354 A HISTORY OF THE PERCHEEON HORSE 



to the time of Mr. Dunham's death bought far more 

 horses in France than any other buyer. His judg- 

 ment of horses was conceded to be second to none 

 and he was a careful buyer. Oaklawn's importance 

 as a purchaser gave the farm the first option on the 

 colts held by the leading stallioner and breeder of 

 France, Ernest Perriot, Sr., and on those held by 

 many other leaders. Mr. Dunham had well-founded 

 confidence in James Fletcher's judgment and integ- 

 rity. 



C. E. Coleman had been with Mr. Dunham in th(^ 

 early '80 's, had subsequently been in partnership 

 with Mr. Avery at Wakefield, Kans., for about a de- 

 cade, and had again worked for the Oaklawn organi- 

 zation as a salesman. He had formed a partnership 

 with James M. Fletcher about 1896 or 1897 and the 

 firm had a good many horses in '97 and '98. Mr. 

 Dunham realized Mr. Coleman's ability as a sales- 

 man, and felt that with Fletcher to handle the pur- 

 chasing and Coleman the selling the firm would be 

 on a safe foundation, despite the fact that Wirth, on 

 account of having been kept away at school, knew 

 practically nothing of the business. 



Mr. Dunham's judgment proved true in this as in 

 other matters, and the firm of Dunham, Fletcher & 

 Coleman, organized in 1899, maintained the prestige 

 of Oaklawn until the ripening experience of the son 

 enabled him to succeed to sole control of the busi- 

 ness. 



Other Illinois Breeders, — Daniel Dunham's stud 

 was sold in 1892 or '93. The Ellwoods sold and 



