The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-23
THE FIGHTER IN PROFESSIONS.
Philadelphia Jack O'Brien Studying Law
Success OF Other Bruisers.

There are several instances where pugi-
lists have engaged in professions that re-
auire intelligence and ability in order to
succeed. Some fighters have turned their
attention to law and the stage and have
done as we'll IL not better. than the average
disciple OF Blackstone or Thespis.
The latest boxer to take up law Is Jack
O'Brien Of Philadelphia. He Is fine
pugilist and Is. stiIl in harness. oBrien'
has been studying nearly four years and
expects to become full fedged member
of the bar within q short time. He
went in for this calling more for his own
personal benefit than anything else. He is
a large holder OF real estate in Philadelphia.
He invested the bulk OF the money he made
in fights, and in order to protect his own
interests he decided to enter the legal pro-
fession. Johnny Griffin, the -Braintree
Lad" who was q champion at l22 pounds
about ten years ago, was skllful dentist
before he became a scrapper. Griffin
practised his calling even while boxer.
He made use of his fstio talents to help
along his business However, pugilism
became the more fascinating Of the two
and in the latter years Of his career he
devoted most Of his time TO the ring. E.
E. Price a successful lawyer, with an office
in this city, was well known fighter in his
day. Billy Elmer. before be became an
exponent of the mitts, was q clever actor.
He abandoned this profession to open a
physical culture school. John Morrissey,
one of Americas champions, was one of
the few pugilsts who became a successful
politician Morrissey lived to represent
his constituencies in Congress and in the
Legislature Of New York State. The be-
ginning Of Morrisseys career was as nearly
hopeless az any mans could be in civilized
community; yet he worked himself out Of
the mire in which he was born and bred,
and carried out a legitimate ambition.
Mike Donovan Is another example Of what
perseverance can do for fighter who cares
to turn his talents to something more
eIevating than the life Of amere scrapper.
After his retirement from the arena Mike
became the boxing instructor OF the New
York A. C. This Is position which any
boxer may be proud Of: Besides carrying
that naturally comes from the foremost
organization OF its kind In the world.
When the late Peter jackson decided
to 60 upon the stage, every one, even his
most intimate friends, predicted Illuminating
failure. jackson was an Intelligent man,
a clever nnguist and although colored,
was popular with all classes.
Although Peter never had any stage
training, he studied the part OF Uncle Tom
in -Uncle Toms Cabin inside OF a week.
who afterward assumed the same role in
William A. Brady's production at the
Academy OF Music, Jackson's interpreta-
ton of the part was an ideal one, and con-
formed IN every way 70 aa eh h.s sSeeoneT
appearance. and played the role with such
human feeling that the critics were our
priced.
Jim Corbett Is a clever monologue artist.
He does 80 well In his act that he can com:
manages his own affairs, something many
other pugilists have failed to do. Billy
Smith the East Side fighter although pot
a champion, is making quite . stride a. q
member OF the Salvation Army Smith II
clever talker, and Is . conscientious worker
George Reynolds of this city. who -four
ished a. g clever pugilist In 1892, went to
France In 1895. He learned several Ian
suages while abroad and is now making an
excellent living teaching them to q large
class OF pupils in New York. DR.. Payne
Of Cleveland. who was invariably in Kid
McCoy's corner when the latter fought,
studied medicine and is now, 1t is said,
the West. Frank Erne at one time studied
| to become an architect but abandoned
It to 60 into the fruit business. Erne de-
| clares that he Is going TO devote his time
| to taking q course In medicine at Columbia
College NEXT year.
John Gully, who was champion Of Eng.
| land in the eighteenth century, entered
the English Parliament as an ardent Liberal
and became a political power. Jem Ward,
another English champion, who hourished
In the last century. was versatile pugilist.
His tastes were eminently artistic, and
musical. He played well on the flute and
aageolet and could play the violin, too
At the ane OF forty-five he was an exhibitor
OF his, own paintings and some OF his