C.M. Kindrick (1880-1967), Springfield, MO

Clarence Mitchell Kindrick was a prominent and enthusiastic operator of a Milking Shorthorn herd. He was a leader in sound breeding and management programs and inspired his fellow breeders to follow suit.

Clarence was born July 9, 1880 on a small farm about eight miles west of Springfield. He was the oldest of four children born to Mr. and Mrs. William Kindrick. When Clarence was eight years of age his father died. Shortly thereafter his mother, going heavily in debt, bought the farm of her deceased father. With the help of Clarence, who grew up at an early age, they paid for the farm and reared the children. Clarence stayed on the farm until a younger brother could take over. He then became a partner with his uncle in a general store at Elwood. On March 9, 1910 Clarence was united in marriage to Amanda Elingensnith. The couple had three sons; Robert, Clarence Jr. and William.

In 1917 Clarence sold his interest in the store and began to farm. The venture was profitable until the crash in the 1920’s. Times were hard but the family managed to keep their small farm and working at anything they could find. During the severe drought of 1934 Clarence bought depressed cattle for the Federal Government. It was during this time he became impressed with a herd of Milking Shorthorns he found in the eastern part of Greene County. In spite of sparse feed these cattle were better fleshed than the average. Clarence and his family decided to establish a Milking Shorthorn herd. They went east and purchased a bull from an old established herd. He proved to be a very good bull. The herd was established by buying some well-bred heifers and a cow or two plus breeding up from some of the grades that were on the farm. Then came World War II and with one son in the European Theater and another in China-Burma Theater, conditions were pretty hard on the home front with all kinds of shortages. But with hard work, the herd was held together and improved by always using the best bulls that could be found. The well-known C.M. Kindrick and Sons herd was thus founded

In September 1945 the Kindricks purchased a larger and better farm with the two sons coming home from the army, the family moved to the new farm in February 1946. In 1948 a new milking parlor was constructed and the herd was put on DHIA and continued on test until 1982 when it was dispersed.

Mr. Kindrick was active in Milking Shorthorn and dairy activities in his area. He enjoyed the respect and fellowship of other dairymen. He became a member of the Elwood Methodist Church as a young man and remained a loyal member until death. Mr. Kindrick was retired but encouraged young breeders. He remained in the background allowing his sons to be in the forefront.

In May, 1967, he lost his beloved wife of over 57 years and he seemed to lose his will to live. He passed away peacefully at the breakfast table on September 1, 1967. The C.M. Kindrick and Sons Milking Shorthorn was transferred intact and became the Kindrick Brothers Milking Shorthorn herd.