OF THE SADDLE AND SIRLOIN CLUB 237 



purchase English cattle. The details of the organization were 

 drawn up November 2, 1833, the backing of two Governors being 

 secured. About fifty shareholders were included, all Ohioans 

 except the two Cunninghams from Kentucky and Virginia respec- 

 tively. Mr. Renick was appointed as agent of this company to 

 proceed to England and select the cattle. His outstanding service 

 as a bullock producer undoubtedly earned him this right, although 

 he was not committed to the purchase of any particular breed of 

 animals. As companion members of the buying committee, E. J. 

 Harness, and Josiah Renick were designated to act, and Henry 

 Clay in sending advice to Gov. Trimble suggested the purchase 

 of typical specimens of the "Durham," Devon and Hereford 

 breeds. On arrival in England they made a thorough study of 

 cattle conditions, visiting the herds of Booth (76), Richard 

 Booth, Maynard, Clark, Woodhouse an4 Bates (74). Their 

 familiarity with Shorthorn types and pedigrees so impressed the 

 latter breeder that he personally conducted them to many of the 

 British her^ds and to the amazement of his fellow breeders, offered 

 six females of his own breeding to the Americans for purchase. 

 Investigation of the Hereford and Devon failed to impress them, 

 and they ultimately shipped to America seven bulls and twelve 

 cows of the Shorthorn breed. In this importation were a total of 

 four of the get of Belvedere, and the two roan heifers Rose of 

 Sharon, by the latter sire, and Young Mary by Jupiter, foun- 

 dresses of the two families that became so important in later 

 Shorthorn records. During this visit, Mr. Renick came to lean 

 quite strongly on the judgment of Mr. Jonas Whittaker an4 

 the next two importations totalling forty-two animals were 

 selected by this noted Briton. 



The Ohio Importing Co. continued operation until 1837. In 

 1836 they conducted a public sale at which twenty-four females 

 brought $814 and nineteen bulls $789. At their dispersal sale 

 on October 24, 1837, six bulls brought $1,180 each and nine cows 



