, was perhaps the banner year so far as importations went, for it was estimated that in it eight hundred animals were imported from the old country to join those in America and form new centers of the breed. The late Campbell Macpherson Grant, brother of Sir George, sent over altogether 230 head, commissions for various breeders and that was perhaps the largest number ever sent over by one man in one season.
In this year Leonard Brothers, Mount Leonard, Mo., founded their herd-from purchases made from them by that commissioner. Two years alter Mr. Leonard was exemplifying the merits of the breed as the market-toppers, having sent a lot of sixteen steers to Chicago, weighing an average of 1,593 pounds and selling for a record price.
ABERDEEN-ANGUS CATTLE IN IOWA COUNTY
For a resume of the influence of this breed upon Iowa County, the following article by P. J. Donohoe, of Holbrook, Greene Township, will best set forth the subject. Mr. Donohoe is one of the most extensive raisers of this breed in the state and has been very successful. A few years ago Mr. Donohoe was the owner of the famous bull, Black Woodlawn (42088), descended from the famous Blackbird family. It is said that a bull of this class would now be worth the best forty acres of land in the county. At Holbrook in 1895 there was constructed a sale pavilion, the funds supplied by subscription, the structure to be used for cattle sales by the breeders of the community. The cost of the pavilion was $5,000; everyone helped to its construction. Mr. Donohoe and the others in the community who are specializing in the Aberdeen-Angus breed of cattle have made rapid strides in the perfection of their stock. There are several high class bulls in the herds now and prizes have been taken at all the large shows in the country, Chicago and elsewhere. Black Woodlawn was a world-beater and was quoted as being worth $10,000. He was bought when a yearling for $1,500 by M. H., Mike and P. J. Donohoe. They kept the animal for fourteen years, finally being forced to put him to death on account of disability. Following is the article by donohoe on the Aberdeen-Angus breed in the county:
A visitor to Iowa County twenty years ago would not find things encouraging from a modern progressive point of view. Only in a very few sections could anything like an improved farm be found. The people never dreamed of the wealth they had in the large tracts of land that were going to waste. Many of our good people seemed to think that there was more money in chasing coon, trapping and shooting wolves at $5 per scalp than they could hope to realize from corn and cattle. The only contest that was going on with any interest for the possession of the soil was the struggle between the jimson weed and the cockle-bur, with the honors about equally divided. I am reminded here of
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ABERDEEN-ANGUS CATTLE, HOLBROOK
The words of a friend of mine, who, on a visit to a very much rundown and neglected section of our county, remarked that it was too bad the place was ever taken from the Indians. Of course, under such conditions, there was no attention given to bettering the quality of stock, whether cattle, horses, hogs, sheep or poultry. Anything at all was good enough and they were satisfied, if not determined to let good enough alone. Why, in those days after a long cold winter, I can recall how a choice herd frequently consisted of a pile of bones huddled together on the shady side of a brush pile, each individual collection of said bones being snugly covered with a long coarse coat of hair, artistically decorated with two generous horns and an abbreviated tail. I may say, in addition to all this, the homes of the people, the country roads, the rural schools and the social life of the farming communities were correspondingly neglected.
But what I have tried to describe for you is the past of Iowa County as I saw it. That was twenty years ago. Come to Iowa County today, and we will show you the garden spot of Iowa. We will show you a happy, industrious and progressive people who take pride in the appearance of their homes and their surroundings, who are out for the best in the way of education for their children; who are enthusiastic in caring for and improving every kind of stock around the farm; whose efforts along the line of social entertainment are fast making the farm a more attractive place for the boy and girl. We have no large cities with their industries, their huge smokestacks of brick and mortar. But down in Iowa County every cornstalk is a smokestack and the finished goods are seventy-five to one hundred bushels per acre of the mealy product.
Such remarkable changes as I have witnessed in my home county must, of course, be attributed to several causes working in harmony. I purpose to show to what extent the introduction and development of the Aberdeen-Angus breed helped to bring about present improved conditions.
I can´t help but speak here of the difficulties connected with the introduction of the Angus cattle into Iowa County, especially into our section of the county. Perhaps it is true that whenever a person breaks with customary conditions and introduces a new thing he must be prepared to make good even in the face of considerable opposition. At any rate, we found in the beginning that we were up against a wall of prejudice. Few were interested in scientific stock breeding of any kind, and all sides we were told that the Angus cattle were failures. A few low grade Angus bulls had gotten into the community, and they left a scattering of wretched-looking offsprings. Our friends pointed to these blue and mouse colored cattle and advised us to keep out.
A.D. Rock, of Parnell, was the man to first venture in the Aberdeen-Angus breed in Iowa County. It was in the summer of 1893, I believe, that he purchased a select herd from W. W. Whiting, of Glidden, Ia. He disposed of his bulls for $100, the pick, and kept the heifers for breeding purposes. In the year of 1895 my brother Michael, the Cash Brothers, M. H. Donohoe and myself introduced the breed into the eastern part of the county. In addition to the deep dislike for the new cattle, we were laboring under the difficulties brought about by the severe panic of that year. To tide myself over the panic, I decided to sell at public sale all my native stock. I was putting up the bills announcing the sale when I stopped at the A. D. Rock home. After dinner he took me out to look over his herd. They looked good to me, and I decided at once that
As soon as I got rid of my native stock the Angus breed would take their place. But the panic got worse and few could get money enough to go into any business. Mr. Rock had such faith in the future of the breed that he said, “Go ahead, Donohoe, I´ll back you up,” and I brought home Nightingale McHenry Park, Sunnyside Victor and six or seven grade heifers. The natural increase of this herd with a few choice animals picked up here and there soon put me in the market for the home trade. My first sales in the county were to Pat Leahy, of Williamsburg, and James Nicholas, of the same place. W. M. Brown & Son of Marengo, D. H. Black and W. J. Hanson of Holbrook and Sol. Stoner of South English. We feel in a very special way indebted to these gentlemen because they stand first in the movement which created a home demand for the Angus breed. Shortly following these sales we sold the foundation from which sprang the natural herds of John Cash and D. M. Driscoll that now rank with the best in Iowa County. Jim Nicholas, of Williamsburg, the breeder of Irwin C., pronounced by some competent authorities the best bull of the breed in this or the old country deserves a prominent place among the men who made the Angus breed a success in our county. We saw the friends of the Angus cattle increasing every day. We went before the people in the fairs of our own county. Afterwards we felt good enough to appear at our own big state fair. Encouraged by our success in Des Moines, we made the fairs in several of the neighboring states, including the American Royal Show at Kansas City and the International at Chicago.
We realized that the first place, even at our own fair at Williamsburg, was not easy to win. The Shorthorn breeds had already invaded the county, and the crack herds of Robert Owens, Evan Edwards and Bert Hakes were to be competed with. Bert Cruickshanks, Hakes´ famous bull, was there, and men of Iowa County thought Cruickshank was an unbeatable offering. We knew of two animals that we felt sure would outclass him, Lord Woodlawn and McHenry King II. Of course both animals, because of their record, were held at almost a prohibitive price. We succeeded, however, in getting hold of McHenry King II, with the result that when we met the following year we outclassed Bert Cruickshank in almost every point. Men at the fair interested in cattle heard the next day a lecture in which the two bulls were compared and the excellence of McHenry King II over his rival pointed out and explained. On that day the prejudice disappeared and was buried. After the funeral, however, a friendly rivalry occurred between the Angus of the eastern and western part of the county. W. W. Sanger & Son, of North English, purchased a herd from Estill & Elliott, of Missouri, and Charles Escher & Son, of Botna, Ia., coming together on several occasions at the county fairs. They more than once came out victorious over us.
The home demand for our cattle was soon in excess of anything we ever expected. Today Iowa County views with pleasure her hills and dales covered with glowing herds of black beauties. In return we advertised Iowa County at state fairs and international shows. The success of Black Woodlawn put the name of Iowa County before men who never before heard of the place. Shamrock II, the grand champion at the International Live Stock Show at Chicago in 1910, connected Iowa County with our excellent agricultural institution at Ames, and gave both not only a national but an international fame. I believe,
and, as far as I can recall, that was the best and about the only free advertising we ever got.
The Angus sales attracted to Iowa County buyers from all over the state, as well as from many outside states. Professors came down from the agricultural college and took back Angus cattle to be seen and studied by students from all parts of the world, and the people of Iowa County began to sit up and fix up. They were put in touch with Ames and the kind of work that was being done up there, and made to feel how much such an institution could help them to improve everything related to the farm and farm life. How far all this helped to create the present fancy prices of Iowa county land, and put conditions generally on par with any county in the state, I shall not delay to explain but leave the time to those who are yet to be heard from. I would have been just as well pleased if the subject of my remarks had been, “What the A. A. Breed is Going to Do for Iowa County.” The future is full of promises. We have open markets throughout the country going as far south as Alabama and Mississippi, and north even into Canada. We are still breeding along Black Woodlawn lines, and you will pardon as much as you see is due to my enthusiasm for the cause when I say in conclusion that we are trying to forget the old lesson in the geography which bounded Iowa County on the north by Benton, on the east by Johnson and so forth, and instead, by means of the Aberdeen-Angus breed, to push back these boundaries and extend Iowa County all over the stock-raising maps of the country.
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