Young Edward Bliss. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Pioneer of dairy farming

During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the infant mortality was high in Shaowu due mainly to malnutrition and unhygienic feeding habits. Bliss prescribed infants cow milk, but milk was not easily available in Shaowu.

So he began rearing cattle in 1913. The cattle barn, complete with the wooden structure, has been well maintained till now. "This is where Dr Bliss kept the cattle. The breeds were introduced from abroad," said Feng Yixin, another grandson of Bliss's apprentice Feng Jinqi.

Bliss hired a local man called Ao Xila to help him herd the cows. Ao Xila's son Ao Guohe, 84, who grew up drinking cow milk, said Bliss trusted his father and taught him how to take care of cattle and differentiate between breeds.

Narrating the story of Bliss and his father, Ao Guohe said that when a massive flood hit Shaowu one summer, sweeping away a large number of animals and people's belongings, his father jumped into the gushing stream of water to save about a dozen cows.

Later, with the joint efforts of Bliss and the local people, the dairy business gradually started making profits. By 1920, the number of local households with cows had increased from three to seven, with the number of cows increasing significantly.

"Because of the remarkable health-enhancing effects of milk, the dairy industry flourished in Shaowu," said Cai Youqun, the local history expert.

One of the toughest challenges in raising cows is the fight against rinderpest, and Bliss tried every possible means to prevent a rinderpest outbreak.

He traveled to big cities such as Shanghai and Nanjing, consulting with and seeking the advice of dairy farmers, veterinarians and professors on how to tackle rinderpest. He even used goat serum and rabbit serum to tackle rinderpest.

After a slew of experiments, he developed his own prescription for immunization against rinderpest.

"While reading about Shaowu, I came across many articles on him. His dedication, high ethical standards and outstanding medical techniques won him the respect and trust of the people," Cai said.

"The local people paid tributes and expressed their gratitude to Bliss. Even after growing old, they kept retelling Bliss's stories to their grandchildren," he said.