The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1914-12-26
sPoRToeRApHY.
q "Gravy."


Boxing day. the 26th Of Deem.
Der, bears no relation to the noble art,
but is so called because Of the English
custom of distributing the collections
from Christmas boxes among the poor
on that day. Nevertheless it was
quite appropriate that one of the
greatest and most scientific fighters
of the nineteenth century was born
on that date just ia years ago to-
day. Jem Ward has had few If any
superiors, both as a boxer and fighter,
in the history of the ring. While he
never fought in America, he spent
several years on this side Of the At.
lantfc and for q time was q popular
idol among the New York sports.
Ward was born in England, near
Bow, but both his parents we're Irish.
His father was a laborer. who earned
a living by loading coal on board ships
and Je mtoole up the same occupation
when old enough. His nickname of
"the Black Diamond" which stuck to
him all his life, was gained while fol-
lowing this humble occupation. Jem
was well educated, and in his youth
developed q fondness for painting
which, If developed, might have made
him a great artist. Jem always liked
to dabble with the brush, and some of
his paintings won praise from artists
OF distinction.
Being Irish, the fighting blood was
in his veins, and as q lad he boxed
with his companions, using stuffed
stockings as gloves. After several
unimportant bouts, he whipped Dick
Acton, a good fighter, in 1922. Then
he nearly ruined his career by quit
ting in a fight with Bill Abbott. The
fake, which Jem finally confessed,
was SO fragrant that Ward was ex-
PEELED from the Pugilistic Club. His
regret was so sincere that after u
time he was taken back into the good
graces OF the, sports, and in 1925, aft
er several victories yer other aspir-
ants, lie became the champion of Eng
land. In 1927 he lost the title to
Peter Crawley, but the latter was so
badly punished that he relinqufshed
the honors rather than fight Ward
again. In 1898 he defeated Jack Car
ter and was again proclaimed cham.
pion. Ward again fell into disre-
pute by engaging in another fake. and
for a second time was ruled out OF
the ring. After another period of deep
disgrace, Jem was given another
chance to redeem his blackened rep
utation, and was permitted to fight
Simon Dyrne, "the Emerald Gem"
Ward defeated the game 1risfman,
and for the third time was presented
with the championship belt. Jen
then held the title until 1889, when he
retired and handed over his belt tc
Bendigo.
For several years after quitting the
ring Jem was a tavern keeper in Liv'
erpool and London, but he u a poor
business man, and all his ventures
failed. In 1858 he decided to try his
luck in the New World, and sailed
for New York. "The Black Diamond
was given a rousing reception in the
American metropolis. John Morris
sey, a member of the United State;
| Congress and former champion o
America, took tho distinguished visi
tor under his wing. and for a tint
Jem's address was No. l Easy street
Politicians, writer's, artists and MGR
of wealth we're among Jem's friends
and Jem realized a small fortune from
a benefit given him. Fame Is a fickle
jade, however, and gradually Wards
popularity waned, and no returned to
England with no more money than
when he left that country.
For a time poor old Jem fought 8
losing fight against poverty, but al
length he had to seek refuge in 9
home for old liquor dealers. There he
spent his last years, in happiness and
comfort. He died thirty years ago
in 1884, in the Saith year Of his age
Nh Tpoo+