or THE SADDLE AND SIRLOIN CLUB 123 



A FASHIONER OF CLYDESDALES 



44. CoL. Robert Holloway wrought a work in agriculture 

 and livestock breeding such as has fallen to the lot of few men. 

 For years he was a commanding figure in both the Shorthorn 

 and Clydesdale trade, a man whose natural endowments placed 

 him considerably above the average of his fellows. He pos- 

 sessed a most steadfast yet varied personality. The obituary 

 published at the time of his death characterized him as a humani- 

 tarian, sociologist and Christian gentleman, but that only told 

 of his qualities in part. 



Col. Holloway was born in Bourbon Co., Kentucky, of Vir- 

 ginian descent. He was educated at the Kentucky Military Insti- 

 tute and following his graduation was given the chair of Mathe- 

 matics at that institution. In 1851 he graduated with honors 

 in law from the Transylvania University, beginning his practice 

 the same year at Monmouth, 111. His inherent love of the land 

 soon led him to the acquisition and development of the rich 

 prairies of Warren county. At one time he owned more than 

 7,000 acres which completely monopolized his time. He founded 

 the town of Alexis near one of his farms, and in early years 

 was largely interested in city property. Once his land was 

 acquired, he became obsessed with his livestock. The Shorthorn 

 first claimed his attention and in honor of the breed he christ- 

 ened his estate Durham Lawn. In 1876 he held one of the 

 really historic sales of the breed in Chicago, securing an average 

 of $1,087 on over sixty head. 



His imperishable contribution to husbandry, however, was 

 through his Clydesdales. The foundations of his stud were 

 obtained in 1873. He proceeded to Scotland where he made a 

 thorough personal study of Clydesdale types and acquired as 

 keen an understanding of the excellencies of the Scotch draft 

 horse as has been the opportunity of any American. His col- 

 lection of mares grew to large proportions, and at one time he 



