C. C. Marshall, Esq and the Mastiff Club Of America

My Great Grandfather, C.C. Marshall was a member and director of the American Mastiff Club. He was a rather contentious person in the mastiff world, judging mastiffs at Westminster three times, 1889 with an entry of 67, 1890 with an entry of 53, and 1891 with an entry of 48.

As was the fashion, he wrote a "judges report" on his placements. His reports for 1890 and 1891.

1890 Westminster critiqueAKG.pdf

1891 Westminster critiqueAKG.pdf

Charles Marshall was also involved in fox hunting "Mr. Marshall's chief outdoor hobby was centered in fox hunting. As an enthusiast of this sport he became the founder of the Millbrook Hunt and was master of the hounds from 1909 through 1911. He was also very fond of gardening, was an authority on dogs, having served as a judge at the Westminster Dog Show, and was a connoisseur of fine paintings" Enclyclopedia of Biography

Excerpt from Fashions In Dog Flesh,New York Times, Feb 27, 1891

"Some growling was heard yesterday over the awards of the judges in the classes of mastiffs, Irish setters, and pet dogs. The feeling of dissatisfaction among exhibitors in the mastiff class was emphasized in the evening by action taken at the annual meeting of the American Mastiff Club. A motion was made to print the portrait of the head of the dog Beaufort on the official seal of the club, with Beaufort's name beneath the picture, as being the typical mastiff in America. This motion was opposed by C.C. Marshal[sic], the judge in the mastiff class, who is also a member of the club. Mr. Marshal awarded to Beaufort, in his judging at this show, only third prize, giving to the first prize to Ilford Chancellor.

Beaufort won the first prize last year at the Westminster Kennel Club’s show and also at Boston, and for several years he has been the American Mastiff Club’s official type of the American Mastiff.

In opposing the resolution Mr. Marshal said that he did not want Beaufort’s name printed under the picture of Beaufort’s head. The club, however, voted to adopt the seal with Beaufort’s head and name on it. This is regarded as a direct slap at Mr. Marshal. The prediction was freely made yesterday among the breeders that if he was up for a judge at next year’s show there would be less than a dozen mastiffs on exhibition.

The following officers of the American Mastiff Club were elected at last night’s meeting: President – Dr. Richard H. Derby; Vice President – R. L. Belknap, F. T. Underhill and G. G. Stephenson; Secretary and Treasurer – R. Meade; Directors- R. H. Derby, R. L. Belknap, F .T. Underhill,Robert Meade, Edward Dudley, Charles P. Fraleigh, W. P. Stevenson, J. L. Winchell, and C.C. Marshall”