Phares Ramsbottom (1912-1976), Gallatin, Missouri

Phares Ramsbottom was a well known Guernsey cattle breeder and dairyman at Gallatin, Missouri. He was born at Gallatin in 1912 and graduated from the Gallatin High School in 1931. In July 1937, Phares and Grace Stroup of Gallatin were married in Los Angeles, California. The couple lived in Los Angeles two years with Phares working for the Pacific Fruit Express. The couple returned to Gallatin where they engaged in dairying with Guernsey cattle.

Mr. Ramsbottom had Guernseys at an early age but in 1947 he bought his first registered cattle from Glenn Kircher, Harrisonville. He proceeded to develop an all registered herd and took an active part in local and state Guernsey programs. He adopted the name Hi-Lo Registered Guernsey Farm. The herd, strictly a family enterprise, numbered about 55 head with 25 to 30 milking cows. By the use of good production bred sires and a continued DHI testing program plus good feeding and management the herd progressed. In 1963 the DHI average exceeded 10,000 pounds of milk on a 2x-305 day-2x milking basis. The cow Ramsbottom Sarah Maxine, classified Very Good (87.5) and produced 12,520 lbs. milk, 629 lbs. fat in 30 days, 2x milking as a four-year-old. She dropped three high producing daughters that led to one of the good cow families developed in the herd.

Mr. Ramsbottom exhibited cattle at the district shows and at the Missouri State Fair, winning his share of ribbons. Phares served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Third District, Missouri Guernsey Breeders Association. He was a Mid-America Dairymen Delegate; served on the Gallatin Township Board; the Soil Conservation District Board; and the local DHI Association Board. He is on the Board and an active member of the Lake Viking Church. Phares was an active member of the Missouri Guernsey Breeders Association and was awarded an Honorary Membership in recognition of his years of devoted service in forwarding the dairy and Guernsey program in Missouri.

Due to failing health the Ramsbottom herd was sold in 1970. Grace and Phares continued to live in Gallatin until his death in 1976. His leadership through the years did much to stimulate the Guernsey breeders and young people in his area.