The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-10-22

John Heenan. Alias the Benicia Boy,
native Of West Troy and Of irsh parensage. Little
MAT IN reliable known Of his history previous 10 his ad
vent In California when q mere boy, where he resided
unui the part Of 1851 For several years previous
70 his departure from California he employed as a
helper the backsmths shop Of the Pacific Mail Steam
ship Company At Bcnicia, where the repairs OF the
steamers made He also employed at one time
s fireman on board Of one Of their steamers lie bore
rood character while in California, aud always re.
garded az \ peaceabIc man, though not backward in
taking hand nght when favorable opportunity Of
fered His size FOR his age attracted attention,
and earned for him the appcllaton Of The Bcnica Boy
which he stll retains He remarkable for his
strength a. Cor his size, and welded thirtytwo pound
slcdge hammer while at hs daily avocaion with as much
ease and dcxcrty most men do ordinary once While
in California he had several pugistc encounters, which
brought him into the notice of Yankee Sullivan, and his
ASSOCIATION with that man probably influenced his future
course and led him 10 adopt pugsm as profession.
Among his earliest fights in California was one with Sam
Bania well known New Yorker, large and powerful
man. whom he beat easily he also did three others who
,nerforod in the ARRAY Tho result Of tho aght gave the
Bcnicia Boy confidence in his stc powers Shortly after
that, While in Sacramento, he had moonlight
counter with powerful desperate named Gallagher whom
he ysnquished IN three rounds He then went 10 San
Francesca where he sctto exhibition given by Yam
tec Sullivan at one OF the theatres in that city and
elected high commendaton puglist Hc and Salt
van Afterwards gave exhibition which they announced
wvuh be glove fight between the two, but in reality
n was mere humbug. II however called Heensn into
notice aud induced the enemies of Sullivan 10 Offer 70
match nceuan against him for aght in the prize ring
Sullivan was avcrse 10 the tight and managed get
Of in his own peculiar way, and retain the friendship c
The Bcnicia Boy. Sullivan admired Hccnan fighter
and determined bringing him 10 this city 10 aght Nor
ysscv; but the Vigilance Committee put end his
p,ans. and Hccnan Ind to como here bis hook.
Az soon as the cnica BOY reached this city where his
fame had preceded him, he welcomed by the sport
ing fraternity, who were eager IN match him nstanor
with Morrssey, who had claimed the championship The
politicians also gave him hearty welcome decmiug that
his services might become of great value 10 them In cleo
ton times and 10 retain him in their service provided him
with situation in the New York Custom House But .
fight with Morrssey his mind and nothing else he
had all the way from California expressly or that
purpose. His situation In the Custom House soon
became irksome 10 him, and he ionged for the
time when match between them could be
made and the claims TO the championship
decided After much private alteration and wranrlnq.
in which much personal hostility was cvinced. match
was At length concluded between the parties for a. roo
side TO come on the 10th day Of October IN Canada
Tho Bcncia Boy Immediately threw up his situation IN Tho
Custom House, and into training under James cuscs
and Joe Uoburn, the locality of Iosh street on ,he
west side a, the hotel q Jim Hughes formerly known a.
the Rock Cottage lie subsequently changed one q his
trainers and substituted in his place Aaron Jones who
came oui from England expressly for that purpose Tic
remained at his rainng quarters at the Rock Cottage