Evening star., 1918-02-03
DIES AS HE WISHED, :
WITH HIS SHOES ON
John L. Sullivan Meets Death;
With Same Fortitude He
Displayed in Ring.
0VERCAME K. O. BY LIQUOR

ABINGDON, Mass, February
John L. Sullivan, one of the
most interesting figures of prize
ring renown, died suddenly of
heart disease at his farm, in West
Abingdon, today. As was his
wish, he died with his shoes on.
Although stricken with heart
trouble three weeks ago, he had
quickly improved and was in no
sense an invalid. He was about
to leave his house today to pay a
visit to Boston to see his old
friend, Capt James P. Sullivan of
the Boston police department.,
when he received his final knock
out.
His friend and companion,
George NJ. Bush, rushed to his
side as the old gladiator sank to
the floor unconscious and re-
vived him with cold water appli-
cations to the head. John L."
responding quickly to this treat
ment, as in his palmy days in the
prize ring, struggled to his feet
and refused to take the decision
of Time. -:
He reluctantly consented to have
physician called. but after receiving
medical treatment. announced that he
would have a bath and keep his ap-
pointment Even as he expressed his
determination. he became unconscious
and died apparently without further
pain The body will be taken to the
home of his sister in Boston, where
funeral services will be held Wednes.
day morning.
Messages of Sympathy.
Hardly had the news of the passing
of one of Americas greatest hstic
champions been flashed broadcast. than
messages of sympathy began pouring
into town from men in all walks of life.
Sullivan, in his prime. was a popular
idol and he never entirely lost his hold
on the public. This was due not only
to the success Of his prize fighting
days, but to his rugged battle later
| against his old easy-going habits.
John L." always attributed his loss
of the American championship to James
J. Corbett by knockout in New Or
| leans September = 1892. to liquor. He
had made a fortune in the prize ring
and had spent it. when his friends
rendered him a benefit concert in Bos-
ton to put him on his feet again. The
|
| also according to his ruling habit. and
then Sullivan's old fighting spirit re-
asserted itself and he announced that
he had entered the list against John
Won Fight Against Liquor.
The public regarded this challenge
with interest. but John L.. battIed
with John Barleycorn as he had with
all his opponents. He forced the fight
fiance of drink from platforms
throughout the country and held him.
self up to the youth as a horrible ex-N
ample of what drink would do. He
never let uD in his aggressive fight
against liquor, and frequently left his
farm here for long temperance speak.
ing tours.
He was fifty-nine years of age when
he was counted out. He had often eX.
pressed regret that he was toe-eid
to go with the boys overseas, but he
was not too old to do his bit. He never
declined invitation to speak at
flag raising or recruiting rally or in
behalf of the liberty loan. sullivan
was never taught how to box. He took
to fighting naturally. His first ap-
pearance in the ring was at variety
performance in Boston. when he was
in his teens. a magnificently built
young man weighing nearly 200
pounds. a husky boxer, who was one
of the performers. CHALLENGED any one
in the audience to enter the ring with
him. 1t was a summons Sullivan could
not refuse, although he had had no
ring experience. Peeling off his coat
he leaped upon the stage. took a blow
to the head and knocked out his op-
ponent with one clean punch straight