1904 St. Louis World's Fair

Lincoln Sheep Show

An exhibition of Lincolns of this caliber had not been seen in the United States since the International Livestock Exposition in Chicago, IL.  Many noted that the quality of this show had even surpassed that of the Chicago Exposition.  Though imported sheep were numerous and of high quality, they did not put "homebred" Lincolns to shame.  It is important to note however, these "homebred" sheep came from Canada.  Not a single domestic (as in U. S.) sheep was shown. 

It was claimed that the Dorset men watched with a jealous eye as the Lincolns  demonstrated their worthiness.  They proved to be first-class mutton and wool raisers, as well as an excellent lamb raiser. Judge Arnold followed this scale as he judged the Lincolns:  constitution, 25 points; size, 10; appearance, 10; body, 15; head, 10; neck, 5; legs, 10; fleece, 10; quality of wool, 10; for a total of 100 points possible.

Gibson and some Lincoln winners

The senior yearling rams were said to be one of the best classes in the Lincoln exhibit, along with the senior ram lambs.  The junior yearling rams  may have lacked quantity but they made up for it in quality.  Another notable class was the senior ewe lambs, which were said to be "bordering on the phenomenal."

Gibson's champion yearling Lincoln ram

The premier champion breeder award went to Mr. J. T. Gibson, a winner in many classes.  After a ewe class, it was said that Mr. Gibson led his ewe back to her pen where she gave birth to a beautiful, healthy ewe lamb.  At the awards ceremony the newborn lamb laid contentedly by its mother.

The Winners:  (Sex):  (Category):  (Winner):  (Owner)

• Ram:  Aged Rams:  Gibson's 155:  J. T. Gibson.
• Ram:  Senior Yearling Rams:  Dean's 4:  J. T. Gibson.
• Ram:  Junior Yearling Rams:  Gibson's 187:  J. T. Gibson.

• Ram Lamb:  Senior Lamb Rams:  Hobo:  J. H. Patrick.

• Ram Lamb:  Junior Lamb Rams:  Gibson's 224:  J. T. Gibson.
• Ewe:  Aged Ewes:  Gibson's 162:  J. T. Gibson.
• Ewe:  Senior Yearling Ewes:  Dudding's 73:  J. T. Gibson.
• Ewe:  Junior Yearling Ewes:  Gibson's 199:  J. T. Gibson.
• Ewe Lamb:  Senior Ewe Lambs:  Dudding's 78:  J. T. Gibson.
• Ewe Lamb:  Junior Ewe Lambs:  Gibson's 225:  J. T. Gibson.

References: Breeder’s Gazette, Oct. 19, 1904; American Sheep Breeder,  Oct. 15, 1904

Photos from American Sheep Breeder.

This page was designed by Duane Nanneman and is maintained by Lyndon Irwin. 

Go back to the main sheep page.

Go back to the World's Fair page.