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.
Philadelphia Inquirer — March 23, 1894
Kentucky Rosebud Knocks Out Dixon
KENTUCKY ROSEBUD KNOCKS OUT DIXON
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 Rumors about the Fall of the Champion—Other Events of an Interesting Program.
By a single blow from the gloved fist of Walter Edgerton, known as 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 thirty minutes in recovering sufficiently to interfere prevented a probably sensational termination of an ordinarily friendly bout.
It occurred in the second round of their bout-to-be. As Edgerton, who looked forward to by the assemblage as the event of the evening, it was known that the “Rosebud,” who has achieved a high repute locally, would come, the climax came “utterly paralyzed them.”
There was a cordial greeting for the champions. The appearances were cordial and an equally warm one for the “Rosebud.” Jimmy McHale looked after the Philadelphia man. Professor Jack Rosen were standing about in Dixon's corner, and the first round was a good-natured bit of sparring, a nice, clean bout, in favor of Dixon.
THE KNOCK-OUT BLOW.
When the end came it came with startling suddenness. In a fast rally and Dixon fell down like a log, his face wearing a dazed look. His body had hardly touched the floor when he was covered on the floor and large rose sprang forward simultaneously. Dixon was seized under the arms and he was literally helped from the ring to his dressing room, a few feet distant. The “Rosebud” merely looked at the fallen Dixon and stepped back in his corner. The situation prevailed. The big fellow in a dazed look was seized by the sensational conclusion of the crowd, there was a combination of cries and exclamations.
On the raised platform a little anxious-looking group about Dixon were busily engaged in efforts to bring him to, and around, while the audience breathlessly waited results…
JOE BUTLER GUARDS DIXON.
Just before the final round Jimmy McHale wanted time called a minute or two before the final round was up. Tom O’Rourke had a war of words. After them later John P. Dixon Dumaresq Devar “Rosebud” attempted to hustle the champion Dixon and Joe Butler, who had been the champion of the champion and guarded Dixon, interfered.
Tom O’Rourke and several of Dixon's friends attempted to explain the situation to Edgerton’s friends but it was discovered that the “Rosebud” had struck Dixon in the last…
Philadelphia Inquirer — January 25, 1904
Kentucky Rosebud Is Held
Walter Edgerton, known in the ring as “Kentucky Rosebud,” was arrested yesterday by Detectice Gaul and a policeman in a raid on an alleged crap game at 1025 Locust street. Edgerton, who is between 50 and 60 years old, was held in $600 bail for a hearing before Recorder Weaver.
Edgerton was a famous featherweight in his day and is credited with having knocked out George Dixon, the former featherweight champion, many years ago.
Philadelphia Inquirer — December 24, 1906
Negro Pugilist Held
Walter Edgerton, a colored man known in sporting circles as “Kentucky Rosebud,” and famous as a prize fighter some years ago, was rounded up in the extensive vice raids by the police yesterday. He was charged with keeping a disorderly house and held in $300 bail for a hearing before Magistrate Doran.
Camden Evening Courier — November 18, 1908
Walter “Kentucky Rosebud” Edgerton celebrated his 54th birthday on Wednesday.
Philadelphia Inquirer — August 6, 1910
Answers Suit for Baby
Walter Edgerton, a colored pugilist, known as “Kentucky Rosebud,” appeared in Quarter Sessions Court yesterday to answer a habeas corpus writ brought by Emma Ross to recover a white baby which Edgerton had adopted. Edgerton brought the baby into court, and after a hearing Judge Martin remanded him until next Thursday for further hearing.
Edgerton has had the child since it was three weeks old, having received it from its mother, who was unable to care for it.
Philadelphia Inquirer — August 10, 1910
Woman Reveals Haunts of Vice
Mrs. Mollie August, arrested by Detective Reese in a recent raid on a disorderly house run by Walter Edgerton, the ex-prize fighter known as “Kentucky Rosebud,” at 245 Warnock street, turned State’s evidence and assisted police in their investigation of the vice district in the vicinity of Eighth and Locust streets, Philadelphia.
Among the details which came out in the hearing before Magistrate Haggerty was that the white child adopted by Edgerton had been brought to the house by its mother, who had been unable to care for it, and that Edgerton had lavished fine clothing and luxuries on the child.
Several of the houses raided had connections, and men arrested in one house had a habit of visiting the others. Edgerton was held in $500 bail for court.
Camden Daily Courier — October 27, 1910
Refused to Work If Wife Got Cent
Walter Edgerton, known in prize-fighting circles as “Kentucky Rosebud,” was arrested on a charge of wife desertion by a Camden County detective at his home on Warnock street, Philadelphia, yesterday. He was locked up at Moyamensing Prison to await a hearing.
“Shut down the place; I don’t make another dollar if I have to give my wife another cent,” Edgerton allegedly declared when told he would have to contribute to his wife’s support.
Philadelphia Inquirer — April 20, 1911
‘Kentucky Rosebud’ Pleads His Guilt
Walter Edgerton, known as the “Kentucky Rosebud,” yesterday pleaded guilty before Judge Martin to keeping a disorderly house at 258 South Clifton street, Philadelphia. Sentence was deferred.
Camden Post-Telegram — April 9, 1912
Court Dismisses Gambling Charge
COURT DISMISSES GAMBLING CHARGE
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 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.
Camden Post-Telegram — June 9, 1913
Kentucky Rosebud' Accused by Police
'Kentucky Rosebud' Accused by Police
Accused of keeping a disorderly house, Walter Edgerton, at one time a famous lightweight colored pugilist, known as the "Kentucky Rosebud," was held in $300 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.
Camden Daily Courier — October 16, 1913
Negro Pugilist Placed on Trial
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 at 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 sentenced 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.
Camden Post Telegram — October 16, 1913
Camden Post Telegram, October 16, 1913 — featuring Walter “Kentucky Rosebud” Edgerton, Locust Street, and William T. Boyle
Camden Post Telegram — November 20, 1917
Camden Post Telegram, November 20, 1917 — featuring William D. Brown, Walter Edgerton and Minnie M. Smith marriage; also Ferry Avenue, Walnut Street, Joint Alley
Camden Daily Courier — September 25, 1920
Kentucky Rosebud in Carnival Windup
KENTUCKY ROSEBUD IN CARNIVAL WINDUP
The Kentucky Rosebud is slated to meet an unknown in the windup at the outdoor carnival, Haddon avenue and Mickle street, this evening. "Black Bill" and Jim Blair are also scheduled to box a return engagement. These two put on a fast bout last night.
Camden Daily Courier — April 1921
Old Kentucky Rosebud
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.
Camden Post Telegram — May 18, 1921
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 15, 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.“
Camden Daily Courier — November 23, 1921
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, 51 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.
Camden Daily Courier — October 6, 1922
Kentucky Rose Bud's" Wife Called by Death
"KENTUCKY ROSE BUD'S" WIFE CALLED BY DEATH
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 his husband's home.
Camden Daily Courier — December 29, 1924
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, 32 years, 1027 Francis street, and Leonard Carter, 45 years, 1016 Ivins street.
They will have a hearing Wednesday.
Camden Daily Courier — February 7, 1927
Vice Squad Raids Nine Disorderly Houses
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.
Camden Daily Courier — May 8, 1930
Kentucky Rosebud Dead
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.