A.D. Severe (1885-1940) was a well-known Poland-China hog breeder who lived primarily in Wright County, Iowa.  His reputation for his breeding skills brought farmers from all over the country to his hog sales and auctions. This collection consists of sales catalogs, auction sale property listings, as well as farm journals and land deeds from throughout his career. There are also a few miscellaneous items such as a ration book from World War II and an unopened pack of cards from the Farmers’ Co-Op of Iowa.

Andrew D. (A.D.) Severe was a well-known breeder. He was born in 1885 and spent his early years as a druggist in the city of Dows, Iowa. He had success with breeding White Rock chickens and decided to turn his attention to breeding Poland-China sows. He gained nationwide recognition for his breeding expertise. He was credited for selling the highest priced boar and sow from one herd at the time. He entered his herds in various state fairs and competitions and was favorably received. He consistently sold his Poland-China hogs at high prices. Severe died from a skull fracture after falling down the stairs at a friend’s house in 1940. He was 54 years old.

This collection (1901-1973, undated) documents the farm life of the Severe family in the early twentieth century. There are also itemized lists documenting the sales of his prized Poland-China hogs. The collection includes biographical information, diaries/journals, auction sales property lists, deeds, war ration stamps, news clippings, photographs and memorabilia.

This collection is in original order.