Claim: Fred Puffer, an American track and field athlete, was the son of Customs deputy collector Alfred Puffer and began his athletic career in 1887 with YMCA and the Olympic Athletic Club.
Evidence: Frederick Collamore "Fred" Puffer (c. 1871 – July 22, 1900) was an American track and field athlete. Fred Puffer was the son of Customs deputy collector Alfred Puffer, who died while his son was still young. The younger Puffer's athletic career began in 1887 with YMCA and the Olympic Athletic Club.