DAM is unclear, not traced in stud books, said to be by MESSENGER XX; ; The popular trotting horse weather vane was based upon his silhouette. His sire was the Morgan horse, Vermont Black Hawk; his dam was out of a mare by Robin, a presumed Morgan. He was a bright bay, barely 15 hands tall and, barring a rather crooked hind leg, was one of the most beautifully formed, perfectly gaited and personally attractive horses ever foaled. His career was long and memorable. In 1853 he set the 4-year-old record of 2:36. In 1858 he became the first horse to trot under 2:30, when he reduced the stallion record to 2:28. The great achievement of his life occurred on June 21, 1867, when, at age eighteen, hitched with a running mate, in 2:15, 2:16 and 2:19, he defeated Dexter to harness, over the Fashion Course. His best harness record was 2:25½ at the Union Course, NY in 1860. In his sixteen year career, at a time when horses raced five and six heats to determine the winner, he won 33 races, 22 to single harness. At stud Ethan Allen was also one of the best horses of his day. Always popular, his fee at one time was $500. He had six 2:30 performers. In succeeding generations his descendants multiplied with great rapidity and, directly and collaterally, his family became one of the most highly valued strains in existence.

"ETHAN ALLEN.
In memoriam.
On Ethan's grave, in Kansas soil,
The grass is growing green ;
While Ethan's deeds to memory's call
Are fresh to all, I ween.
No other stallion of his day
Could with this horse compare,
For style and action all will say.
With speed and beauty rare.
King of Morgans, beautiful horse;
Admired and loved by all;
People's pet, and pride of the course,
He always had the call.
O beautiful Morgan stallion!
Perfection in thy day;
Still remembered by the million,
As hero in the fray."

From the book American Horses and Horse Breeding by John Dimon. (Photo is also from the book)