How Africa News
In 1833, Dr. William Key was born as a slave. Captain John Key was his commanding officer. When the Captain died when Bill was five, he left a family of slaves, including William, to his cousin, John W. Key of Shelbyville, Tennessee. Key demonstrated a remarkable talent for working with horses and mules as early as the age of six.
He was given special attention as a child because of his ability to work well with farm animals. He learned to read and experimented with animal remedies after learning to read.
The relationship between the John W. Key family and Bill grew stronger over time, and after the Civil War, when the Key family lost everything, Bill stepped in and helped send John W. Key’s two sons to Harvard. These are the same two young boys Bill had followed into the Civil War in order to protect them.
Bill rose to prominence as a veterinarian and equine dentist. Dr. Key, as he was known, also practiced dentistry and other healing arts for slaves.
In downtown Shelbyville, Dr. Key established a horse hospital. The townspeople thought of him as a veterinarian despite the fact that he had no formal training. He also owned a racetrack, a restaurant, and a hotel, as well as a successful pharmaceutical company. Within five years, “Dr.” Key had become one of Shelbyville’s wealthiest men.
This enabled him to devote his time and resources to the sport of kings, horse racing, with the goal of breeding the world’s fastest racehorse. A. R. Rogers’ aggressive promotion helped Beautiful Jim become a celebrity. The horse performed in major cities ranging from Atlantic City to Chicago. Dr. Key frequently stated that he taught the horse with only patience and kindness, never with a whip.
