Kentucky Rosebud
Kentucky Rosebud (Walter Edgerton)
KENTUCKY ROSEBUD, whose real name was Walter Edgerton, boxed professionally, generally as a featherweight, from 1886 right up until 1916, when he twice fought and defeated John Henry Johnson in Philadelphia. “Kentucky Rosebud” was past 60 at the time of the fights, and Johnson was well past 40.
Walter Edgerton was born in Raleigh, North Carolina on November 18, 1854. He is known to have appeared in the ring around 100 times, compiling a known record of 28 wins, 41 losses, and 30 draws. In all likelihood he fought far more than what is currently known. Most of his fights were in Philadelphia. He was at his peak in the mid-1890s, and fought featherweight champion George Dixon to a draw twice in 1892, and was defeated by him on points twice in 1893. On March 22, 1894, in a non-title fight, he knocked Dixon out in the second round. They fought again in 1896 with Dixon winning and fought to a draw in 1897. “Kentucky Rosebud” also fought former world champion Young Griffo and twice fought future world champion Joe Gans. He remained fairly active as a fighter as late as 1902, when he fought at least nine times. He is known to have fought once in 1903, then seems to have retired. In 1913 another man boxed in Altoona as “Young Kentucky Rosebud,” and it is doubtful that Walter Edgerton was the man who fought light-heavyweight Battling Holmes in New York in 1915. What is certain is that Walter Edgerton, fighting as Kentucky Rosebud, defeated John Henry Johnson in Philadelphia on June 28, 1915 and did the same thing twice in 1916, on January 27 by knockout and on August 23.
Regarding Walter Edgerton’s age at the time of the John Henry Johnson fights in 1916, the 1910 Census and his death certificate indicate that he was born around 1855. At least one newspaper article gives his birth date as November 18, 1854 which fits the Census and death records. Perhaps adding to the public confusion about his age are the newspapers of the time of the Johnson fights in 1916, who are somewhat all over the place regarding exactly how old he was, but who all have him born in the 1850s, save one report by Robert Maxwell of the Philadelphia Evening Ledger, who took a few years off, perhaps in disbelief that a man that old could move around the ring.
They are the famous Kentucky Rosebud, aged 63 years, and the equally famous John Henry Johnson, aged 45.” (wire, January 24, 1916)
“The Kentucky Rosebud, the former great negro featherweight, who modestly admits being 61 years old, knocked out his veteran rival John Henry Johnson, another dusky warrior, who admits to having been on this earth for forty-three summers and as many winters.” (wire in Trenton Evening Times, January 28, 1916)
“The Rosebud, who confesses to being 62 years old, … knocked out John Henry Johnson, another veteran colored pugilist, whose span of life covers some 43 years.” (wire in Indianapolis Freeman, February 12, 1916)
“Philadelphia, May 18. John Henry Johnson, 56 years of age, defeated the Kentucky Rosebud, who is 61, in six rounds at the National A. C. here last night.” (wire, May 18, 1916)
“In the semi-windup there is offered a novelty in the bout between John Henry Johnson and the Kentucky Rosebud, two of the oldest pugilists in the world. The Bud is 60 years and Johnson near that mark.” (Philadelphia Inquirer, August 22, 1916)
“The semiwind-up was real exciting, as it brought together the Kentucky Rosebud and John Henry Johnson, a couple of sterling athletes who used to go big when Hector was a pup. The Bud is 55 years old and J. Henry a couple of years younger.” (Robert Maxwell in Philadelphia Evening Ledger, August 24, 1916)
“My record books show that the ‘Bud’ has turned his fiftieth year, but when he called on me he confidentially told me that he was 64 years old. I don’t believe he is that old, but he says so and we’ve got to believe him.” (Walter Schlichter in Philadelphia North American, quoted in Anaconda Standard, December 29, 1918)
Perhaps what is more amazing is that in April of 1921 he climbed back into the ring with John Henry Johnson for an exhibition bout.
Aside from his boxing exploits, Walter Edgerton was in and out of the newspapers quite a bit in his later years, involving several scrapes with law enforcement in Philadelphia and in Camden, New Jersey. His legal problems centered around running disorderly houses, i.e., prostitution and gambling, and he served jail time in Philadelphia and in New Jersey’s state prison. His first brush with the law that this writer has found happened in 1904 in Philadelphia, when he was arrested for running a crap game. In 1906 he was arrested again in similar charges, and in 1910 got into more trouble for running a disorderly house, i.e., a bordello. This and other offenses earned him some jail time in Philadelphia.
Walter Edgerton appears in the 1910 Census in Philadelphia, living at 245 Warnock Street in Philadelphia, with a wife of 11 years, Minnie M. Smith, and two step-children, Clifton and Nettie. This appears to have been a common-law marriage, as the two were legally married in Camden in November of 1917. The Census states he was keeping a cigar store at the time, and he also had five lodgers in the house, three of them female and under twenty-five years of age.
By the spring of 1912 Philadelphia had gotten too hot for him and he moved to Camden. Over the next eighteen years he resided at different addresses in the vicinity of Second and Sycamore Streets.
In June of 1913 Walter Edgerton was arrested at his home at 811 Locust Street on charges of running a disorderly house. He went to trial in October and was sentenced to serve one to three years imprisonment at Trenton State Prison.
Upon release, Walter Edgerton operated a pool hall for a time, and apparently continued to make money off of vice-related activities. As mentioned before, he fought three times professionally in Philadelphia in 1915–1916 and also appeared in exhibition bouts in 1920 and 1921.
In October of 1922, Minnie Smith Edgerton died and was buried at Mt. Peace Cemetery in Lawnside, New Jersey. Walter Edgerton was arrested again in 1924 and 1927 on gambling charges. He passed away at Philadelphia General Hospital on May 3, 1930. Cause of death was acute myocarditis and vascular syphilis, and he had been suffering from arteriosclerotic dementia.
Kentucky Rosebud Knocks Out Dixon
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Champion Feather-Weight Defeated in Two Rounds by Walter Edgerton.
He Is Knocked Senseless and Has to Be Dragged to His Corner.
Sensational Termination of the Friendly Boxing Bout at Industrial Hall in Behalf of the Bread Fund—Wild Excitement Follows the Fall of the Champion—Other Events of an Interesting Program.
By a single blow from the gloved fist of Walter Edgerton, the “Kentucky Rosebud,” George Dixon, the undefeated feather-weight champion of the world, was completely knocked out last night at the Industrial Hall athletic carnival for the benefit of the Bread Fund. The champion was knocked flat and was fairly dragged to his chair. Only prompt interference prevented a probably sensational termination of an ordinarily friendly bout.
It occurred in the second round of their set-to, which had been eagerly looked forward to by the assemblage of over 2000 persons present as the star event of the evening. It was known that the “Rosebud,” who has achieved a widespread local reputation, had long been anxious to meet the champion in a finish contest, and everyone expected some hot and fast work, but the climax of the “go” utterly paralyzed them.
There was a cordial greeting for the champion when he entered the ring, and an equally warm one for the “Rosebud.” Jimmy McHale looked after the Philadelphian, and Tom O’Rourke, Dixon’s manager, and Professor Jack Lynch were behind the champion. The first round was a good-natured bit of sparring and the second of the same nature, the exchanges being somewhat in favor of Dixon.
THE KNOCK-OUT BLOW.
Towards the end of the second round they came together in a fast rally and the “Rosebud” landed on the champion’s jaw with a heavy right-hand swing. Dixon went down backward like a log, his face wearing a dazed look. His body had hardly touched the floor when the watchful O’Rourke and Lynch sprang forward simultaneously.
The limp form of the champion was seized under the arms and he was literally dragged to his chair, which sat only a few feet distant. The “Rosebud” merely looked at the fallen Dixon and made no move. In an instant the most intense excitement prevailed. The big crowd, dazed for a few fleeting seconds by the sensational conclusion of the round, broke into a confusion of cries and exclamations. “He’s out! he’s out!” was uttered by hundreds, and in the few succeeding moments, during which those on the stage worked vigorously with the champion, there was a wild hum of speculation and comment.
On the raised platform a little anxious-looking group about Dixon were busily engaged in the work of bringing him around, while the audience breathlessly awaited results. For two minutes the champion of all feather-weights never opened his eyes. For two or three minutes more he rested and regained his strength and senses. Then he sprang forward for the last round. It was an interesting battle, in which Dixon landed good and hard twice, but the revenge the champion was expected to seek did not result in any hard fighting.
JOE BUTLER GUARDS DIXON.
Just before the final round Jimmy McHale wanted time called a minute or so before it was, and he and Tom O’Rourke had a war of words. After the men left the stage the friends of the “Rosebud” attempted to hustle the Dixon party, but big Joe Butler took charge of the champion and guarded him safely to his room.
Tom O’Rourke and several of Dixon’s friends attempted to explain the champion’s downfall by saying it was an accident that the “Rosebud” had struck Dixon on the jaw with his elbow. Those who saw the blow delivered only laughed at this lame excuse. Never was a blow fairer delivered nor was there ever a fairer knock-out.
A CHANCE FOR A FIGHT.
“I suppose the ‘Rosebud’ will be able to get backing now,” said Tom O’Rourke. “You can say that Dixon will meet him for ten rounds or to a finish any time he can raise a respectable stake.”
The “Kentucky Rosebud” shook a thousand hands after he came out of his dressing room. “I knewed I’d be champion some day,” said he. “George is a very nice fighter, but I always felt it in my bones dat I could whip him.”
“The Rosebud will be the biggest coon on Lombard street to-morrow,” said Joe Butler, “and he will wear his white high hat for sure.”
JUDGE WESCOTT ON BOXING.
Preceding the Dixon-Rosebud contest there was a long and attractive program of sparring and wrestling bouts, interspersed with musical selections by the First Regiment Band. Just before the athletes began their work there was a short program by the band and an address by Judge Wetcott, of Camden, who declared boxing to be one of the greatest of athletic sports. He said it had suffered sadly through misrepresentation. The judge was loudly applauded and then the sports began.
William Kirby and Frank Farley sparred three warm rounds and were followed by John Corrigan, of Manayunk, and Thomas Devlin, boxing instructor of the Roxborough Athletic Club. Then Joe Butler, the well-known Philadelphia middle-weight, met his old antagonist, Jim Daly, of Buffalo, N. Y., in three interesting rounds, where points were about even. There was an exciting six-minute wrestling match between Emil Beck, of the Bank Clerks’ Association, and William Diggins, of England, in which neither man gained a fall. Professor William H. Coupe, instructor of the A. C. S. N., met Herman Wolte in a six-minute bout with the same result.
“Kentucky Rosebud” Is Held
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Walter Edgerton, the “Kentucky Rosebud,” arrested on Saturday while presiding, it is alleged, at a crap game at 1031 Locust street, was held in $600 bail by Magistrate Kochersperger yesterday in the Eighth and Lombard streets police station. Twenty-two men, who were alleged to have been taking part in the game and were arrested by the police were sentenced to five days each in the county prison.
Negro Pugilist Held
Philadelphia Inquirer —
“Kentucky Rosebud” Rounded Up in Extensive Raid
More than a hundred colored men and women were arraigned yesterday borefore Magistrate Eisenbrown, at the Central Police Station, as a result of the wholesale raid made on Saturday night in the southern section of the city by the “vice squad,” under the direction of Superintendent of Police John B. Taylor. Conspicuous among the prisoners was Walter Edgerton, known in pugilistic circles as the “Kentucky Rosebud,” who was held in $600 bail for court, charged with running a crap joint and speakeasy on Clifton street, below Walnut. The “Kentucky Rosebud” had fallen into the police net before on a similar charge, but bobbed up smiling as policemen belonging to the “vice squad” testified against him.
It was in two alleged gambling joints and speakeasies on South street, near Twelfth, that the police got most of their prisoners. In the cellar of one of these places thirty negroes were caught, policemen testified, “shooting crap.” The following were each held in $800 bail for court, charged with running a gambling joint and speakeasy at these places: David Warfield, William Jones, Walter Major and Arthur Jones, all negroes. Others who were held for court on a similar charge were George Green, Alder street below Walnut; Irene Ebbins, Locust street, near Tenth; Rose Purnell, Kenilworth street, near Twelfth; Rose Gardner, South street, near Sixteenth; Harry Marshall, Kater street, near Twelfth; George Elliott, Kater street, near Thirteenth; Sarah J. Hill, Armstrong court. The following were held for a further hearing at 2 o’clock this afternoon: Kate Nicoletta, Carpenter street, near Seventh; Mrs. Gallagher, Thirteenth street, below Wharton; Carmello Espeto, Montrose street, near Fifth; Antonio Esperito, Sixth street, below Christian. The bail in each case was fixed at $600. The others caught in these places were each fined $5 and costs. At an alleged disorderly house on Bainbridge street, near Twelfth, where the alleged principal escaped, four inmates were also fined $5 and costs each.
Walter Edgerton Fifty-Fourth Birthday
Camden Evening Courier —
—Walter Edgerton, the old-time colored light-weight, the man who first scored a knock-out on George Dixon, will celebrate his fifty-fourth birthday to-day. “Kentucky Rosebud,” as Edgerton was known in his boxing days, says he feels just as spry as he ever did in his life, and he says that if he could get a match within the next 15 days he would be willing to box any man his weight in the city.
Answers Suit for Baby
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Director Neff Gives Reasons for Taking Child
Assistant City Solicitor William T. Connor filed the answer yesterday of Joseph S. Neff, Director of Public Health and Charities, to the writ of habeas corpus taken out by Walter Edgerton, alias the “Kentucky Rosebud,” the colored prizefighter, to recover possession of Nettie August, the eight-months-old white baby, which he claims to have adopted, and which was taken from him by order of Assistant Superintendent of Police O’Leary, and is now in the keeping of the Department of Health and Charities.
Edgerton declares that he legally adopted the child by having the mother sign away all her rights to it before a magistrate, and it is upon this claim that he bases his writ of habeas corpus.
The answer to the writ filed by Solicitor Connor admits that the child is being maintained by the Department of Public Health and Charities “in order that its moral and physical welfare may be conserved and protected.”
Woman Reveals Haunts of Vice
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mother of Child Adopted by Kentucky Rosebud to Aid in Crusade
Sherman Woman Fails to Regain Children When Girl Testifies Against Character of House
Immigrant officials have joined the police in the crusade against disorderly resorts in the Eighth ward, particularly on Warnock street, an investigation concerning which began two weeks ago, when proceedings were instituted to recover possession of a white child that had been found in the possession of “The Kentucky Rosebud,” a negro prize-fighter, who is the reputed proprietor of one of the resorts.
The child was that of Mrs. Mollie August, who is under arrest, and whose husband, Abraham August, was taken into custody yesterday at Atlantic City by Detective Reese, of the Department of Health and Charities. He will be brought here for trial on a charge of desertion, a warrant having been sworn out against him by his wife.
Mrs. August, who is being detained by the immigration officials, is accredited with having made startling statements regarding conditions in connection with the disorderly resorts, and may be a witness against persons who probably will be arrested before the crusade ends. According to Detective Reese, the woman declares she was placed in one of the resorts within a few days after her arrival in the country last September.
Say She Sold Child
It developed that the woman and her husband were married the day after she arrived. She was ill when she came here and the immigration officials refused to permit her to land. The marriage followed, and the action against her was withdrawn. According to the authorities she now asserts that her husband married her merely for the purpose of aiding her to evade the immigration officials, and that he subsequently deserted her.
When the woman’s child was born she was without money, and needed funds, it is asserted. She sold the child to the negro prize-fighter. A charitable society afterward instituted proceedings against the negro and the child was taken from him, but it was not restored to the mother. In a statement which she is reputed to have made the woman tells how she was compelled to live in houses frequented almost exclusively by negroes. It is understood that she will be deported after she testifies in cases that may develop from the investigation.
Lieutenant Steck, of the Fifteenth and Locust streets station, whose district embraces the Eighth ward, received instructions yesterday to continue the crusade against the disorderly resorts, and all of the establishments will be either raided or closed. Superintendent Taylor, who is directing the investigation by the police, said that he would expect the lieutenant to enforce the orders that were issued, and that unless proper action was taken the lieutenant would be held responsible.
To Try Policemen
The Superintendent also announced that Charles H. Wilson, a negro patrolman of the Fifteenth and Locust streets station, who is alleged to have accepted money from Mrs. Dora Sherman, 814 Locust street, whose house was raided on August 6, and where Mrs. August was living at the time, will be tried before the Police Court of Inquiry on Monday.
Policemen Edward Daly and William Irwin, of the Tenth and Buttonwood streets station, accused of collecting “hush” money from the proprietress of a house in the Tenderloin, and who, like Policeman Wilson, are under suspension, also will be arraigned the same day.
In an effort to gain possession of her two little children, a boy and a girl, who were taken from her by the police, Mrs. Sherman appeared before Judge Staake in the Juvenile Court yesterday, but her application was denied. Mrs. Sherman contended that her home was respectable, but Jane Schwartz, a young woman, who was the principal witness, gave testimony to the contrary. She said that she had lived at the house, and that Mrs. Sherman was a financial gainer thereby.
Girl Justifies Raid
She declared that Mrs. Sherman wrote her to come to this city from Jamaica, Long Island, and that while she took care of the woman’s children and also acted as cashier in a restaurant conducted by Mrs. Sherman, she also paid $15 a week for the use of a room for immoral purposes. Sergeant Fenn, of the Fifteenth district, testified that he raided Mrs. Sherman’s house because he did not consider it a proper place for her two children, and that Mrs. Sherman and her husband were held in $600 bail for trial. Jane Schwartz, who was also arrested at the time, was fined $11.50.
While there was doubt in the mind of Judge Staake as to whether Mrs. Sherman could be held for harboring minors in a house alleged to be disorderly, when the children were her own, the court apparently agreed with officers of the Pennsylvania Society to Protect Children From Cruelty, that the house, or the neighborhood at least, was not proper for the children, whom he gave into the custody of relatives of the woman. Mrs. Sherman, however, was informed that the children would be returned to her if she moved to a more respectable neighborhood. She promised to do so and mentioned the address of a house that she had rented.
All Children Removed
The police declare that there are now no children in any of the other disorderly resorts, but Mrs. Erskine, secretary of the Pennsylvania Society, is of a different opinion.
“Chinatown does not hold a candlestick to that section of which Warnock street is the centre,” she said.
Lieutenant Steck stated that he issued orders two weeks ago that children should be taken from all houses of disreputable character and that he was certain this had been done. He declared that he did everything possible to suppress vice, and while unnecessary arrests and raids had not been made, the evil resorts had been restricted to the smallest possible boundary. He also said that there were fewer resorts in his district than there were two years ago.
In speaking of vice in the Eighth ward, Mrs. Erksine [sic], of the Pennsylvania Society, further said:
“For moral depravity of the lowest type with whites and negroes mixed, that section below Walnut street is the worst that the mind can imagine. It is simply horrible that children should be allowed to pass through those streets, and it is more terrible that we should permit them to live there.
“At the present moment our agents are making a careful, almost house-to-house canvas, and if a child is left there it will not be our fault, and we are prepared to care for each child rescued and give it a good home. It is extremely difficult for us to work, however, as we have to get the most positive evidence, as was seen today in the Sherman case; but with such a fair man on the juvenile bench as Judge Staake our efforts are greatly enlightened.”
Friends of Dr. Abraham M. Wolfe, of 527 Pine street, who was committed to the House of Correction for three months after testifying against an inmate of one of the disorderly resorts, are endeavoring to have him released, but in doing so they will encounter an obstacle in the form of a detainer that has been lodged against Wolfe by the authorities, who expressed the belief that the physician was more to blame than the young woman whose arrest he caused.
The crusade against disorderly resorts
extended to the Tenderloin, where seventeen girls of various ages who were arrested on Thursday as they were loitering on the street, were arraigned before Magistrate Haggerty yesterday and fined $10 and costs, the money being supplied in each instance by men, who afterward escorted the young women from the court room.
Acting Lieutenant Hamilton, of the Eleventh and Winter streets station, under whose direction the arrests were made, says he is determined to accomplish what he has set out to do, and that despite the fact that through the aid of their male friends they were able to obtain releases yesterday, he will eventually keep them off of the streets.
Testimony was given at the hearing that when Policeman Cullom tried to arrest Ida Dannebaum yesterday morning at Eighth and Arch streets, Benjamin Goldstein, of Ninth and Arch streets, interfered. He was held under $500 bail for interfering with an officer.
In consequence of complaints from neighbors, the police raided the house of Michael Harding, 2715 Flora street, where they found four children, the father of whom was released on promising to move to another neighborhood. His children were restored to him on this condition.
Refused to Work If Wife Got Cent
Camden Daily Courier —
Walter Edgerton Landed in Moyamensing to Await Requisition
DESERTED WIFE AND FOUR CHILDREN
“Shut down the place; I don’t make another dollar if I have to give my wife another cent,” asserted Walter Edgerton, 60 years old, yesterday afternoon when taken itno custody by Detective Carroll on a warrant charging him with wife desertion. Edgerton was locked up in the Moyamensing Prison to await requisition papers for his removal to this city.
Several months ago the man lived with his wife and four children at 842 North Second street, this city. Then he cleared out, taking up his residence in a Philadelphia hotel. Since that time Mrs. Edgerton alleges she has not received one cent of support from him. As a result she told Prosecutor Scovel of her marital neglect and the warrant was issued by Justice Garrison.
After a search, Detective Carroll found Edgerton yesterday in his place of business at 21[illegible] Vine street. Edgerton operates a pearl button manufacturing plant. When the sleuth walked in on him and made his errand known, Edgerton was exceedingly wroth. Calling a son to his [illegible] he gave the directions [illegible] above stated. And the plant was at once shut down. Then Edgerton went to jail.
‘Kentucky Rosebud’ Pleads His Guilt
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Negro Pugilist Admits in Court Keeping House Disorderly on Clifton Street
Before Judge Martin, in Quarter Session Court No. 2, yesterday Walter Edgerton, a negro, known as the “Kentucky Rosebud,” pleaded guilty to the charge of keeping a disorderly house at 258 South Clifton street. The indictment was found true on February 14, 1907, on evidence produced before the grand jury by the Law and Order Society, which caused the arrest of the boxer. Edgerton’s place subsequently gained notoriety through his adoption of a white baby, which was taken from him by the police authorities on proceedings brought by Director Neff, of the Board of Health.
Edgerton brought habeas corpus proceedings to recover the child. This attracted widespread attention and resulted in complaints being laid before the police authorities regarding the character of other houses in the immediate neighborhood, in a number of which small children were being raised. The police started a crusade against these houses and had half a dozen or more children removed from their surroundings. The neighborhood was dubbed “Hell’s Half Acre” as the result of the disclosures.
Court Dismisses Gambling Charge
Camden Post-Telegram —
Eli Johnson and Those Caught in Raid Are Freed by Recorder.
THIRTY-ONE TAKEN IN TWO DESCENTS
It was late yesterday afternoon when the hearings in the raids in two alleged disorderly houses in South Camden, made early on Sunday morning by Captain Stanley, Sergeant Nowrey and details of police, were concluded in Police Court.
In the case of Eli Johnson, colored, charged with conducting a gambling house at 307 Spruce street, Recorder Stackhouse found him not guilty and discharged the defendant and the persons captured in the raid. Lawyer William P. Walsh represented Johnson.
Daniel Bussey, a negro, was charged with being the principal at 829 Locust street, but the testimony showed that he was but one of a colored social and beneficial club which held forth at that place.
Recorder Stackhouse therefore fined Bussey and the fourteen others caught in the raid $3 each. All paid.
An amusing attempt of a negro to escape lent a touch of merriment to the descent on the Locust street house. Hearing the pattering of shoe leather on the cellar steps, Detective Painter got a lamp and descended into the dungeon-like darkness and in a far corner of the cellar, loking [sic] as if he were trying to squeeze himself through a crack in the angle of the wall, was found hiding a terrified young negro.
“Come out of that mister corner man,” said Painter shading the lamp with his hand. “What’s you doing in there”
“I didn’t run out the back way,” explained the prisoner, “because I was scared of de dawg.”
One of the negroes caught in the raid at 829 Locust street is Walter Edgerton, now aged 52 years, a former famous prize fighter known as the “Kentucky Rosebud,” who has been living in South Camden for some time. A couple of years ago Edgerton figured in a sensational case in the Philadelphia courts in his desperate but futile efforts to retain possession of a white baby whom he had adopted and on whom he lavished the finest clothing and luxuries which money could buy.
No liquor was found at either of the places raided. In fact it was not alleged that they were speak-easies but gambling houses. No gaming paraphernalia was found at 307 Spruce street.
At 829 Locust street, the police copped a crap table and four big bloodhued bones. Captain Stanley resurrected the cubes from the depths of a coal basket in the second-story front room where they had been shoved and shuffled up when the police were heard approaching.
‘Kentucky Rosebud’ Accused by Police
Camden Post-Telegram —
Accused of keepoing [sic] a disorderly house, Walter Edgerton, at one time a famous lightweight colored pugilist, known as the “Kentucky Rosebud,” was held in $[?]00 bail by Justice McClong this morning. The defendant, now in his fifties, lives at 811 Locust street, where he was arrested by Police Captain Stanley yesterday. No intoxicants were found, but it is charged that the “Rosebud” maintained a house of assignation. He waived a hearing.
Negro Pugilist Placed on Trial
Camden Daily Courier —
Kentucky Rosebud Appears in Camden Court in Now Familiar Role
HAS DONE TIME BEFORE
Walter Edgerton, a negro known in pugilistic and sporting circles as “Kentucky Rosebud” was tried to-day for running a disorderly-house [illegible] Locust street, this city. Downtown policemen and persons living in the neighborhood told of the goings on in the Edgerton home but the ex-prize fighter denied all wrongdoing. He was convicted and sentede [sic] from one to three years in State Prison.
Edgerton has been in jail for some months past and this was given as a reason for his not having witnesses to prove his defense. A white woman living at the Edgerton home disappeared during the negro’s imprisonment.
Years ago Edgerton is claimed to have knocked out George Dixon at an exhibition bout held in the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. This feat marked the zenith of his career in the ring. Later on he was convicted of keeping a disorderly house in Philadelphia and charges of a similar nature were brought against him in Atlantic City. He has made his home in Camden for the past year and a half.
‘Kentucky Rosebud’ Goes to Trenton
Camden Post-Telegram —
Convicted This Morning and Immediately Sentenced to from 1 to 3 Years.
STATE PRESENTS VERY STRONG CASE
Walter Edgerton, colored, alias “Kentucky Rose Bud,” was convicted this morning in the Criminal Court on a charge of keeping a disorderly house at 811 Locust street. He was immediately sentenced to from one to 3 years in State Prison by Judge Boyle. Several witnesses testified to having met white women in the house and of seeing unlawful practices going on in the establishment.
The defendant denied all knowledge of anything unlawful going on in the house and declared that he had never seen anything such as the witnesses testified. He admitted that he was the tenant occupying the property, and also admitted that he was convicted of keeping a disorderly house in Philadelphia and having served a term of one year in prison.
He denied that he kept a gambling establishment at Atlantic City.
Edgerton said that he had been in jail since May and declared that since his incarceration he was unable to get in touch with the witnesses whom he desired to summon.
Marriage Licenses
Camden Post-Telegram —
The following applications for marriage licenses have been made at the office of City Clerk Brown since yesterday:
Philip Faccenda, aged 22 years, of Philadelphia, and Mary A. Cericola, aged 20 years, of 634 Ferry avenue.
Guy P. MacKenzie, aged 25 years, of Matmosotte, Ohio, and Nellie C. Jubb, aged 23 years, of 208 Walnut street.
Walter Edgerton, aged 63 years, of 318 Joint Alley, and Minnie M. Smith, aged 3[?] years, of same address.
Kentucky Rosebud in Carnival Windup
Camden Daily Courier —
The Kentucky Rosebud is slated to meet an unknown in the windup at the outdoor carnival, Haddon avenue and Mickle street, tihs [sic] evening. “Black Bill” and Jim Blair are also scheduled to box a return engagement. These two put on a fast bout last night.
Old Kentucky Rosebud
Camden Daily Courier —
A crowd of South Camden sports, among them Police Stable Sergeant “Jim” Lewis, took in the Jimmy Ryan benefit at the National Athletic Club in Philadelphia, to see the old timers slug as they did 30 and 40 years ago. Among the come-backs was the “Kentucky Rosebud,” now of South Camden, a colored boxer of fame some time back. The “Rosebud,” who is now 67 years old, proved some game blackbird, said Sergeant Lewis, in his bout with John Henry Johnson, although he was pretty well winded when Mistah Jawnson got through jabbing him.
Sportography
Camden Post-Telegram —
By “GRAVY.“
RING HISTORY, OR SOME FAMOUS BATTLES OF THE SQUARED CIRCLE.
Mr. Old-Time Sport remarks:
“Perhaps the oldest man who ever put on the gloves in the professional ring was Walter Edgerton, the Philadelphia negro boxer, better known as ’Kentucky Rosebud.’ He was born in Raleigh, N. C., 67 years ago, November 18, 1854, and put up a creditable exhibition of the fistic art when he was past sixty. Edgerton’s most famous bouts were those with George Dixon, in the early ’90s, when the little ’Chocolate Drop’ was at his best and was the undisputed featherweight champion of the world. ’Rosebud’ held Dixon to a draw in two bouts in 1892, but lost to Dixon in four rounds the following year. He fought Dixon again in 1897, going 6 rounds, and also mingled with a lot of other featherweights of that period. Edgerton always took good care of himself, with the result that he has attained a ripe old age, while Dixon long ago succumbed to hard knocks and fast living.“
Vendor Is Shot; Assailant Flees
Camden Daily Courier —
Man, Who Shot Another Three Years Ago, Sought For Second Crime by Police
MOTIVE IS A MYSTERY
The police are today combing nearby cities for Noah Walker, 30 years old, of 638 Locust street, who is charged with shooting Emmanuel Murray, 61 years old, of 131 Locust street, in a pool room at Second and Mount Vernon streets, last night.
The police say Walker shot Moses Wayman, of Second and Pine streets, in 1918. He escaped serving from one to three years in state prison when Judge Kates gave him the option of serving in the army. He was two years in the service. He was captured that time on the top of a three-story house by Detective George Murray at the point of a revolver.
Motive a Mystery.
The victim of last night’s shooting was unable to give the cause when questioned by Captain of Detectives Schregler at Cooper Hospital.
He said he was selling crabs in front of the poolroom of Arthur Miller at Second and Mount Vernon streets.
“I went inside of the poolroom to get some change,“ said Murray. ”Walker followed me in. He did not say a word to me, but pulled out a revolver and fired six times at me.“
There were six men in the room playing cards. All barricaded themselves behind tables and chairs when Walker began shooting. A bullet pierced Murray’s neck and the other shots went wild.
Walker fled immediately after the shooting.
Four witnesses were taken into custody following the shooting. They were taken to City Hall and later released in their own recognizance to appear when wanted.
They were Walter Edgerton, 67 years old, 1021 Francis street; Arthur Miller, 27 years old, 125 Chestnut street; Herbert Johnson, 27 years old, 209 Douglas avenue, Haddonfield, and Cornelius Johnson, 39 years old, 1017 Francis street. Detective Charles Whaland took statements from the witnesses.
“Kentucky Rose Bud’s” Wife Called by Death
Camden Daily Courier —
Frank Edgerton, well-known in pugilistic circles as the “Kentucky Rosebud,” is going through the worst battle of his career, according to his own statement.
The “Rosebud” is mourning the death of his wife, Mrs. Minnie Edgerton, who died Wednesday at their home, 1021 Francis street. There are two sons, and one, believed to be in New York, cannot be located. This has added to the former pugilist’s troubles. Mrs. Edgerton will be buried in Mt. Peace Cemetery on Sunday, at 2 o’clock. The services will be held at her husband’s home.
Famous Fighter Held as Gambler
Camden Daily Courier —
Crap Game Raided in Pool Room of ’Kentucky Rosebud’, Ring Veteran
Walter Edgerton, once famous as the “Kentucky Rosebud,“ the dusky pugilist who defied time and fought in the ring at the age of 64, is under $500 bail on a charge of maintaining a disorderly house.
When Detectives Warner, Branch and Guthries descended upon the “Kentucky Rosebud’s“ poolroom at 143 Mt. Vernon street Saturday night, they found a ”crap“ game in progress.
Fight fans of several decades ago recall many incidents in the “Rosebud’s“ career. The news of his arrest set more than one group of old-times to reminiscing. Particularly was recalled his last fight, seven years ago when, at the age of 64, he fought a creditable battle in a Philadelphia ring.
Twelve men, all colored, found grouped around the rollicking ivory cubes, were also arrested and held under $10 security each. They are Joseph Hall, 28 years, 1053 South Second street; William Kelly, 26 years, 951 South Ninth street; George Miller, 24 years, 1053 South Second street; James Hall, 24 years, 1053 South Second street; Allen Smith, 36 years, 274 Division street; Leroy Yenimans, 24 years, 1072 South Second street; George Williams, 21 years, 152 Sycamore street; Thomas Stone, 34 years, 208 Walnut street; James Williams, 24 years, 252 Walnut street; Toney Miller, 22 years, 207 Walnut street; Charles Blackwell, 3[?] years, 1027 Francis street, and Leonard Carter, 45 years, 1016 Ivins street.
They will have a hearing Wednesday.
Vice Squad Raids Nine Disorderly Houses
Camden Courier-Post —
Starting at midnight Saturday the vice squad and other police raided nine alleged colored disorderly houses in South Camden.
The biggest raid was made at the home of Walter Edgerton, colored, 1088 Ivins street. Edgerton, a former prize fighter known many years ago as the “Kentucky Rosebud,” was held in $500 bail as the proprietor of the place. Twelve men, all said to have been rolling dice, were arrested. Several of the players had scrambled for doors and windows, but nobody escaped.
Others whose places were raided and who were held in $500 bail each as principals are Ruth Smith, 714 Locust street; Unity Hall, 318 Joint alley; Addie Johnson, 213 Pine street; Mamie Booker, 703 Baxter street; Miriam Robinson, 312 Division street; John and Mary Walker, 1133 South Second street; June Loftus, 822 Locust street, and Ethel Davis, 821 Locust street. All are colored.
Kentucky Rosebud Dead
Camden Courier-Post —
The “Kentucky Rosebud” is dead.
Known from coast to coast as one of the foremost characters in the history of the ring, the one-time lightweight contender was buried yesterday at the Mt. Ephraim cemetery. He formerly lived at 124 Mt. Vernon street but passed away in Philadelphia Saturday. His true name was Walter Edgerton. He was 76 years old.
The “Rosebud” fought many of the leading contenders for the world’s lightweight championship. Perhaps his most famous triumph was at the expense of George Dixon, another famed dusky ringster, at the Lyceum, Eleventh and Spring Garden streets, Philadelphia.