John Ellman facts for kids

John Ellman (born October 17, 1753 – died November 22, 1832) was an English farmer and stock breeder. He is famous for developing the Southdown breed of sheep. His work made these sheep better for both meat and wool.

About John Ellman

Early Life and Home

John Ellman was born in a place called Hartfield, Sussex, England, on October 17, 1753. When he was about eight years old, in 1761, his family moved to a farm called Place Farm in Glynde. This farm would become very important to his work.

His Farming Career

In 1780, after his father passed away, John Ellman took over the farm. He spent most of his time and land raising the local Southdown sheep. He worked hard to change them from tall, thin sheep into shorter, more compact ones. These new sheep gave excellent meat (called mutton) and still had good fleeces. Later, another farmer named Jonas Webb continued Ellman's work to create the Southdown sheep we know today.

John Ellman was highly respected by other farmers. He easily won awards at local and national livestock shows. Important people, including several nobles, often wrote to him for farming advice, which he gave freely. He even met King George III. He also sold two of his special rams to Emperor Paul I of Russia for a lot of money.

Ellman also wrote many articles about farming. He contributed to important books like Annals of Agriculture by Arthur Young. He helped start the Sussex Agricultural Society and the Smithfield Society, which were groups for farmers.

He cared a lot about his local community. He helped improve the River Ouse for boats and worked on making Newhaven Harbour better. John Ellman was also a fair employer. He even ran a school for the children of his workers in Glynde.

Retirement and Passing

John Ellman retired from farming in 1829. His famous flock of sheep was sold off at an auction. He passed away in 1832 in Lewes. His tomb, or grave, can be found in the churchyard in Glynde.