5(i EARLY AMERICAN IMPORTERS. 



be remembered that all the cattle of England were unregis- 

 tered save in private herd books at this time. Four Short- 

 horn bulls and four Shorthorn cows came in this importation. 

 Some of the cows left a numerous progeny that have ever 

 since been known to the Shorthorn world as the "Seven- 

 teens." 



The good results secured from this importation, in rais- 

 ing the standard of the cattle bred and grazed for market 

 purposes, prompted other men to look for further importa- 

 tions. The expense of importing at this time, however, was 

 very great, and attended with considerable risk, as the cat- 

 tle had to be brought over on sailing vessels, which were 

 slow and subject to storms. 



The difficulties above mentioned tended to deter individ- 

 ual breeders and feeders from such attempts, but in 1833 

 sufficient interest was aroused among Ohio men to cause the 

 formation of a company, the purpose of which was "to pro- 

 mote the interests of agriculture, and to introduce improved 

 breeds of cattle." This company had in all about fifty share- 

 holders, including two Ex-Governors, and many other men 

 prominent in advancing the interests of the state. 



Felix Renick was the most active in the organization of 

 the company, and as he had long been a leading breeder and 

 feeder, it was but natural that he should be sent to England 

 to make the purchases. No limitations were placed on him 

 regarding breeds, prices, or number of animals. He went, 

 with two assistants, to practically all the leading herds of 

 Great Britain, including those of Devonshire and Hereford- 

 shire, met the leading English breeders and had the benefit 

 of the advice of Thomas Bates and Jonas Whitaker in mak- 

 ing his purchases. After careful investigation, he purchased 

 Shorthorns seven bulls and twelve cows and heifers of 

 excellent individual merit and of good breeding. These were 

 shipped to America in 1834, and were followed in 1835 and 

 1836 by shipments chosen for the company by Mr. Jonas 

 Whitaker, in whose judgment Mr. Renick had implicit confi- 

 dence. A total of sixty-one head were imported by the com- 

 pany, and as the purpose for which it was formed had been 

 accomplished, it was dissolved by auction sales of the stock 

 in 1836 and 1837, at which stockholders and outsiders were 

 alike allowed to bid. The cattle all brought satisfactory 

 prices and were of inestimable value in improving the cattle 

 already in the central states. 



