Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-08-07
from the Vagmies of Mature.1


Topham was born in London, in the year
III and presented the most extraordinary in
stance of human strength recorded in modern
times. The first proof he gave of his wonder
full powers, was in pulling against horse in
Moorfeld; he next lifted rolling stone Of 800
lbs weight, with his hands only, standing in a
frame above it, and taking hold Of chain that
was fastened to it. DR.. Hutton, IN his "history:
of Dcrbyshire," gives this account of him:
When this second Sampson appeared at Der.
by as performer in public at shilling each, he
surprised every one by his feats. This wonder
full man, in whom were united the strength Of
twelve, could roll up pewter dish of pounds
as man rolls up sheet Of paper; hold apewter
quart, at armsl tngth and squeeze, the sides to.
gether like an eggshell, lift two hundred weight
with his little finger, and move it gently over
his head. He broke rope of about two in.
ches in circumference. which was in part
wound round cylinder of FIVE inches in diam
eter, having fastened the other end of it to
straps that went over the shoulders. Lifted an
oak table 6 feet long, with his teeth, tho half
hundred weight was to the extremity, and
held it in horizontal position for considerable
length of time. 1t is true the feet of the table
rested against his knees but as the length of the
table was much greater than its height, that per-
ted by the muscles of his loins. neck and jaws,
besides good SO. Of :ecth He took Mr.. CHAINS
bers, vicar of all Saints, who weighed twenty
seven stone, and raised him with one hand.
His head being laid on one chair, aid his feet
on another, four people fourteen stone each)
sat upon MS body which he heavcd at pleasure.
Hestruck round bar of iron, about ward long.
and three inches in diameter, against his, naked
arm and at one stroke, bent it like a bow. Ic
ted two hogsheads Of water; heaved his horse o.
yer a turnpike gate; and carried the beam of a
house as soldier would his frelock. Having
once thrust the bowl of strong tobacco pipe
under his legs being bent, he broke it to pieces
by the tendons OF his hams. He broke such an
other bowl between his first and second finger,
by pressing them together sideways. What
were hollows under the arms and hams in o.
theirs were filed up with igaments IN him.
Eopham, once finding Waterman asleep in
his box, near Chiswell street, Moorfields, he
took both, and carried the load with the grea.
test ease, at length dropped the Waterman and
his box over the walls of Tindars burial
ground; and while he was a, Derby hewas in
suited by the ostlrr at the Virgins inn, and he
took one OF the kitchen splits from the mantle
piece aud bent it round the ostlers neck like a
handkerchief; but as he did not choose to tuck
the ends in the os'ler's bosom, the cumbrous
ornament excited the laugh of the company till
he condescended to unite his iron crayat.
Topham was in height nearly feet ten,
well made but nothing singular; he walked
with small limp. He had formerly laid
wager, the usual decider Of disputes, that three
horses could not draw him from post which
ne should clasp with his feet; but the driver
giving them sudden lash, turned them aside,
and the unexpected jerk broke his thigh.
AT the time Of his death, which happened on
the 10th G, Aug l749, he kept public house
IN Hogand, Shoteditch. Having had two days
before, quarrel with his wife, he stabbed her
IN the breast and immediately gave himself sew
eral wounds which proved fatal to him: but his
wife recovered