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A Brief History of the Iroquois Hunt
Founded in 1880 by General Roger D. Williams, the Iroquois Hunt takes its name from Iroquois, the first American horse to win the English Derby—news that “entirely suspended” business on Wall Street.
General Williams served as vice president and president of the National Foxhunters’ Association and was Master of Foxhounds (MFH) of the Iroquois for 34 years (1880-1914), with Bonnie Stone as his huntsman. After Williams retired, the Hunt went dormant, resuming in fall 1926.
In 1928, the Hunt purchased Grimes Mill on Boone Creek near the Kentucky River. Phillip Grimes settled there in 1800, built a dam, and erected the mill in 1803, which drew farmers from miles around. He also built a distillery producing “Old Grimes” whiskey and added a stone house in 1813.
The Hunt remodeled the mill into a clubhouse and established kennels, stables, and a huntsman’s house. The first annual Iroquois Horse Show was held in 1928. In 1929, the Hunt was recognized by the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America. The Iroquois Hunt is the third-oldest hunt that rides to hounds in the United States.
