The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-08-28

Some of the Celebrities of
Years Ago i'm New York.

out Lefore he had an opportunity to get
in "a 81 ingle blow.
Hyer and Sullivan fought at Rocky
Point, Md, Feb. i7. loi9. the 1rst having
the American flag and tho second green,
as oolors- sullivan was whipped. All
the bulldog nature and acquired science
that he possessed could not save him. He
was surprised and crestfallen, indeed, and
so wore tho various classes that supported
him and mis- cause. The American spirit
in the city and all over the country was
in sympathy with Hyer. anu there was
great rejoicing. Inc fight was, OF course
denounced, and arrests were made. A
splendid gold watch and very heavy chain
were presented TO Hyor. When no up
peared before an audience at an exhibit
tion, he smilingiy alluded TO his recent
arrest, and, taking tho chain In his hand
said:
"This is the kind OF chain they have
put on me.
He never fought again. though many
efforts wers made to worry him into n
contest as bad been successfully done in
tho first instance. He opened "a barroom
on the Bowerv, where he was personally
u great attraction, and, later, had place
on Fourth street. lie was respected as
long as he lived
Yankee sullivan fought John Morrissey
at Chatham -Four Corners. n. Y, Oct.
II. 1903 From this time the latter was
senting the class that had idolizsd Sulli-
van. Morrisey kept dirty little drink
ing-place in Troy called THE Ivy
Green.
In 1856 Bill Poole had become a leader
in the American lighting faction in this
city He whipped everybody In rough
and-tumble fights, and there were
naturally many hints given that, in time
the troy bruiser, John Morrissey. would
find his match. Morrissey finally caught
Poole on the pier at the foot Of Amos
street. on challenge from Poole. but
was set upon by friends of the latter and
cruelty beaten. This led to n deeper
feud than ever between the factions.
Poole kept'a place on broadway, below
Houston street known as "Stanwix
Hail." where he and Morrissey met sut-
svquently, and pistols were drawn. The
police ipterfered, and placed both men
under arrest. Poole returned TO the saloon.
There was great excitement among the
rival gangs. During tho afternoon Lewis
Baker n former policeman, Mclaughlin.
alias "Paudeeu'', and other lighters of
the Morrissey gang went TO the saloon.
Several shots were fired and Poole was
wounded in the leg. AS he lay on the
floor Baker leaned over him, and, placing
a revolver against Poole's heart, fired,
as he exclaimed, Il guess I'll take you
anyhow - Though mortally wounded,
Poole staggered To his feet seized oarv-
at his assaiants, who lied in panic.
Poole lived fourteen days with half
ounce bullet in his heart. His last words
were, 81 die "a true American. HIS
funeral was an immense affair.
Thore was great excitement abont the
murder, especially as Baker had escaped
on board u vessel. The late George Law
or " Live-Oak George" was prominently
mentioned as the presidential candidate
or the American party, and he at once
rendered to the police fast craft owned
by him. called The Grapeshot, which
reached Teneriffe In the Canary Islands,
two hoLrs ahead OF Baker. he was ar
rested, brought back to New York, and
triod for the murder, but never Con-
victed.
Afterward John Morrissey was elected
q member of Congress from New York,
kept noted gambling houses and was n
chum of Commodore Vanderbilt; but he
was originally one Of the worst ruffians
and most brutal bruisers ever known.
At West 1rov another tough Ind
grown up-.Johp g. Heepan-and, rs both
Morrissey and himself had strong par
tisans match was readily arranged.
They fought Oct. 90, 1858. l was waiting
for q New York train In the Union depot
at Troy, one afternoon, when saw man
rolled in a blanket brought from train.
This was John Morrissey, well l-bottered
and used up by Heenan. Troy was In
gloom. but business was brisk at the
"Ivy Green" The fighter and pride of
West Troy came to the front, and n match
was made with John Savers then the
great prize-nghtsr of England. TO which
allusion has already boon made. Both
countries were much excited over this
fight However, IL was declared draw.
Ii was finally arranged that both men
should receive a belt, which was ordered,
bat not being paid for, the plan was not
carried out Heenan was very popular
in this country. and his fights marked an
advance In the reputation OF the Ameri-
can prize-ring. The athletic spirit
among the young mon developed into an
ambition which at length spread to the
colleges.
Town Topics.