River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1875-08-27
The Pr0digious Feats of "a ST. John
River New Brunswicker.
(From the New Brunswick Reporter

(From the New Brunswick Reporter.)
Thomas, or Tom Gardner, as he was
Familiarity called, was born on the river
St. John, one mile above the mouth of
the Mactaquack stream, in the year 1893.
Viewed casually, Gardner gave no evil
dence of unusual power, but when strip
ped his muscular development was tre-
mendous, and it is affirmed that instead
of the ordinary ribs he possessed a solid
bony wall ON either side. and that there
was no separation whatever. He stood
five feet ten and half inches, erect and
full chested, and never exceeded 100 lbs.
in weight.
The late Charles Long informed us that
at one time he saw Gardner lift from a
tow boat a pu lcheon of corn, containing
at least twelve bushels, and, swinging
around, deposit it on the sand. In so do.
ing he tore the sole off his boot. On an.
other occasion a number of men were
rying to lift a stick Of timber. In all
the crowd only one man could raise it
about two inches from the skids. Gard.
ner told four men to sit upon it, and
then lifted it so high that the men jumped
off to save themselves from the fall. Mr..
McKeen has frequently known him in
lifting to break boom poles six inches
thick. He has known him also with one
hand to lift, by the rung Of chair, the
chair itself and man weighing nearly
200 weight. Once in attempting to IFS a
very heavy man he wrenched the rung
entirely from the chair.
Gardner at one time was possessed Of
l. III a L. Il. L
great patience but when patience ceased
to be virtue he would fell him to the
ground with his clenched fist, striking
him behind the ear. 1t is related of
Gardner 5 sister that on one occasion a
famous wrestler travelled all the way
from Mramichi TO Toms home in order
10 ''try fall with him. Tom was alb.
sent, but the sister looking contempt
ously upon the intruder, declared she
could throw him herself, and, suitng the
action TO the word, in fair trial threw
HIM fairly three times in succession. The
stranger experience with the sister was
sufficient he never sought future inter.
view with the brother.
The greatest feat which Gardner was
ever known TO perform was on the wharf
IN st. John. Mr. McKcon saw him lift
and carry an anchor weighing l.200
pounds, numbers Of other witnesses
standing by, some Of whom are yet alive.
Frequently he has seen him CARRYING a
barrel Of pork under each arm, and once
be saw him shoulder barrel of pork
while standing in an ordinary brandy
box. When about forty years Of age
Gardner removed TO the United States,
and never returned to his native province.
II is commonly reported and believed
that he met with a sad adventure on
board Mississippi steamer. A heavy
bell was on board as portion Of
the freight, and the captain, a
great, powerful fellow, was con.
ccrned az TO how he should remove
Il from its place in order TO make
more room on deck. While captain and
passengers we're at dinner. Tom, in pres.
cnee Of the crew, 70 their utter amaze.
ment. lifted the bell and carried il TO the
opposite side Of the boat. When the
captain returned he asked how that had
been accomplished, and when Gardner