Samuel James Beadleston (1905-1972), Springfield, Missouri

Sam Beadleston was engaged in the breeding, development and promotion of Milking Shorthorn Cattle throughout his life. His contributions in improving cattle and furthering the dairy industry are well documented and recognized nationwide.

Sam was born at Orleans, Nebraska, April 8, 1905. His association with Milking Shorthorn cattle began as a boy on his father’s farm. In 1925, Sam and his brother Leo established a herd of registered Milking Shorthorns known as Beadleston Brothers. This herd was discontinued during the depression of the 30’s. In 1933 Sam became herdsman for the late John B. Gage and the Duallyn Farm near Kansas City. During his tenure there he showed the Grand Champion cow, Best Three Females and Four Best Uddered cows at the 1939 National Show.

Mr. Beadleston always wanted his own herd. The opportunity came in 1945 when he moved to Springfield, Missouri and developed a partnership with Dr. J.L. Johnston, a Springfield physician. It marked the beginning of the famous Lilydale herd of registered Milking Shorthorns. Sam was a firm believer in the use of the best bulls available to improve milk production. He had an eye for cattle. He used bulls of both English and Australian breeding and artificial insemination to make the matings he desired. To Sam, producing ability of the herd was the most important aspect of being a dairyman. The herd grew from 20 to a peak 125 head. The Lilydale herd was on DHI test continually and always ranked among the top five herds in the United States on production. The herd received the Progressive Breeder Award from the American Milking Shorthorn Society and produced 13 cows which won the coveted W. J. Hardy Award for cows producing over 100,000 pounds of milk in a lifetime. Twenty-seven cows produced over 2,000 pounds of butterfat in a lifetime on 305 day records; 14 cows over 3,000 pounds and seven over 4,000 pounds butterfat lifetime records.

In 1946 Sam began exhibiting Lilydale cattle at shows. He exhibited at the Ozark Empire and the Missouri State Fair, always a strong winner. He exhibited the Grand Champion Cow at the National Show in 1948 and 1952 and the Grand Champion Bull at the 1953 Chicago International. He had over 70 grand championships during his career as an exhibitor which ended in 1968.

The Lilydale cattle commanded top prices, Sam had cows that topped the National Sale six times and the all-time top of $5,600 in 1950. Lilydale cattle were sold into many states and some to South America. Numerous animals were sold for 4-H and FFA projects and four bulls were sold to bull studs for artificial insemination.

Sam was an approved Milking Shorthorn judge and in his community considered an outstanding farmer and dairyman. Ill health forced Sam to sell the majority of the herd about 12 years ago.

Sam was married in 1928 at Oak Hill, Kansas to Marian E. Baker. They have two daughters E. Jean (Mrs. Alfred Buckner) Marshfield and Janice of Springfield.

Mr. Beadleston achieved success by hard work and experience. Dr. Johnston in commenting on Sam said “He was ‘tall’ in the truest sense of the word. One like him shall not pass this way again.”