The Semi-weekly leader. (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1905-1941, 1914-11-14
MISSISSIPPI CATTLE KING.
Something about W. ]. Davis, Who
Has Proved that State Can Prof
itabIy Produce Fine Cattle.

HoUsy EtVuuCc hNic bdktkes
JACKSON, MISS. Point Com
fort XIV has been dubbed the lead
ing citizen Of Mississippi. The
champion Hereforud bull proved
the greatest advertisement the
State ever had. He gave impetus
to the cattle industry, solved the
problem of diversification and incl
dentally won the tick eradication
campaign. The man responsible is
William Jennings Davis who al
ways signs only the initials, ''W.
j." He is a native, and got most of
his education on the farm. He
always appreciated the value of
cattle in making the farm proita-
BILE ahd complete and he early real
lied that it was a hopeless fight
unless the tick was eradicated
He began with cattle in 1895. but
acquired nothing but experience
and trouble until 1910. when the
tick fight was won. Mr.. Davis
celebrated that victory by erecting
a dipping vat, and 1t has been
smooth sailing ever since. His
wonder is that any section of the
South is still backward in eradica-
tion, for victory can be achieved
anywhere in four months, and at a
cost Insignificant.
AS soon as the way was open.
Mr.. Davis began to realize his
dream. He went after good cattle,
the best he could find. That is al,
ways the big step to success Also
he had full falth in his own judg-
ment. He began with twenty
blooded beasts, and continued to
build up his herd. He is still fol-
lowing that course. He says that
Mississippi can raise as good cattle
as any place on earth. AMI is doing
it. The great need is for the
farmers to get fine bulls, of breed
ing and individuality, learn to ap-
preciate their animals and give
them the proper care. With his
new herd only two years old, in
1912 he began to take prizes. The
very next year he as.onished the
world by capturing the grand cham
pionshIp in Herefords with Point
Comfort. This fall he had a full
show herd of Point Comforts
calves, and since Aug. has CAM
paigned Missouri. Iowa, Nebraska.
Kansas, Tennessee, Texas and Mis-
sissippi. He was able to win every
blue ribbon, save one, at the Kansas
fair, and not one of bis animals has
been out of the MONEY in q single
instance-a record to be proud of.
At Fort Worth few weeks ago he
showed three of his Hereford steers
and won the International Breed
er's killing contest, in competition
with about 900. 1t cost Mr.. Ar
mour 1852 cents a pound to possess
that prize meat.
Is ARKANSAS PRODUCT.
Point Comfort is still king, and
even though he is no longer shown
at fairs. he is a magnet that draws
many to the Davis farm. His en-
gagements are so numerous and
valuable that he is permitted to.
stay at home, while his get are do.
ing the fighting for the honors, the
qualitiesa he has bcqueathed to
them serving in good stead. The
magnificent bull is anArkansas prod
uct, but Arkansas let him go, and
Mr.. Davis is entitled to all the
rights and emoluments of ditcov-
cry. Mr.. Davis had gone to Fort
Worth in the search Of the sort of
bulls he had made up his miud to
secure to the extent of his means.
He saw the sire and dam win
grand championships, and began
quiet quest for their get. He trac-
ed XIV" to Arkansas. and tried
to buy him. The owner asked
$500 for the calf. He hesitatad
on account Of the price, but when
he heard that the herd was to be
disposed OF he made up his mind
to 60 to the sale and secure the an
imal at all cost. At the auction
he was fortunate. for he annexed
his prize for $64O. He would glad
ly have given thousand, and has
refused $40, 600 in cash for him
One of his get has brought 1915,
and his calves. when less than a
year old. have averaged $60l. Thc
Louisiana State University owns
one of the youngsters. Mr.. Davis
has as much faith in the latter as
in the splendid sire, and is going
to the International Show at Chica-
go this fall with his calves in COM
petition with the whole world cnce
more.
Mr.. Davis is loyal to bis State
and section. and speaks Of himself
only as the herald of the industry
in which the South can and will
take the lead whenever she fully
makes up her mind. His concIu-
sions are based upon experience.
and he refuses to consider himself
an exception, although he is un-
doubtedly pioneer. Because he