THE WOODIWISS BROTHERS – MAJOR E.S. (SYDNEY) WOODIWISS & SAMUEL WOODIWISS
One branch of the Woodiwiss family were local to where I now live. Sir Abraham Woodiwiss of Derby, England, had 8 sons and 2 daughters. The sons who were most involved in the cat fancy were Samuel and Sydney, both of whom moved to Essex. Samuel was born in 1867 and eventually moved to Little Leighs/Gt Waltham, a few miles north of Chelmsford. Edwin Sydney was born in 1871 and eventually lived in Danbury, a few miles east of Chelmsford. Two other brothers were also animal fanciers – Isaac Newton Woodiwiss (born 1869) and George (born 1856). So many animal fanciers coming from one family is not surprising as Derbyshire had a long tradition of livestock breeding and small-animal fancying (pigeons, poultry etc).
Major E.S. (Sydney) Woodiwiss also judged cattle and exhibited dogs. His wife, Gwendoline Woodiwiss, exhibited poultry bred at Woodrooffe Poultry Farm, Danbury; the poultry farm was sold off in 1927. In 1931 their bungalow was sold (applications to "Woodrooffe"). The best I can make out is that Woodrooffe was situated where a road called "Woodside" is now located (CM3 4SR). Sam Woodiwiss (erroneously given as son of Sir Peter Woodiwiss in some accounts) owned a cattle farm called Sedgemere in Gt Waltham, Essex. He was a judge in the goat classes at our agricultural shows and a member of the British Goat Society. Both brothers became Fellows of the Zoological Society of London.
Sydney and Samuel were founders of the Abyssinian Cat Club and used the famous prefixes "Sedgemere" (Sam) and "Woodrooffe" (Sydney). Because they both went by "S. Woodiwiss" their accomplishments are often confused together, but delving into news archives helps to unravel their histories. They registered some of the earliest Abyssinians in the studbook. Sydney established a menagerie of exotic animals and Sam also had an interest in more exotic cats such the Indian Fishing Cats, "Sedgemere Hateful" and "Sedgemere Spiteful" that he bought, registered in the National Cat Club studbook and exhibited. Newspaper articles show that he had a collection of many types of animal at his "Sedgemere," estate on the outskirts of London.
The National Cat Club Stud Books tell us that Sam and Sydney were both Committee Members in 1894. In 1895, Sam served as meeting Chairman of The National Cat Club. Sam and Isaac Newton Woodiwiss were also Vice-Presidents and Committee Members of The National Cat Club.
MAJOR E. SYDNEY WOODIWISS, M.B.E.
Edwin Sydney Woodiwiss 13 Dec 1871, Derby, England - 14 Dec 1940, Hendon, England) was the seventh son and youngest of ten children born to railway contractor Sir Abraham Woodiwiss and Lady Emma Woodiwiss. He attended Harrow school until the age of 18. He had inherited more than £30,000 (a fortune in those days) when his father died in 1884, and like many wealthy young men he left school with no profession, and then went into military service. He most often went by the name “E. Sydney” or “Sydney” and seems to have had a restless spirit.
In December of 1892, just shy of his twenty-first birthday, he purchased the imposing Hill Place estate in Upminster, Essex, UK. By June 1893, the eccentric and wealthy Sydney had created his own private zoo in the grounds of the estate. Three paddocks at the rear of the premises contained Jersey heifers, a large zebu bull and a pair of pygmy zebus. (At that time many tried to cross the zebu to British domestic cattle). He established a large kennels and was a successful breeder and exhibitor of pedigree Dachshunds and Schipperkes. By September 1893 his menagerie included a Malayan Bear, an agouti (a large rodent), a herd of alpaca, and bush-tailed kangaroos. He also had extensive aviaries housing a golden eagle, sparrowhawks, eagle owls and barn owls. An artificial pond behind the kennels was home to flamingos, storks, herons and a flock of geese. The ruins of Woodiwiss’s zoo and other buildings were still visible behind the convent until its demolition due to structural issues in the 1960s.
In Upminster, he married Constance Eleanor Marian Wigg, daughter of Dr Carter Wigg MD, formerly of Southminster (Essex Herald, 7th February 1893). On March 15th, 1894, the couple, then resident at Hill Place, Upminster, had a daughter (Chelmsford Chronicle, 30th March 1894), Angela Constance Woodiwiss, who died that same year. In 1896, they had a son, Vivian Sydney Woodiwiss who died in 1981.
In 1900, he enlisted with the newly formed Imperial Yeomanry and served in the Second Boer War in South Africa, rising to the rank of Captain and spending some time as a prisoner of war. He returned to England in 1902 and emigrated to Canada in 1903, leaving Constance in England. He settled in Manitoba, where he raised cattle and horses and farmed 800 acres in Binscarth. He served as a Justice of the Peace while living there, and continued to serve as a J.P. after moving to Winnipeg in 1910 and becoming a real estate agent.
“Dog-owners in the Wheat-belt should not forget this name and address. Mr. Woodiwiss once possessed the best kennel of Dachhunds in England, and his Kerry and Dexter cattle had no superiors.” (American Register, 9th October 1910)
Sydney appears to have deserted his first wife, Constance, when he moved to Canada. He bigamously married Annie Florence Douglas on 12th August, 1912 in Hennepin, Minnesota, USA. Annie was the daughter of Sir Adye and Lady Douglas, of Hobart, Tasmania. They had a daughter, Marie Grace Woodiwiss (1915 – 1994). He listed Annie as his “next of kin” on his Canadian military records. This marriage ended in divorce around 1916. His army pay was sent to his wife care of his brother, Samuel, at Graveleys, Great Waltham (near Chelmsford), Essex, England. Then it gets complicated. Sydney did not divorce his estranged first wife until his return to England in the early 1920s, doing so in order to marry Gwendoline Templeman.
Here we have a complicated and slightly scandalous detour. Alfred Reginald Barstow Woodiwiss (Reggie) (son of Sydney’s older brother, Alfred Woodiwiss) went to Canada around 1905 to farm with his uncle Sydney. He met Kate Ida Douglas, half-sister of Nellie Hallam (nee Douglas) who lived on the neighbouring farm, and who was older sister of Annie Douglas. Kate was there on holiday from Tasmania. Kate married Reggie on 27th August 1908, but died in 1914 after giving birth to their 4th child. Nellie and her husband Frank took on the 4 children. In 1912, Kate’s younger sister, Annie, married Sydney, the marriage lasting until 1916. When the Great War started, Reggie, Frank, Nellie and Annie went to England. Reggie served in the army and the Royal Flying Corps.
Sydney and Annie divorced around 1916, and Annie married her former brother-in-law (and Sydney’s nephew), Reggie, on 25th October 1916 in Marylebone, London, England. After the war Frank, Nellie, Reggie and Annie and their children emigrated to Australia and established adjoining farms. Around 1919/20 Annie and Reggie moved to Tasmania. In 1933, Reggie mentioned going to England, but Annie did not know he had actually left her until shown an application form for passports for Reggie and another woman. He refused to pay maintenance for their child and Annie was granted a decree nisi on grounds of desertion. Reggie went to live in Australia, leaving Annie in Tasmania.
Meanwhile, in 1922 Sydney was back in England where he married Gwendoline Templeman in Hitchin, Herts. The couple had a number of children registered in Chelmsford. In total, Sydney appears to have had 10 children – 2 with Constance, 1 with Annie and 7 with Gwendoline. It’s worth noting that having concurrent wives and families in different countries was not unprecedented for men who served Britain abroad in a military, civil or mercantile capacity.
MILITARY SERVICE
Sydney seems to have been most at home in the army. Lieut. E.S. Woodiwiss, of the 1st Volunteer Battalion of Sherwood Foresters was promoted to Captain in 1895 (Volunteer Record & Shooting News - Saturday 23 November 1895) and resigned his commission 9 years later (Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 9th June 1904).
He joined the “Duke’s Own” Yeomanry corps and served in South Africa where he was captured and held prisoner by the Boers (Chelmsford Chronicle, 9th November 1900). He had gone to the front early as a Private in the Duke of Cambridge’s Own, a distinguished body of Volunteers, in which he became Sergeant.
His prize herd of cattle was put up for sale two months after he departed for South Africa to serve during the Second Boer War.
DEXTER CATTLE DISPERSED. MR. E. WOODIWISS'S HERD SOLD AT UPMINSTER.Chelmsford Chronicle, 5th April 1901
It is but seldom that entire herd of Dexter cattle comes under the hammer, and this circumstance imparted special interest to the sale on Wednesday, by Messrs. Thornton and Co., the herd belonging to Mr. Sydney Woodiwiss, at Westbury, Upminster. This herd has met with much success in the show yard, and during the owner’s absence with the forces in South Africa last year the prize-winning cattle were sold at good figures. As he is again leaving for the seat of war and giving up breeding, the whole of this choice herd came into the sale ring, three bulls and 25 cows and heifers being enumerated in the catalogue. [. . . ] A fairly large company buyers travelled down from London. [The sale included a heifer, Sedgemere Sylvia, bred by his brother, Sam Woodiwiss.]
From January 1900, he served with the Imperial Yeomanry in South Africa (Second Boer War) for two and a half years. He was promoted to Captain, 7th Battalion. In March 1901, he sailed to South Africa on board the Bavaria as captain of G Company. In April 1901, Lieut. E.S. Woodiwiss of the 7th Battalion Imperial Yeomanry became Captain of that Battalion and gained the temporary rank of Captain in the Army (Volunteer Service Gazette and Military Dispatch, 27th December 1901). In 1901, he became a prisoner of war upon the surrender of the 13th Imperial Yeomanry following the disaster at Lindley. He escaped, and returned to England in July 1902. He emigrated to Canada in 1903.
He joined the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force in 1914 and served as a Major in the Canadian Army Medical Corps during the Great War (WW1, 1914 - 1919). In 1919, Captain E. Sydney Woodiwiss received an M.B.E. in the Birthday Honours List. The official description of the honour was M.B.E. (Military Division), Quartermaster and Hon, Major E.S. Woodiwiss, Canadian Army Medical Corps. (Derbyshire Advertiser, 13th June 1919)
CAT BREEDER
Major E. Sydney Woodiwiss was a well-known breeder of Abyssinian and Siamese cats under the Woodrooffe cattery name, registered in Danbury. He also registered the “Ras” prefix with the GCCF and this is the prefix of several influential early Abyssinians. While at Hill Place, Upminster, he bred British Shorthairs and Manx Cats. He exported a number of Abyssinians to the USA, France and elsewhere to found the breed there. Although an Abyssinian had gone to the USA in 1907, it wasn’t until his Woodrooffe cats reached the USA in the 1930s that the breed took off there.
In 1923, Sydney was elected secretary of the Siamese Cat Club and was responsible for the first Siamese Cat Club Show, the first championship show held by a specialist club and confined to a single breed. In 1924, he published the first Siamese cat register, listing all the registered Siamese cats in Britain with (as far as was known) their sires, dams, birth-dates, breeders and owners. In 1927 he published Vol II of the Siamese cat register.
Between 1930 and 1938, Sydney established a solid foundation for the Abyssinian breed. This was fortuitous because World War II would wreak havoc upon the breed. Sydney and Samuel were founders of the Abyssinian Cat Club in England, and served as its Hon. Secretary. A few years before the beginning of World War II, Sydney sent the spectacular ruddy male ‘Woodrooffe Ras Seyum’ to the USA, much to the chagrin of British breeders.
DOG BREEDER
While living at Hill Place, Sydney became an successful breeder and exhibitor of pedigree Dachshund and Schipperke dogs. He and his brother, Samuel, exhibited their dogs in New York City in 1895, winning several prizes. The Schipperke had previously been viewed as a mongrel, but the Woodiwisses helped return them to the proper type of the original Belgian barge dogs. Another brother, Isaac Newton Woodiwiss, owner of the Schipperke, was also involved in this endeavour.
Unfortunately their dogs arrived a day late and tough they were judged and placed, they were subsequently disqualified as being ineligible as they hadn’t been benched on the opening day. A report appeared in “Forest and Stream” of 9th November, 1895 regarding the disqualification and “extra awards” given to the Woodiwiss dogs as a goodwill gesture. The 18th October 1895 issue of “The Stock-Keeper” (England) had published an open letter dated September 27th from Messrs. Jas. Watson and A. P. Vredenburgh refuting the published statements of Mr. James Taylor, England, who had judged at the show, regarding the American kennel world. Mr Taylor alleged the Westminster Club had committed fraud by disqualifying the Woodiwiss dogs he had judged and moving lower placed dogs up a rank. Watson and Vredenburgh stated “Mr. Woodiwiss's dogs which received prizes were ineligible to compete, and were on that account disqualified, and in the natural course of dog-show events their disappearance from the prize list should have allowed each of their beaten competitors to move up a peg, that is to say, a third dog take second prize, a reserve dog take third prize, and so on. We should not have called that altering the awards.”
Watson and Vredenburgh said that the awards in the classes in which the Messrs. Woodiwiss exhibited were altered on Wednesday without consultation with Mr. Taylor (the judge), “who had no more reason to be heard in the matter than if he had never left England.” The dogs belonging to Messrs. Woodiwiss did not arrive at the show building until Wednesday, the second day of the show; Mr. Taylor judged those classes later that day and awarded certain prizes to the Woodiwiss dogs, but an objection was lodged because the dogs had arrived late and were therefore ineligible to compete. Under the rules of the show, the show committee had to disqualify any late arrivals. As a goodwill gesture Mr. Terry offered, on behalf of the Westminster club, to let the awards stand as "extra prizes” and pay the prize money, but the Messrs. Woodiwiss said they would prefer plate. The amount won was $90 (equal to £18); but, not content with voluntarily paying prize money twice over, the club purchased plate to the value of £22, and forwarded it to Messrs. Woodiwiss. Those were the facts as known to Messrs. Jas. Watson and A. P. Vredenburgh who felt it their duty to let British readers known the facts of the matter.
A letter from Sydney had then appeared in the “Stock-Keeper” of 25th October:
’Although hitherto I have refrained from making any comment on the remarks which have appeared in print about my brother and myself at the late Westminster Kennel Club show at New York, I now feel it my duty to state the real facts, which were as follows: On the morning of the first day of the show, the boat carrying our dogs and kennelman had neither arrived nor been reported; however, in the evening I received a telegram saying she would be in dock at 8 o'clock the next morning, so I at once took this telegram to Mr. Mortimer, and he said if we could get the dogs in before their classes were judged they would be all right (I may here mention the judging at this show was not finished until the evening of the second day; all our dogs were benched between 2 and 3 o'clock on that day, and the dachshunds were not judged until about 5 o'clock); therefore, our surprise was great when we were told later on that objections had been lodged against the awards being given to our dogs, that in consequence of the said objections they would receive extra prizes instead.
Now, to go to the subject of the plate, which we were alleged to have asked for and received in preference to the prize money. The whole of this is an utter fabrication. My brother never applied at the office for his prize money at all, but I went for mine and was offered checks amounting in value to about £16 or £17, which I refused to take, being much annoyed at the altering of the awards, viz.: by inserting the word "extra,” and moving up dogs of inferior merit to the position mine by rights should have occupied. I especially noticed that the special prize for best team of dachshunds, which my dogs were awarded, remained unaltered in the catalogue; therefore, in place of the $15 for this said special, I asked Mr. Terry if he would send me a gold medal up to that value (or less).
This he agreed to do, and the word plate was never mentioned, nor have we received any, much less the gold medal; therefore what Messrs. James Watson and A. P. Vredenburgh mean by the paragraph, "The dogs belonging to Messrs. Woodiwiss did not arrive at the show building till Wednesday, the second day of the show. Mr. Taylor had not then judged these classes, but did so on that day. He awarded certain prizes to these dogs, but an objection was raised because of late arrival. The show committee had no option, under the rules, but to disqualify the belated travelers; but, in order that their owners might not feel aggrieved at the enforcement of the show rules, Mr. Terry offered, on behalf of the club, to let the awards stand as 'extra prizes,' and pay the amount won, irrespective of the dogs' qualifications in their classes, and Messrs. Woodiwiss said they would prefer plate. The amount won was $90 (equal to £18); but, not content with voluntarily paying that amount twice over, the club purchased plate to the value of £22, and forwarded it to the Messrs. Woodiwiss,” which appears in your last issue, I am quite at a loss to understand. - Mr Taylor had alleged the Westminster Club had committed fraud by disqualifying the Woodiwiss dogs and moving lower ranking dogs up a rank (e.g. a 3rd place dog elevated to 2nd place etc). Watson and Vredenburgh stated “Mr. Woodiwiss's dogs which received prizes were ineligible to compete, and were on that account disqualified, and in the natural course of dog-show events their disappearance from the prize list should have allowed each of their beaten competitors to move up a peg, that is to say, a third dog take second prize, a reserve dog take third prize, and so on. We should not have called that altering the awards. - E. SYDNEY WOODIWISS.’
In 1898, Sydney started the Dachshund Pedigrees Book, recording the pedigrees of all Dachshunds up to 1896. At the time there were 2 distinct types – the German type (longer legged) and the preferred English type (shorter legged). However Sydney would late give up his dog breeding in 1899 to concentrate on cattle, although he would later give up his cattle when he went to serve in South Africa. Dachshunds had become a craze in Britain at the end of the 19th Century (Sporting Gazette - Saturday 22 December 1900). Sydney was involved in the revival of interest in Dachshunds in 1924, the breed having fallen out of favour, along with all things German, some years previously
CATTLE BREEDING
Sydney Woodiwiss was a well-known breeder of prize-winning Dexter cattle, maintaining a herd of 20. Dexter Red Rose was one of his most famous cattle due to her high milk yield. He owned a 300 acre mixed farm at Westbury Farm, Cranham, sending milk from his dairy to London and growing wheat and oats. His prize herd was put up for sale two months after he departed for South Africa to serve during the Second Boer War.
When he eventually returned to England, E.S. Woodiwiss was a judge of cattle at county shows (Essex Newsman, 7th March 1936) as well as being a judge of dogs.
His third wife, Gwendoline, made the local news for a driving offence, and the couple later made the news over unpaid debts, having failed in several business enterprises.
LADY AND THE SIGNAL. Essex Newsman, 21st June 1930: Mrs. Gwendoline Woodiwiss, Woodroffe, Little Baddow, summoned for not causing a motor car to stop on signal from a police constable, at Chelmsford on June 7, wrote that she did not see the signal.– P.c. Oakley said that 12.55 p.m. on June 7, while on point duty at Springfield Road corner, he held out his hand to stop traffic coming along High Street from the direction of the Shire Hall, and beckoned to Mr. James Forsgate, who was in charge of a milk barrow, to proceed to Springfield from the direction of Moulsham Street. Mr. Forsgate was obeying the signal, when a car driven by Mrs. Woodiwiss came on against witness's signal, and endeavoured to pass the barrow before it crossed the road. Witness had step out of the way of the car, which struck the barrow with the front off-side hub, and knocked off the tyre of the barrow wheel. Witness asked Mrs. Woodiwiss if she had seen his signal? She replied: " I was looking at that barrow crossing the road." Witness said: " My signal was plain enough. You could not have been looking at me." She answered: "No, I am sorry. Whom does the barrow belong to?"– Defendant was fined £1, with 7/6 witnesses' expenses, and 4/- Court costs.
Unfortunately the farm in Little Leighs, just north of Chelmsford, was not successful and Sydney’s money began to run out. Although he judged at county shows and dog shows, he did not seem to be breeding prize-winning animals to the same extent as before. In the 1930s, there was an economic depression. Towards the end of his life, he tried poultry farming, real estate and the building industry, all without success and later relying on his wife’s money.
CHELMSFORD BANKRUPTCY COURT Chelmsford Chronicle, 6th November 1936; Essex Newsman, 7th November 1936
"TOO OPTIMISTIC." Edwin Sydney Woodiwiss, and his wife, Gwendoline, residing and carrying on business as builders at Woodroofe, Little Baddow, were examined on a joint statement showing liabilities of £379/7/5 and a deficiency of £277/9/4. Mr. Woodiwiss said that in July, 1922, he and his wife purchased a farm at Little Leighs, and commenced business as farmers. There was a capital of £1,000, provided by him. The farm was not successful, and in 1925 the farm implements, goodwill, etc., were sold for £2,000, out of which the partnership liabilities were discharged. In 1935 he purchased the property, Woodroffe, Little Baddow, including twenty acres of land, and they carried on business as poultry farmers, with live stock value £250. That business was not successful. A trade creditor had obtained a judgment against them which they were unable to satisfy, and at a meeting of the creditors in 1925 a composition of 6/8 in the £ (partnership) and 5/- in the £ (separate estate) was approved. The poultry business was disposed of, and they decided to sell plots of land for building purposes. In 1934 they resolved to try their hand at building, and commenced business as "W. and W." The capital was provided by his wife, out of the balance of a legacy. She also borrowed £500 from her brother, and that was put into the business. They constructed two gravel roads and had laid a water main and drain at Little Baddow, and had constructed property there, under contract and on speculation. He had borrowed money from the bank.
Mr. Pollitt: It seems that you have been losing other people's money? - l suppose so, but mine, too, unfortunately.
Debtor added that three creditors obtained judgment against him for £170, and this was not satisfied, so one of the creditors filed the petition.
Mr. Pollitt: For a number of years you have been living beyond your means? I think I have been too optimistic about the property.
The examination was adjourned.
MR SAMUEL WOODIWISS
Samuel Woodiwiss was the 5th son of Abraham and older brother of Sydney. His first marriage was to Emma Adelaide Marsham/Marshman in Barnet, Herts. Between 1890 and 1906 they had 2 sons and 2 daughters. The first 3 children were born in Barnet and the 4th child in Chelmsford. Emma died in 1909. Their 11-year-old daughter, Gertrude, died that same year. In 1918, now living at Graveleys, Great Waltham, near Chelmsford, he married Rosa A. Dendrino at Kensington, London. His stepson, Stephen Dendrino, was a Second-Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps and was killed in September 1916 at the age of 28. (Derby Daily Telegraph, 20th February 1917).
Sam Woodiwiss bred and judged various types of livestock and fancy pet-stock. Between 1888 and 1900, he lived at Sedgemere House, East Finchley, London, and he used the Sedgemere prefix for many of his breeding activities. Sedgemere was his farm for breeding fancy animals, particularly its cattery and kennels, with room for more than 50 dogs. His menagerie included monkeys, exotic birds and a piggery for his rare pig breeds. While at Sedgemere, Samuel introduced the Dogues de Bordeaux to Britain (although it died out there), co-founded the Abyssinian Cat Club (with his brother, Sydney) and the National Mouse Society.
MR SAM WOODIWISS, F.Z.S. Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 7th November 1895
It is always a pleasure to pay a visit to a genuine Fancier, and that pleasure is greatly enhanced when one is assured of a hearty welcome. I was spending a short holiday near the Metropolis a few weeks since, when I received a pressing invitation from Mr. Sam Woodiwiss (son of the late Sir Peter Woodiwiss [an error, son of the late Abraham Woodiwiss], to visit his kennels and estate at East Finchley. It is needless to say I accepted the kind offer with the greatest pleasure, knowing that this gentleman (who may be just styled one of the Kings of the Dog World), is possessed of the pride of the Fancy, and that the visit would undoubtedly prove a rich treat to one who, like your humble servant, is so interested in pure-bred live stock. Well, on arrival at Paddington I found a well-appointed brougham waiting to convey me to Sedgemere, which is situated in the outskirts of London. Mr. Woodiwiss gave me a most hearty welcome to his mansion, and after a capital lunch we proceeded to the Kennels.
My readers may imagine my surprise when, after walking through the charming grounds at the rear of the house, we entered an extensive space of ground asphalted over and surrounded by close on 50 good sized houses or dog kennels, each being perfection in itself, sleeping house, and all necessaries for the comfort and health of the distinguished canine inmates. There is a strong iron railed frontage, whilst two large doors at night protect the valuable dogs from the weather and cold winds. First we came to the noted Bull Dogs, and here let me state that no man has done more to perfect this particular breed than the gentleman whose name heads this article, spending both time and money in raising the Bull Dog Fancy to the high position it holds at the present time. House after house contained typical specimens of the wonderful breed, showing splendid faces, wide and deep, big skulls, and broad shoulders and bone, so necessary to the Bull Dog, also the all important wrinkles of the head, to perfection. The noted winner, Blackberry, winner of innumerable first prizes, was pointed out to me, truly a massive bitch with great width of body and grand muscular developments in forearms. Other great winners were present, including Sheffield Barry, Bilberry, Brassy Sal, etc. House after house was visited, containing grand massive Bull Dogs, very few indeed lacking the necessary points for the show bench.
We next came to a new variety of dog lately introduced into this country, the "Dogues de Bordeaux." These wonderful specimens (of which there are only six in England and four of these in Sedgemere Kennels), are somewhat of the Bull Dog species, but very much larger, and bolder in appearance and shape of body. Then we came to favourite varieties of mine, the old English Sheep dogs, looking perfection, with grand coats; also rough and smooth Collies of various ages, Fox and Irish Terriers of the best stamp, especially the latter, one of the litters having some puppies already showing great promise, and will be probably heard of to advantage later on. An interesting specimen was a Thibet Mastiff (imported), a massive looking animal in superb condition. We passed several kennels containing Greyhounds, and came to the well-known crack, Real Jam, a noted winner of first prizes whenever shown in best of company.
After looking over the extensive canine collection we glanced at the veterinary-room, fitted with all the needful medicines and appliances, also the kitchen, for my readers may readily imagine it takes something substantial to feed such a stock of valuable dogs and champion specimens. We passed out from the well-kept kennels, the like of which I doubt is to be seen in this part of the country, to view the other stock, and on the way passed the rabbitries where, in properly built and excellently arranged hutches, were over 30 capital specimens of Flemish Giants, Belgian Hares, Himalayans, Polish, Dutch, Angoras, Silver Greys, and Creams. Most of them were prize bred and would certainly hold their own in good company. Next we saw several aviaries and lofts containing pigeons, and I noticed Fantails, Turbits, Archangels and Satinettes, and although Mr. Woodiwiss seldom exhibits I am of opinion the pigeon fancy would have a hot time of it were he to enter the lists. In various parts of the extensive grounds were pens of Wyandottes, Brown Leghorns, Langshans, Black Minorcas, etc. Most of the birds were of prize strain, and typical specimens were to be seen in some of the runs. I may here say that Mr. Woodiwiss intends to take up one of the breeds of poultry, and should he do so in the excellent manner in which he has supported the other sections of the fancy, poultry breeders will have to look to their laurels.
THE CATTERY. We now entered a large building which I discovered was a Cattery, specially erected for the benefit of "poor puss." Here, though in confinement, "pussy" is allowed to ramble in large runs, and even to climb the proverbial " tiles," though with the aid of wire netting she is confined within certain limits. It was truly the perfection of a Cattery, and its owners did credit to the establishment. The wonderful Tabby champion Xenophon first claimed attention. This is acknowledged to be the finest specimen ever produced or exhibited; it has won whilst in Mr. Woodiwiss's possession six times the championship for best smooth hair, and seven firsts and 19 specials at first class shows. It has a wonderful head, grand markings, and perfection of colour. Next we found a splendid black female, Sedgemere Darkie, another noted winner with lovely head and eye, and colour of the deepest jet. A Silver Tabby female showed good points and looked in splendid condition. Then we came to a house containing a recent purchase of two Abyssinian cats, exceedingly pretty specimens of the feline race, the colour approaching that of the Silver Agouti Cavy, and when exhibited will doubtless be a great attraction. Many specimens owned Mr. Woodiwiss last year have been disposed of or have died, viz., the wonderful Iceland [actually Indian] Fishing Cat, and the African Tiger Cats, which were much admired when exhibited at the Bath and Clifton Cat Shows.
THE MONKEY HOUSE. I thought I had seen all the livestock to this enthusiastic Fancier when I was directed to a large glass roofed building, which to great surprise was full of monkeys! Yes, my readers, and wonderfully pretty specimens too. Nine of the most rare monkeys were caged in various compartments. I was shown a marvellous Japanese ape with a strange looking face, also a Diana monkey, with a lovely tail of coloured fur. The small Bonnet monkey was a strange looking animal, whilst the Capuchin and Jew were rather too ferocious to please a modest Fancier like myself. Four Resnes completed the collection. Though several showed signs of fierceness to a stranger, to my friend and his son they seemed quite friendly. Probably they knew I was not an F.Z.S., and did not understand their "funny little ways." I have visited most of the English Zoos, and can confidently say none excelled the Sedgemere "pets."
BIRDS AND MICE. At the end of the monkey house we came to an aviary full of lovely canaries in grand colour and plumage, also three parrots, looking well cared for, whilst in another corner were to be found cages of fancy mice of various colours, cinnamon, silver, self coloured, and Dutch marked specimens of the rodent tribe. "And now we have reached the goat houses and piggeries," said mine host. "What, more live stock?" "Yes" replied Mr. Woodiwiss, and more useful fancies, too. Well, we wandered through another portion of the grounds and passed a large lake where swans, ducks and geese were regaling themselves, and came to a large paddock where close by were stables and sheds in well bricked and concrete yards. I found my friend possessed no fewer than eight goats, two Angora (a very pretty long-haired variety) one Joggenburg, one Somali, one Ibex and three British Billies and Nannies. Goat breeding I learnt, is on the increase, and through the efforts of the British Goat Society is being brought more to the front as a useful fancy. Some of those seen at Sedgemere were certainly charming looking animals. The piggeries contained ten Berkshire, two Tamworth and two Yorkshire pigs, all pure bred and looking as if good food and comfortable quarters suited their natures. The stables are on an extensive scale, containing nine horses, five being in hard work on the estate, two pony hackney mares, and two foals.
RELICS AND TROPHIES. This concluded my survey of the out-door department, and I was invited to a smoke and chat, etc., in the study, which to my surprise contained skeletons of the noted champion Bull Dogs owned by Mr. Woodiwiss, and well known in the Dog World, for who does not revere the memories of such famous winners as Dockleaf, British Monarch, and Grabber, and to see the bones of these champions gracing their master's study brought back pleasant recollections of their winning days, whilst in the drawing-room adjoining I was shown the preserved skins of these noble creatures. In a bookcase close by me were handsomely-bound catalogues of all the principal shows of the last 12 years, and even the walls were adorned with drawings of the many Bull Dogs of past and present shows, whilst a large glass case contained dozens of gold, silver, and bronze medals, out of the 300 which have been won by this great Fancier. In the library I was afterwards shown the largest collection of pen and ink drawings of Bull Dogs to be seen in this country. From top to bottom all the four walls were covered with pictures of the canine species, in addition to which I viewed with admiration a large glass case containing 31 silver cups and challenge vases of various sizes won since 1888. I also noticed a case of three live lizards of great size, the remains of a large vivarium kept. These three reptiles were three years old, and just going off for their winter's sleep.
MODEL FANCIER. I spent several days at this Fancier's charming home, and found Mr. Woodiwiss to be a thorough Fancier in the true sense of the word, keeping livestock, as he does, of all possible varieties, purely for the love of the Fancy, and not for what may or may not be made out of it, and whilst displaying a decided partiality for Bull Dogs, is equally willing to advance other branches of the fancy, whether fur or feather. In fact, the Fancy world has one of the strongest supporters it possesses in the family of Woodiwiss, both in him and his esteemed brother, Mr. George Woodiwiss, our energetic Bath president, so respected in the West. Mine host has endeavoured by his personal efforts, his liberality, also by his time and experience, to advance its interests and to purify it.
I elicited the fact that Mr. Sam Woodiwiss is as ardent a fancier to-day as he was 12 years since when he first won his laurels. Two great points I found this gentleman was strong upon and these were: –“Pedigrees” and "Blood," truly two grand essentials to bear in mind, and without which no fancier can reach the pinnacle of success. But I must now conclude this sketch of one of the best fanciers this country possesses. Brief and imperfect as it is, it will give my readers some idea of this model fancier's home, and I am sure Western fanciers will join with me in wishing long life, success and happiness to the proud owner of “Sedgemere." – Bladud.
According to the Holloway Press, 3rd February 1899, at the first grand open show of the Finchley and District Fanciers’ Society, Sam Woodiwiss offered a £3 3s Challenge Cup for the best Fowl; Sydney Woodiwiss offered a £2 2s Challenge Cup for the best Rabbit and Isaac Newrton Woodiwiss offered a £2 2s Challenge Cup for best Cavy.
Sam attributed his success in breeding livestock and fancy animals to the study of pedigrees. “Mr. Sam Woodiwiss is as ardent a fancier to-day as he was 12 years since when he first won his laurels. Two great points I found this gentleman was strong upon and these were:- “Pedigrees” and "Blood," truly two grand essentials to bear in mind, and without which no fancier can reach the pinnacle of success.” (Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 7th November 1895) “An inborn ability to judge stock has led Mr Woodiwiss to identify himself with numerous other breeds. He is authority on Suffolk horses, a stud of which he has long maintained, and he is an outstanding figure of the Red Poll Cattle Society, being frequently judge in all parts of the country. “(Aberdeen Press and Journal, 1st January 1935) “As a great enthusiast, Mr. Woodiwiss is rather disturbed that with most breeds of dogs there is not so apparent that keenness for pedigree as in the early nineties.” (Chelmsford Chronicle, 1st January 1937)
He recognised the importance of choosing both parents carefully when breeding. In an article in “Bulldogs and Bulldog Men” (H. St John Cooper, 1905) he wrote that he regarded the dam as more important than the sire. He felt that too many breeders chose excellent stud dogs but used substandard animals as brood bitches, and he applied this philosophy to all his breeding endeavours.
“He began farming in Essex at the beginning of his twenties, and the story of his activities is summed up in the 60 cups and 490 medals now to be seen out his home. Mr. Woodiwiss, who has judged at every kind of livestock show, was once called upon to officiate at a baby show. He confesses to some misgivings, and says that he weighed the babies and gave points for sound straight limbs and general conformation in the hope that that was the right method!” (Suffolk and Essex Free Press, 18th March 1937)
In 1900, Sam moved to Graveleys, Great Waltham, Essex, and remained there (having twice failed to sell the estate) until he died in 1952. ”While in the early twenties he bought the present farm of 300 acres and now, buoyant and actives at seventy years of age, he is acknowledged as an expert breeder and judge of horses, cattle, pigs, goat, sheep, dogs and cats. Of the last named, at his home are nineteen Manx cats, all pets. Few men are interested in such variety. (Chelmsford Chronicle, March 26, 1937)
SAM WOODIWISS Derby Daily Telegraph, 31st December 1934
The Bulldog Club (Incorporated), which is the oldest canine society Great Britain, will this coming year celebrate its diamond jubilee, and its oldest living member, Mr. Sam Woodiwiss, has been appointed president. He joined in 1886, and has been a member of the Council continuously for 40 years, while on five previous occasions he has been president. Mr. Woodiwiss Is a Derby man, his father being the late Sir Abraham Woodiwiss, who was twice Mayor in the early eighties of last century. His eldest brother, the late Alderman Abraham Woodiwiss, was also twice Mayor of Derby, while his sister, Mrs. W. Blews Robotham, has been twice Mayoress of Derby during her husband's terms of office. Another brother, the late Mr. George Woodiwiss, was Mayor of Bath, and yet another brother, Mr. Isaac Woodiwiss, now residing in Lincolnshire, also interested himself in public affairs, being at one time a member of. the Derbyshire County Council. Mr. Sam Woodiwiss, on the other hand, has preferred an open-air life, and has devoted himself to animal breeding.
In the animal world few people have a more distinguished record than Mr. Sam Woodiwiss, as breeder, exhibitor, and judge. He began to own dogs when he was a boy, and lived with his parents at The Field, Osmaston-road –now the premises of the Derby High School for Girls. Later, the family removed to The Pastures at Littleover, but when Sir Abraham died in 1884, Mr. Sam Woodiwiss did not long remain there, and his visits to Derby since that time have been few and far between.
The bulldog is his favourite breed, and he has bred and owned champions to sell up to 500 guineas. He is an authority on Suffolk horses, a stud of which he has long maintained, and he is an outstanding figure in the Red Poll Cattle Society, being frequently a judge in all parts of the country. His services are equally in demand as a judge of Dexters and other cattle, and likewise of Essex pigs, the breed Society of which he helped form. Nor does his interest in animals end here, for he has been one the most successful breeders and exhibitors of Hackney ponies and Suffolk sheep. He also breeds, exhibits, and judges Manx cats, and he won several prizes at the recent big cat show at Croydon. Although he would now come to Derby more or less as a stranger, has still relations and friends here.
Sam Woodiwiss was very much involved in livestock breeding, exhibiting and judging. He was a member of the Councils of the Suffolk Horse and Red Poll [Cattle] Societies, and a past-President and life member of the Essex Pig Society, which he helped to found in 1918. For many years he strenuously encouraged the breeding of the white-shouldered Essex pig, which he regarded as probably the oldest breed in England. (Suffolk and Essex Free Press, 18th March 1937)
THE GRAVELEYS ESTATE AND FARMING Chelmsford Chronicle, 1st November 1907
GRAVELEYS, GREAT WALTHAM. The current number of the Farm and Garden contains an interesting article on Graveleys Farm, Great Waltham, describing it as "a farm of world-wide renown." The owner, Mr. Sam Woodiwiss, has a varied stock. He has won innumerable prizes with his horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, bulldogs, and other dogs, and cats. "On entering the hall of his residence a display of prize-medals and cups is presented which is absolutely unique as the winnings of one exhibitor. The medals number over 500 in gold, silver, and bronze, and cups are represented by the score.” Mr. Woodiwiss's goats number sixty, and whereas the yield of milk of an average goat in full profit is two quarts a day, some of his animals give no less than five quarts. "Inspected individually or looked at collectively, the Graveleys goats are marvellously interesting." Of course, Mr. Woodiwiss's treasure is his Sedgemere Faith, a pure Alpine and a veritable Derby winner in the world of goats. “She yields a maximum in milk, and is possessed of every point which goes to constitute a perfect goat. She is about nine years old, and has won fourteen cups and medals and thirteen first prizes at leading shows." His favourite breed of cattle is Red Polls. His stock, the eighth largest in England, numbers fifty-six head. A choice small flock of purest Suffolk sheep are retained for breeding. The farm horses are chiefly Shires. Large white Yorkshire pigs are bred extensively. "Pedigree short-coated blue Russian cats have been bred for years and shown most successfully."
In 1927 and 1933, Sam tried to sell Graveleys estate and Sedgemere Farm and associated land and properties. Both times he was unsuccessful. The first sale, in 1927, details the estate as having a stud farm, 2 farms and 13 cottages in addition to the Graveley residence. The cottages were either let to paying tenants or provided to his farm workers. There are two records of him evicting tenants, including a family of six who were made homeless.
Graveleys, a 303 acre freehold residential and agricultural estate at Great Waltham, including the Sedgemere Stud Farm, Mabbs and Old Shaws Farms, thirteen cottages, gravel pit, etc., with possession except for a few cottages, was first offered as a whole on the instruction of Sam Woodiwiss. There were no bids for the whole estate so various lots were then offered. The residence Graveleys, and Sedgemere Stud Farm, were offered together, but there were no bids. Mabbs Farm and Old Shaws Farm were withdrawn from sale (did not make reserve) and other lots were not offered due to the failure of these to sell. (Chelmsford Chronicle, 8th July 1927)
In October 1930, Sam Woodiwiss took George Mayes, labourer, to court and applied for possession of Thatched Cottages, Sedgemere Stud Farm, Littley Green, occupied by the Mayes. He had let the cottage to Moore in September, 1929, and now required the cottage for a workman in his employ. Because Moore had not vacated the cottage, Woodiwiss had had to accommodate two workmen and their families in his own house. He was awarded possession i.e. an eviction order against Moore. (Essex Newsman, 25th October 1930)
In October 1931, Sam Woodiwiss took Mrs. Mildred Banks to court over possession of a cottage at Great Waltham. Mrs. Banks’s husband died two years ago, leaving her with five young children. She had failed to find alternative accommodation. The court had no alternative but to make the usual eviction order. (Essex Newsman, 10th October 1931)
The sale was announced of the residential agricultural estate of Graveleys, Great Waltham, by Messrs. Knight, Frank, and Rutley, in July, on behalf of Mr. Sam Woodiwiss, the well-known breeder and judge of stock. The property, which extends to some 297 acres, included an attractive residence known as Graveleys, stud buildings, and old-world residence and farm known as Sedgemere. Again it was offered as a whole, or in separate Lots. (Chelmsford Chronicle, 30th June 1933)
A property of 298 acres a ring fence, Graveleys, Great Waltham, between Chelmsford and Braintree, Essex, is to be offered by auction, by the Hanover Square firm on Friday. It comprises an attractive residence, stud buildings, two farms, one with a fine old house, and 13 cottages. There are long building frontages and vacant possession will given. The vendor, Mr. Sam Woodiwiss. breeder and judge of Suffolk horses. Red Polls and other pedigree stock, has been in occupation for the last 34 years. (Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 5th August 1933) Once again these did not sell, and Sam remained there until he died in 1952.
Chelmsford Chronicle, 1st January 1937 reported that few men in the pedigree stock breeding world had a record equalling that of Sam Woodiwiss, who was expert in numerous breeds, and during1936 had officiated as judge at leading shows, including the Royal and the London Dairy. He was described as a noted breeder of Red Poll cattle, Suffolk horses, Park cattle, Essex pigs, Dexter cattle, goats, bulldogs, mastiffs, and cats. He had been connected with most of those for nearly forty years, and with Bulldogs and goats for fifty years.
The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 29th December 1937, described him as an outstanding figure at livestock shows, and a well-known dog fancier, shortly to be given a banquet in his honour. The occasion of the honour was Sam Woodiwlss's recent retirement from the presidency of the Bulldog Club [. . .] “the bulldog is not his only fancy. Mr. Woodiwiss has wide repute as a judge of cats; only recently he retired from the presidency of the British Goat Society; and shortly he is to succeed to the presidency of the Dexter Cattle Society. He was one the founders of the Essex Pig Society, and few men have greater experience in judging Red Poll and Park cattle. With poultry, his speciality is the game breeds. Altogether. Mr. Woodiwiss typifies in a high degree the genius English country life.”
In August 1940 he brought a case against William Moore for the theft of pig meal from Mabb’s Farm. Labourer William George Moore, 24, of Shaws Road, Great Waltham, was charged with stealing pig meal, value £5/8/-, the property of Sam Woodiwiss, Mabbs Farm, Great Waltham. Moore claimed that he bought the pig meal from Marriage's, Chelmer Mills, Baddow Rd., Chelmsford, but was unable to provide receipts (Essex Newsman, 10th August 1940).
In September 1940, he took two boys, aged 14 and 15, to juvenile court for stealing plums from his property at Great Waltham. The boys tried to give false details and run away, but he chased them in his car and took them to the police station. The boys were given probation and ordered to pay 4/- costs each. (Chelmsford Chronicle - Friday 06 September 1940)
In 1940, Sam retired from farming and sold off his livestock, agricultural implements and vehicles, straw and hay. (Chelmsford Chronicle, 4th October 1940) In 1945, Sam resigned from the Council of the Essex Agricultural Society (Chelmsford Chronicle, 26th October 1945). He died in 1952,
CAT BREEDING
Old stud books record Sam Woodiwiss as one of the earliest owners/breeders of Abyssinians, English Shorthairs, Manx, and Russians. “Sedgemere Peaty” and “Sedgemere Bottle” are two of the earliest registered Abyssinians. “Peaty” was later acquired by Mrs. H.C. Brooke, and was renamed with her own prefix as “Chelsworth Peaty.” Mr. H.C. Brooke enthused over Peaty’s colouring and type.
One of the earliest registered Manx cats was Mrs. S. Woodiwiss’s “Sedgemere Toff,” a silver tabby male that won a First at the Royal Aquarium Cat Show in 1894. At the same show, Sam’s “Sedgemere Silver Queen,” a British Shorthair, also won a First. One of his most famous cats was the British Shorthair Champion Xnephon (Xenophon)
“Have you seen the remarkable piece in ‘The Standard’ about Mr. Woodiwiss, the bull-dog breeder? Well it seems Mr. Woodiwiss went to some dog show some years ago and he noticed a ‘smell of cats’; so he went upstairs and there was a cat show in progress, and his attention was caught by a short-haired tabby named Champion Xenophon. ‘Within a few minutes he was mine.’ And that’s how Mr. Woodiwiss began to breed cats.” (The Evening Standard (London), 16th October, 1895)
“A man now pre-eminent in the study of cat life as a hobby is Mr Sam Woodiwiss, of Finchley, whose remarkably victorious Xenophon holds still the champion sway says “Windsor Magazine." Not only is Mr Woodiwiss devoted to cats, but he is also an enthusiast on the subject of dogs. Xenophon was priced at £2,000, and has won his master every possible honor a cat can - eight championships. over 20 first prizes, besides cups, specials, etc, etc. He is a most homely cat, of immense size, and with exceptionally fine sable markings. His pet name is ‘The Man.’" (Freeman's Journal, 28th January 1899)
At the Crystal Palace show of 1902 Mr. Woodiwiss judged the blue classes, and awarded first to a cat having the English type of head. He gave as his reasons that although he considered the long nose and thin head the right shape for a Russian, he had to judge according to the standard for (English) Shorthairs which required a round head, neat ears, and short nose. (Frances Simpson, The Book of the Cat, 1903)
DOG BREEDING
Sam worked with several dog breeds. He was best-known for his Sedgemere Bulldogs, but he also bred Greyhounds, Collies, Dogues de Bordeaux (which he introduced into England), Fox Terriers, Irish Terriers, and Old English Sheepdogs. He paid a record price for the Bulldog Ch. British Monarch which he added to his breeding programme. During this time, the Bulldog was being transformed from a robust, longer-legged animal into the modern squat, bow-legged, cobby breed.
In 1895, 27-year-old Samuel and 23-year-old Sydney travelled on the steamship Umbria to the United States to exhibit their dogs in New York City, where they won numerous prizes.
“NEW YORK’S DOG SHOW. The coming Bench Show of the Westminster Kennel Club which will open on Tuesday and last until Friday night, February 22 . . . Among the more important of the foreign entries which are either on their way or actually here . . . On the Richmond Hill, now due, is the Woodiwiss brothers’ string, which were supposed to be on the Umbria .” The Woodiwiss dogs included greyhounds, rough collies, smooth collies, old English sheepdogs, dachshunds and schipperkes. (The Philadelphia Inquirer, 18th February 1895, pg 6)
“All About Dogs, A Book for Doggy People” by Charles Henry Lane (1901) depicted several of the dogs owned by the brothers as ideal examples of the breeds: Champion Wiseacre (Sydney’s Dachshund), Champion Real Jam (Sam’s Greyhound), Champion Blackberry (Sam’s Bulldog), plus a Schipperke, Champion Zwarte Piot, owned by Isaac Newton Woodiwiss.
Sam was a member of the Committee of the Bulldog Club Incorporated, and had served as Vice-President and President of the British Bulldog Club. He was a noted Bulldog judge at dog shows. At the opposite end of he doggy conformation spectrum was the Greyhound, and Sam was a successful breeder and exhibitor of these too. In 1899, having won all that the dog fancy could offer, Sam dispersed his kennels and took up the challenge of ponies, having already had some success with these. He remained a member of the Bull-dog club and never lost interest in the breed. He continued to judge various dog classes at Agricultural shows.
According to the Western Daily Press, 29th June 1934, Sam Woodiwiss was almost as well known in the bulldog world as W. G. Grace was in cricket. One of his dogs was Champion Dockleaf, which cost him £250, and which competed in the only bulldog walking match on record. The 10-mile event was the result of a wager by the owner of Champion King Orry who had criticised Dockleaf’s physical capacity. Bulldogs were changing into the large-headed, bow-legged, flat-faced breed of today and this conformation was being rewarded on the showbench. Dockleaf managed only 2 miles with his “true bulldog roll” while Dockleaf comfortably walked the full 10 miles and then 10 miles back home! The commentator on this story remarked that he had seen a championship awarded to a Bull dog that had to be supported on its four legs throughout the whole of the judging, otherwise it dropped exhausted to the ground.
In 1899, Sam began to sell off his dogs in order to concentrate on his hackney ponies. It seems that once he had triumphed in one breed, having followed scientific breeding methods, he needed a new challenge.
“The dispersal of the famous kennel of bulldogs got together during the last few years by Mr. Sam Woodiwiss, was quite the event in the doggy world this week. Mr. Woodiwiss, a son of the late Sir Abraham Woodiwiss, of Derby, is the last of three brothers to give up dogs in favor of farm stock, and it can now no longer be said that, between them, they could guarantee a good portion of the classes at many an ordinary show. Mr. Isaac Woodiwiss, who, although not the original importer into England, had more to do with popularizing Schipperkes than any other man, now devotes most of his spare time to the rearing of sheep, his all-round flock at Duffield, near Derby, being one of the best in the Peak country; whilst his brother, Mr. Sydney Woodiwiss, has come to the front in Dexter cattle since disposing of his world-renowned team of daschunds, one being bought by the Prince of Wales, by the way.
“The Finchley member of the family, whose bulldogs were sold on the last day of the show at the Aquarium this week, is now going in very strongly for ponies, his success at the recent Islington show having stimulated him to greater efforts. His sale on Thursday was one of the most memorable in modern times, and it must have caused Mr. Sam Woodiwiss many a pang to part with Kennel Club champions bred in his own kennel.” (The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 20th May 1899)
In 1900, Sam moved to Graveleys, Great Waltham, Essex, where he later set up a second Sedgemere Kennel.
The Bulldog Club (Incorporated), Britain’s oldest canine society in Great Britain, elected its Sam Woodiwiss as its new president. He was the club's oldest living member. There was no-one in the canine world, especially among Bulldog breeders, with more experience of dog breeding and showing. He has bought his first bulldog when he was only sixteen. He joined the Bulldog Club in 1886, was a member of its council continuously for forty years, and served as its president on five occasions. His most famous champions were "Baron Sedgemere" and "British Monarch." (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 1st January 1935)
DOG FANCIER'S UNIQUE RECORD. Mr. Sam Woodiwiss To Be Honoured (Hampshire Telegraph, 31st December 1937)
A somewhat remarkable personality in the stock breeding world is Mr. Sam Woodiwiss, of Sedgemere, Great Waltham, who, apart from being an outstanding authority on bulldogs, which he has bred for over 50 years, is retiring from the Presidency of the Bulldog Club (Incorporated), the oldest specialist Society in the dog fancy, with which he has been associated for 60 years. [. . .] it was agreed to celebrate Mr. Woodiwiss’s association with the club with a banquet at the Waldorf Hotel on January 28.
GOATS
Sam joined the British Goat Society as a life member in 1893. He claimed to have owned thirty-two distinct varieties of goat, and at one time his “Sedgemere” herd numbered over sixty animals. Between 1905-1912 he edited the Herd Book (Stud Book) and from about 1920 he was a British Goat Society judge.
The Anglo-Nubian goat breed was recognised in 1896 when Sam imported a young Jumma Pari billy from India. The Jumma Pari (or Jamunapari) is a dual-purpose breed. He named it Sedgemere Chancellor. In 1904 he imported an Egyptian Zaralby goat that he named Sedgemere Sangar. Along with 2 other imports, Sam’s imports formed the basis of the Anglo-Nubian breed in Britain, being crossed with Old English Milch Goats to improve milk yield. Sedgemere Chancellor sired the first recognized Anglo-Nubian star milker, Sedgemere Louise.
In 1903 four “Swiss” goats were imported from the Paris Zoo, one of which was a black and white Sandgau goat which joined Sam’s herd. This goat was Sedgemere Faith who became the foundation animal for the “British Alpine” and several well-known prize-winning strains of the period. Faith was the first goat to publicly produce over a gallon of milk in twenty-four hours. The Chelmsford Chronicle, 1st November 1907, wrote “His treasure was Sedgemere Faith, a pure Alpine and a virtual Derby winner in the world of goats.”
In 1935, Sam accepted the invitation to become President of the British Goat Society as successor of the late Dr. D. D. Z. Wright. Sam was one of the Society's oldest members. (Chelmsford Chronicle, 25th October 1935)
HORSES AND PONIES
After disposing of his Bulldogs, Sam became in breeding and showing Hackney Ponies. At a Hackney Society Show, held at London’s Agriculture Hall on March 6, 1902, Sam’s mare, Sedgemere Lady Horace, placed first in the class for young mares. As with his other livestock, he bred based on pedigrees, selecting parents for the best qualities. In 1906 he sold 41 horses and ponies, mostly hackney ponies, having given up exhibiting ponies to concentrate on breeding them, again based on their pedigrees.
THE SEDGEMERE PONY STUD. IMPORTANT SALE AT GREAT WALTHAM YESTERDAY. Chelmsford Chronicle - Friday 17 August 1906
An interesting and important sale auction was held at the Sedgemere Stud, Graveleys, Great Waltham, yesterday, when Messrs. Henry and Sons, Ltd., of Crewe, offered some forty pedigree hackney ponies, and a few pedigree shires, including stallions, brood mares, foals, and stock, and made harness ponies, the property of Mr. Sam Woodiwiss. The sale was without reserve, excepting as to the pony stallion Sharplow and the brood mare Sedgemere Lady Horace. Mr. Woodiwiss has pursued in pony breeding the system which has made him well known as a dog owner and exhibitor. The sale was a unique character, inasmuch as there had never hitherto been a stud of 35 ponies submitted to the public, when, with two exceptions, none had previously been offered at a public sale; while attention was also directed to the fact that every animal offered, with three exceptions, had been bred at the stud. When founding the Sedgemere Stud ten Years ago. Mr. Woodiwiss spared neither trouble nor expense in his endeavours obtain ponies with pedigrees dipping deep down into the richest and most fashionable strains of pony blood obtainable, with the result that he has bred ponies which combine the very best properties of the parent strains.
The stud is rich in prospective winners, but Mr. Woodiwiss has for the last few years been content to confine to breeding only, and not practised exhibition. A few animals were, however, exhibited prior to then, and premier honours were secured both male and female classes at the London and leading provincial shows, and these were included in the sale. There was a large and notable attendance at the sale, attracted by Mr. Woodiwiss's good name and reputation, and bidding was brisk, good prices realized.”
This did not end his work with horses as farming required heavy horses and Sam had identified the Suffolk horse, with its powerful cobby body and shorter legs with no long hairs, as being better suited to the heavy Essex clay than the Shire.
The mid-Essex Suffolk Horse Stallion Society, founded in 1930, was very successful and there was increased demand for the services of the two stallions hired by the Society. Sam Woodiwiss, hon. secretary, said that the two stallions had been much appreciated by those who had used them as studs [stallions travelled from farm to farm to serve mares]. In 1935, the Society would be travelling Bawdsey Patrick and Rushmere Hallmark, both owned by Mr. T. J. Bailey of Roxwell. Sam Woodiwiss mentioned that such was the demand for the services of the Suffolk stallions that the mid-Essex Society would have had no difficulty in travelling a third horse, but the Ministry of Agriculture had refused permission. At the Essex Show at Halstead, the Society would offer prizes for the progeny of the Society’s stallions. (Essex Newsman, 29th December 1934)
Sam was also well known to Suffolk agriculturists and was the subject of a page-length "Countryside Personality” article by the Editor of "The Farmers Weekly” this week. The article described how Sam had introduced Suffolk horses into Mid-Essex. When mid-Essex Suffolk Horse Stallion Society began to travel stallions in 1900 many farmers thought he was on the wrong track as the Shire horse was widely used. But Sam persisted, saying he would live to see the district covered with Suffolk horses [Suffolk Punches]. By 1937 the breed was supreme in Essex. (Suffolk and Essex Free Press, 18th March 1937)
MICE
The Victorians were great lovers of novelty and as well as improving livestock, they would develop almost any small animal into a fancy breed: pigeons, poultry, rabbits, dogs, cats, rats and mice. During the early 1880's mouse breeders encouraged small livestock clubs to add a few mouse classes to their show schedules. The first reported class for mice was at Oxford in 1892. By 1895 it was clear that there was enough support to form a club, and the National Mouse Club was formed, with some thirty members joining during the first year. Its founder and first president was Sam Woodiwiss. He gave a £10 10s challenge cup for competition amongst its members.
ESSEX PIGS
The Essex pig, or Essex Saddleback Pig, is a black and white pig with white forelegs and white lower hindlegs. Sam Woodiwiss worked hard to popularise the breed and found the Essex Pig Society. (In modern times it was merged with the similarly marked Wessex pig to create the British Saddleback, although there are now efforts to re-establish the Essex pig.)
The Essex Pig Society met in London, with Mr Sam Woodiwiss presiding, and it was decided to appeal to all the pedigree breed societies to co-operate for the purpose of taking united action on behalf of pedigree and commercial pig-breeders. (Chelmsford Chronicle, 29th April 1938)
The Chelmsford Chronicle, 15th December 1944, reported that the long services Sam had rendered to the Essex Pig Society, which he had founded in August 1918, were recognised in a presentation to him at a meeting of the Council in London. He had been on the council since it was founded. He had had an uphill task in forming the Society and without his determination and perseverance the Essex pig might have lost as a pedigree pig. Sam said he had become an Essex man by adoption in 1900 when he brought with him his herd of Large White pigs from Buckinghamshire. He found they were not suited to the Essex clays and the different climate. He came across what he discovered was the indigenous pig of the county, a white-shouldered breed, and invested in several of them as the foundation of his stock .
