The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-10-03
baltimore Gazette, Dem.]
A Sucker Giant.

buffalo Express
Col. John Redman is character we'll
known to the drovers and stock dealers
all over the country, and to many other
people as well. He does not visit Buf-
falo very often in these later years, but
a few days ago he struck the town and
made his onarters at the American Ho-
te!! Where an Express reporter commun-
ed with him little while last even
ir.s. He had many callers, and a very
attentive crowd gathered closely about
him, for Colonel John is famous story
teller. His experiences have been varied
and interesting, and he may be said to be
the father of the cattle shipping trade OF
America; but it is his tremendous
strength that has made him a celebrity.
Six feet and two and one-half inches tall,
and proportionately broad: ne has an
open, pleasant face, and, IKE the maiori-
ty of strong men, ne is pattern of good
nature. Marvellous stories are related of
his strength. They may be believed after
seeing him. His muscular arm, as hard
as iron, is as thick almost as an ordinary
mans waist, and his leg pretty near as
large around as barrel of -four.
Redman is native Of Virginia, but
has for many years resided in Illinois.
He was mighty hunter in his younger
DAYS, and no slouch of one now, it is
said, but horned cattle have principally
engaged his business attention from his
boyhood. He is now 40 years of age.
The first lot of cattle ever shipped by
rail was shipped by him from Patterson
Greek, Hampshire County, Va, over the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The vasl
proportions which the business of trans
porting cattle by rail has since then as
sumed are familiar to everybody. Be-
fore there were any railroads to ship by
between the east and west, it is said, he
drove thirty-two different lots clear
through from Missouri to New York
The Colonel has reputation of being an
honest faithful and capable man. He is
now operating in the interest of East
mai, of Christian County, Illinois, the
greatest shipper Of cattle in the world.
A good many amusing and wonderful
incidents in Colonel Redman's career
have been related, and about as many
of the remarkable mare, Turtle Dove,
which, next to his wife, was his JOY and
pride for thirty years. The aged beast
was gathered to her fathers about seven
wears ago, and it is said thatquite con-
siderable fund has nearly been filled for
! the erection of monument over hel
grave at Chillicothe. A fast trotter OF
runner, Turtle Dove was possessed Of
almost human intelligence. She was a:
handy as a man about stock farm, with
bucket in mouth at the regular hours
daily bringing from the spring all the
water required for the cattle to drink
But to get back to the regular subject Of
mere general and principal interest, Col
onel Johns personal strength, it will best
serve to relate some examples OF it
These do not come from the Colone
himself, for he is not a man to brag Of
his own exploits, but they are vouchec
for by responsible parties who were
witnesses.
1t should be stated that Colonel Red
mans proclivities are peaceful, although
he wears the military title. He has sci
dom, if ever, been engaged in personal en-
counters. Still we are rather inclined t(
the belief that he wouldn't at all dislike
trial with Mclaughlin, or any other o
the eladiatorial athletes. Once he die
engage in a wrestling match. 1t was il
Ohio. They had a pretty good MAJ
) there, but of course he was not consid
cred as having any business with tn
Colonel. To give this wrestler reputa
ton, Redmond was offered $1,000 to al
low him to throw him. The momen
came, but unluckily Colonel John forgo
all about the bargain and all about hi
, strength as soon as they clinched, an
} landed his opponent in the top Of tai
tree.
Once the Colonel was passing along
t road, when a horse standing by the way
S side, hitched to a fence-stake, let fly
d hoof, which grazed the strong mans shil
: Somewhat irritated he threw the hors
J, over the fence. Redman's strength hs
frequently been handy in his busines
e When cattle are being loaded a jam ofte
e occurs in the gang-way. In such cas-
n the Colonel climbs over their backs
e the car-door, and seizing the ofendin
l. bullock, hauls him bodily on boart
Il Here in Buffalo he has been seen by M
d I. P. Bowen, of the American House,
d lift horse weighing one thousand tw
d hundred pounds over the partition, frol
y one stall to another. Mr.. Bowen declar
10 that negro and an Irish woman WI
70 witnessed this performance, were SO a
e tonished and frightened that they fainte
'e away.
n Some years ago the late Mr.. Crocke
- father of Mr.. l.. L. Crocker, had bar
d raising on the Tiff farm. The structul
accidentally fell, with one of the carpe
ters under it, and the unlucky artiss
1t was in immediate danger of having II
it life crushed out of him. 1t is said tn
at twenty men endeavored to liberate hir
o. but their divided strength could n
is avail. Redman CHANGED to be on Il
er farm with some cattle. He came dow
al to the scene of the barn, and by she
r. strength raised and held the structu
e. until the carpenter was rescued. Al
e. the chapter of Colonel Redmond's fea
~ of hodilv strauoth MIGHT he extended