Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
ALLERTON
ALLERTON. Charles W. Williams, a businessman and horse breeder/trainer, approached the HIGHLAND STOCK FARM belonging to Henry L. STOUT and Frank D. STOUT which was wanting to rid itself of some of the stock that did not meet with standards. Williams purchased two mares and sent them to Kentucky.
The standard mare, Gussie Wilkes, was bred to Jay Bird. Gussie's Wilke's foul, Allerton, joined AXTELL in becoming one of the most important stallions in early harness racing.
Williams kept Allerton. Using the money from the sale of Axtell, he constructed a kite-shaped race-track in Independence, Iowa. Named Rush Park, the breeding and racing facility opened in 1890. When an economic depression caused Williams to lose his business, he moved to Galesburg, Illinois where he rebuilt his finances using the stud fees he could demand for Allerton.
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Source:
Hudson, David; Bergman, Marvin and Horton, Loren. The Biographical Dictionary of Iowa. University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, 2008