Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-08-17
NO. 1874.
A STRONG MAN.

Thomas, or Tom Gardner as he was "a.
miliarly called, was born on the river St.
John, one mile above the mouth of the
Mactaquac stream, in the year 1898,
Viewed casually, Gardner gave no evil
dence of unusual power, but when stripped
his muscular development was tremen-
dous, and it is affirmed that instead of the
ordinary ribs, he possessed solid bony
wall on either side, and that there was no
separation whatever. He stood feet 10
IL inches, erect and full-chested, and
never exceeded 100 pounds in weight
The late Charles Long informed us that at
one time he saw Gardner lift from tow
boat puncheon Of corn containing at
least II bushels, and, swinging it round de-
posit it on the sand. In so doing he tore
the sole off his boot. On another occasion
number of men were trying to lift q
stick of timber. In all the crowd only one
man could raise it about two inches from
the skids. Gardner 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.. Mexican has frequently
known him in lifting to break boom-pole
six inches thick. He has known him also
with one hand to lift, by the rung of a
chair, the chair itself and man weighing
nearly 200 weight. Once in attempting to
lift very heavy man he saw him wrench
the rung entirely from the chair. Gardner
at one time was possessed of balky
horse, with which he exercised great pa
tience but when patience ceased to be a
virtue he would fell him to the ground
with his clenched fist striking him behind
the ear. 1t is related of Gardner's sister
that on one occasion a famous wrestler
travelled all the way from Miramichi to
Toms home in order ito try fall with
him." Tom was absent, but the sister,
looking contemptuously upon the in
truder, declared she could throw him
herself. and, suiting the action to the
word, in a fair trial threw him fairly three
times, in succession. The strangers ex-
perience with the sister was sufficient; he
never sought a future interview with the
brother. The greatest feat which Gard
ner was ever known to perform was on
one of the wharves in St. John. Mr.. Nc
Keen saw him lift and carry an anchor
weighing 1900 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.
pork while standing in an ordinary brandy
| IVA w hSA oooue ~ yCuio VI o5C 00Au-
ner removed to the United States, and
never returned to his native Province. 1t
is commonly reported and believed that
he met with sad adventure on board
Mississippi steamer. A heavy bell was on
board as a portion Of the freight, and the
captain, great, powerful fellow, was
concerned as to how he should remove it
from its place in order to make more room
on deck. While captain and passengers
were at dinner, Tom, in presence of the
crew. to their utter amazement. lifted the
bell and carried it to the opposite side Of
the boat. When the captain returned he
asked how that had been accomplished.
and when Gardner laughingly remarked
that he carried it there, the former gave
him the lie, and as one word brought on
another, he persistentlv struck Tom in the
face. This was too much, and for the
first time in his life the strong man gave
blow for blow; but one buffet was suffi-
cient. The captain never spoke again,
killed dead on the instant. Tom made his
escape, went West, and has never been
heard of since.-NeD Brunsaciek Reporter.