Robert Fulton Sanderson
On a blustery February day in 1904, Robert Fulton Sanderson began a life which resulted in rising to a place of distinction among the beef breeders of our nation.
For nearly 50 years, Prince Edward Island's "Tobermory" farm has had the honour of producing valuable Herefords which have won acclaim on all the major livestock circuits of Canada. Many outstanding herds across our land have animals which carry the blood lines of Tobermory.
Whether Mr. Sanderson was judging Herefords or Aberdeen Angus in Calgary, Central Canada, or the Atlantic Provinces, his decisions were respected by all. He was especially sensitive to the new breeder. Mr. Sanderson, who married Helen MacKinley, now deceased, has two sons, Johnnie and Robert, both having inherited from their parents the love and knowledge which makes "good stockmen". In the livestock field, Mr. Sanderson capably acted as President of P.E.I. Hereford Association and the Maritime Hereford Association. He has been a Director at the Provincial, Maritime and Canadian levels, and is presently a Director of the Atlantic Winter Fair. He was the leading pioneer of the famous fat stock show held annually at Charlottetown.
Mr. Sanderson mentioned three special memories of his lifetime. One when he was given a plaque honouring him as a judge for the Angus breed at the Charlottetown ring. Another was when his wife won the judging competition at the farm of C. H. Homes, Enfield, Nova Scotia. And third, Mr. Sanderson was honoured and presented to the Queen - in acknowledging her question where he acquired his blood lines - he was able to reply his great herd sires were Grover Get Cracken and Federal, both from famous English herds.
This farmer has had few equals as a national or provincial breeder of livestock. At 76 years of age, he is still very active. His high esteem was keenly noted when he served as a school board trustee, a 4-H club leader and with other community organizations. He is a faithful member of Zion Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Sanderson has made many constructive imprints within his family, his community, and upon those national promoters of that noble breed, the Herefords.
Mr. Sanderson has attended the Provincial Exhibition, Charlottetown, as spectator, exhibitor and judge, now for a period of 71 consecutive years.