During his time in Laurel Horace Capron first developed an intense interest in agriculture and farming. Capron owned a 1200 acre farm in Laurel—including land in the Howard District--in addition to the property devoted to manufacturing.
He bred prize-winning cattle. (He was particularly fond of the Devon & Durham breeds) and was a founder of the Prince George’s Agricultural Society. Publications like American Farmer spotlighted his achievements. He spent large sums on farming—more than $9,000 for fertilizer alone from 1841-47.
“Col. Capron of Prince George’s County, exhibits Devon Bull Eclipse, which took the first prize last year.." American Farmer, quoted in HC Autobiography p. 71
"These and the younger portion of Col. Capron's stocks was probably the largest and most valuable herd ever exhibited by one breeder in the United States..” American Farmer, quoted in HC Autobiography p. 71.
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Devon Cattle by Charles Vancouver. 1808. Photos courtesy Westcountry Studies Library, Devon, UK
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