Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1878-05-02
neArH on JOIN MORRIssEY.

DEATH OF JOHN MORRIssEY.
John Morrissey, ex.csngressmsn and
State senator from the city Of New York,
died at u o'clock last evening at Sara
toga. He had seemed quiet and without
any unfavorable symptoms until after
the New York papers we're brought in,
when be motioned for his glasses TO read
one. About 81 o'clock an unfavorable
change occurred, and be sank rapidly
Afterward Father McNenomy, q Catholic
priest, was sent for, who promptly came
and administered extreme JUNCTION.
Although Mr.. Norrissey was rapidly
falling he seemed conscious till the last.
His wife and domesiics we're present
Mr.. Morrissey died clasping the hand OF
the priest. Mr.. Morrissey's business part
ners we're present, but nothing IS known
BY them regarding how he left his busi
ness, or whether there is any viii. The
funeral will be in Troy. Mr.. Aorrissey
had been in III health some time ana
spent most Of the winter in Florida for
his health. He returned to New York q
few weeks ago, and but recently went to
Saratoga. Reports have been received
from time to time that he was improvingi
could walk about the house and give
orders in regard to business matters,
and that be was confident Of re-
coVery, which was 10 doubt the
case. His sudden death, therefore,
is q complete suTPrisc &c has friends and
the public. NOrrissey's career has NOT
been one to held up as 81 example to
the American youths. He came up
from and amosg the toughest classes,
and although be acquired something Of
the polish that comes from contact with
the world and a recognition ct the hands
OF public men who sought his influence,
he never succeeded in reaching a high
position in the social scale. he was
born in Troy, n. Y, brought up in 5
bsr-room, and as a boy had the reputs.
ton Of a fighter and street brawler. At
the age Of eighteen be had considerable
local reputation as a professional fighter.
Ths. field being too small to hold him.
he went to New York, where he was at
first roughly handled by professionals
and badly used up. But be had indomi-
table courage and pluck, and kept on
until be was recognized as one Of the
leaders Of the prize-ring. 1t would gil
a volume to write up all his exploits, his
successes and failures. But his first
formal appearance in the prize ring was
on the Pacific coast BE went there in
1851 and challenged George Thompson,
an Eoglish vetran Of the ring who as
pired to the title Of Champion Of the
Pacific coast" They fought near BENZ
cha, August 3lst, 1852. At the end Of
eleven rounds in sixteen minutes,
Thompson, who was holding bis own,
struck Morrissey q foul blow and 80 lost
the fight. Morrissey returned to New
York the sane year, and in 1853
had a fight with Yankee Sullivan
at Boston COrners for $1,000 a side.
Morrissey won the decision somehow, al
though be was the worst punished man.
His next big fight was with Bill Poole, in
1854, at $3.50 a side. His friends claimed
the victory for him. From 1854 to 1859
Morrissey wore the belt. He became q
noted faro dealer, and won much money
that way. But in 1865 he abandoned
fero and took to the turf. de also owned
a saloon. On the 2Ot. Of October, 1857,
he fought John C. Hsenan at $25OO q
side on Long Island, in Canada. After
a desperate fight Of twentyone minute.
and eleven rounds Morrissey was de
clared winner. During end after thu
war he become a politician, and, as i
well known, went to congress. Subse
q%uently be became q member Of the New
York State senate, which position b,
held when he died. he acquired lare,
property and was probably wealthy whel
he died. BE was honest 10 his way
rough, blunt, but very quiet in his man
ners. He visited Memphis about tel
years ago, and made a very favorabl
impression. His influence with th
rougber classes was unbounded. The.
looked upon him as q leader aud tn
highest embodiment Of success and fame
While a gambler by profession be wa
never charged with taking usdue advar
tage Of verdancy or Of corruption, il
politics or elsewhere. He was liberal
straight forward,aDd true TO bis friends
Under the circumstances Of his birth
bringing up and surroundings, it wa
hardly possible that be could have beef
otherwise than. yhoS he was. He en-
joyed in a large degree a certain kind o
respect, and his death will be regrette,
BY thousands who knew and made allow
ances for the man. Our latest dispatche
TO-DAY announce hat his funeral viii
iAAe lIice Saturday at Troy.