One of the most decorated Berkshire breeders of his generation and labeled a "master breeder".
1850-1933 | Artist: Robert Wadsworth Grafton (1876-1936)
Impact & Accomplishments
One of the most decorated breeders of his generation, Nicholas Gentry raised Berkshire hogs on Wood Dale Stock Farm in Pettis County, Missouri, importing three foundation animals in 1875.
Gentry was president of the committee representing Missouri at the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, and there, his hogs were awarded an unmatched thirty-two separate prizes.
President of the American Berkshire Association, Gentry also bred Shorthorn cattle and served as director of that breed association as well. He was president of the National Association of Live Stock Exhibitors, vice president of the Missouri State Fair Association, and president of the American Royal twice. The American Berkshire Association funded his portrait.
Did You Know?
N. H. Gentry (left) was a well-know Berkshire breeder from Sedalia, Missouri. Many people credit Mr. Gentry with having a very large influence on bringing the Berkshire breed back into favor by “effecting changes that were demanded by modern market conditions.” It was noted that Mr. Gentry seemed to have natural instincts for selecting traits that improved the breed. Products of his herd dominated the exhibit in St. Louis. Members of Mr. Gentry's herd won twenty-three first prizes out of a possible twenty-eight. In fact, Mr. Gentry won $2,300 in prize money at the Worlds Fair. This dominance led to the Breeder’s Gazette describing Gentry as a “master breeder.” Every hog that competed in the exhibition was descended from the Gentry strain of animals.
A prize winning Berkshire hog breed by Gentry at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.