The American Beagler Forum

New to the forum here but not exactly to beagling that is for sure. Didn't know exactly where to post this. Although 56 years old and out of the sport for about 30 years it is time for me to slide back in. My roots run fairly deep in the sport. My great grandfather St. Clair Willson (Superior Beagles) and his son, my uncle Jack Willson had a hand along with Cliff Warren (Northwoods Beagles) and a gentleman by the name of Roberts in starting the Lake Superior Beagle Club now located in Lake Linden, MI. During their time many field trials were held on the old Messner Farm between N. and So. Portage Entry Rds. outside Chassell, MI. My GGFather was also the 1st Game Warden in the U.P. of MI and would always have some of his beagles with him and used them to track violaters. My grandfather Fred Clement (St. Clair Willsons son in-law) was instrumental in starting the Central Illinois Beagle Club (many years located in Morton IL/Wilmors Sportsman Club) back in the late 1930's. He was also instrumental in putting together the largest field trial ever held and was broadcast nationwide. This occurred in 1944 at what was Camp Ellis. Dogs were furnished to many of the wounded G.I. that were recovering. WGN radio out of Chicago IL broadcast it. My cousin Howard Willson had a hand in getting the Gogebic Beagle Club off the ground and running. Myself, well I have so many wonderful memories of beagling with my grandfather and the experience was a great for runner as I later became President of the Central Illinois Beagle Club. Sorry about the long thread. Looking forward to getting back in and contributing. retirement for me is not to long off and will be moving back north to the U.P. of MI and hope to go back to the beginning of my families roots in this great sport of beagling. Would appreciate if anyone out there belonging to the Northern MI. Hare Assoc. could guide me to a contact for membership in the Lake Superior Beagle Club. Thanks!

Northern Michigan Hare Association has a web site www.northernmihare.com all the clubs are listed with contact info.

Welcome that was a great story of your family .

Cool story. It would make a good magazine article.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the kind words. Bearcreek Kennels thanks for the info and have found an email address to contact someone. Cris thank you and I have been approach to write an article and probably will put one together. I have pictures too. I am quite excited to say the least. Just want to take it slow. When my great grandfather passed away back in 1940 H&H printed a nice article on him and may look to repost it also.

Welcome back!

Great story could listen to more Welcome

Richie, loved reading your post. I have heard all of those names through the years spoken in reverance. I've been a member of Lake Superior for going on thirty five years. We are always looking for new members. Would love to meet you. Shoot me an email when sometime......Slaux@up.net

Richie,
Would the Jack Wilson you talked about, have had and ran Foxhounds?
Chuck

Tsa la gi wrote:Richie,
Would the Jack Wilson you talked about, have had and ran Foxhounds?
Chuck

No, this isn't the same Jack Willson.