The Yarn that Shines
Inside the Hollidaysburg farm of endangered sheep, goats and decades of partnership
If William Churchill shakes a coffee can full of corn on a given morning, he will hear hundreds of hooves running his way.
Formerly a schoolteacher in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Churchill lives a life that is completely different these days.
His mornings still start early. But he is no longer dealing with the paperwork, lesson plans or busy all-day schedule that came with his teaching life.
Now a shepherd, alongside his husband, Frederick Stowell, whom he has been with for 46 years, Churchill raises rare Leicester Longwool sheep and angora goats at Underhill Farm in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.
William Churchill and Fred Stowell stand outside of their house at Underhill Farm. They have been together for 46 years. They moved to the farm in 1985 and married in 2014.
William Churchill and Fred Stowell stand outside of their house at Underhill Farm. They have been together for 46 years. They moved to the farm in 1985 and married in 2014.
Churchill finds meaning in his daily routines and the care that he and Stowell provide to the animals.
"It's just knowing that while we have been their stewards, they've had a great life. I try to give them the best life that they could have, and I worry about what happens when we're not here for them anymore. But I know that there are other people who feel exactly the same as we do," Churchill said.
Business comes from selling the unique yarn produced from the sheep and goats, an operation that reaches several states, including Michigan, Connecticut, Virginia, Maryland and at home in Pennsylvania, with each mill having its "spin" to Underhill's product.
"My yarn sells itself," Churchill said. "I can just stand there and people will come up and say, 'Wow, this yarn shines.'"
Stowell and Churchill decided on raising the endangered Leicester Longwool sheep after speaking to the President of the Leicester Longwool Association at the Maryland Wool and Sheep Festival.​
The duo is particularly thankful to that organization, who William said he could call at a moment's notice. When dealing with his first delivery, William recalled a member helping him over the phone.
Throughout his decades on the farm, William says he has "met some of the most wonderful people on the Earth."
"I look forward to being back on the road going to these venues, because everyone is just so nice, and they're knowledgeable," he said.
Important, however, to the shepherds is giving the animals the best life they could live.
According to the Livestock Conservancy, the Leicester Longwool's origins go back to England of the 18th century.
In America, numbers gradually declined, before becoming "likely extinct" by the early-to-mid 20th century.
William poses with DeeDee, a goat. DeeDee is a twin to CiCi, a goat who passed away.
William poses with DeeDee, a goat. DeeDee is a twin to CiCi, a goat who passed away.
"I just really love coming down to see their faces," the shepherd said. "I like coming down and making sure everyone is healthy, and I guess that's what makes me get out of the bed."
Faces of Underhill Farm
Annie is an older sheep of Underhill, born in 2012, and orphaned as a lamb.
When she was a baby, William bottle fed her every four hours. Today, she comes running when William calls her name.
Her life is well documented through photos, like the one below.
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