182 BREED HISTORIES 



it would be necessary to form an association, and to this end E. R. 

 Moody, Eminence, Ky., was instrumental in organizing the first 

 Chester White record association for the breed in 1884. E. B. 

 Ashbridge, Chester Co., Pa., a charter member, who bred them and 

 had the distinction of winning more prizes over all breeds during 

 the 60 's and 70 's than any other breeder of any breed, bought his 

 first Chester Whites in 1848 from Bennie Hickman, Chester Co., Pa., 

 one of the first few men to whom the creation of the breed is 

 accredited. The animals with which he made these winnings were, 

 like their early ancestors, very large. His herd boar Jim Burns was 

 slaughtered when five years old and dressed over 1,000 pounds. A 

 grandson of this hog, when three years old, was slaughtered and 

 dressed 946 pounds. 



The Period; Numerous Records. The period of record associa- 

 tions for the breed dates from 1884. Individual efforts made for 

 personal prominence by the handling of animals of the breed 

 brought about quite a number of record associations with different 

 claims for distinction. With the writer's years of breeding and 

 studying the affairs of the breed, he has noticed that the result of 

 the claim made for distinction has not only confused the advocates 

 of the breed but has confused the public as well. From 1884 up to 

 1913 unity of action for the welfare of the breed was menaced by 

 the activities of seven *record associations catering to the business 

 affairs of the Chester White breed. To the constructive breeders 

 and loyal supporters of the breed is accredited the maintenance of 

 the merits of the breed from its creation up to 1907, when the first 

 unity of action was manifested in promoting the breed by placing 

 the Standard Chester White Record on such a financiaj basis as 

 would support universal breed promotion. A growing sentiment to 

 ''boost" the breed as it should be was made possible by launching 

 of the " White Breeders' Companion" in 1910, which is now known 

 as "The Chester White Journal" 



Merging Associations. With the improved methods and pur- 

 pose of the Standard record and the help of the "Companion" in 

 showing the advantages of greater unity in co-operation, the Ameri- 

 can Chester White Record consolidated with the Standard Chester 

 White Record in 1913, thereby creating the Chester White Swine 

 Record Association, which the National 0. I. C. Chester White 

 Record Association joined in March, 1915. To the progressive 

 breeders is ascribed the progress of the breed. They have brought 

 about great improvement in individuality, and uniformity in type 

 and size. They have bred a heavier coat of hair, which enables 

 the breed to stand the climate in all countries much better than the 

 original Chester White. The feet and legs are straighter, with 

 bigger bone ; backs are broader and stronger ; the sides are deeper 

 and the head and face are neater. All of these improvements have 

 been made, yet the merits of the breed and its prolificacy have been 

 maintained. 



*Note: An analysis of the record associations and the claims made for distinction 

 can be obtained by writing to the .Chester White Swine Record Association, Rochester, 

 Indiana. 



