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~ ATHLETICS - Pedestrianism ~
Pedestrianism.
Pedestrianism, both speed walking and running events were very popular in the 19th Century, and reason to wager on the outcome as it was with boxing but far less brutal. The term appears to be broadly applied to track events.
George Kirby, Pedestrian.
A full account of George Kirby is covered on a separate page.
See here about George Kirby
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On Monday evening last two of the most prominent pedestrians in the Black Country met at the Lea Brook Grounds, Wednesbury, to run a match over 50 yards for £10 a-side The contestants were Tom Moss, of Gornal, near Dudley, and Ben Burns, of Darlaston. No two pedestrians are better known throughout the Midlands than Moss and Burns. For a considerable period both figured conspicuously in Sheffield handicaps, but so far neither have won outright. Burns, who is a well-built and unassuming young fellow, some time ago migrated to Merthyr, South Wales, where he has competed in several events, and here he also trained for Sheffield honours. At the close of the flat-racing season Burns paid a flying visit to his native town, and meeting the Gornal champion on December 17th last, after some discussion articles were signed for the present match. It was late are the men emerged from the dressing-room. amongst those present were Messrs Robert and Thomas Davis, of the Victoria Hotel, Pontypridd, South Wales (brothers of the renowned boxer, Jack Davis, of Pontypridd), and several other sportsmen from Wales, who made a special journey to witness the race. Moss was established a hot favourite at 12 to 8 on. Both men being in readiness, the pistol exploded, and the men left their marks simultaneously. Moss however, who had always been acknowledged as a champion in getting off, was the quickest in his stride, and soon held a slight advantage, and, coming away, finally won, amidst great excitement, by a yard.
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Tom Moss, Pedestrian.
Moss was a well know Black Country Pedestrian, he appears to have competed in the 1885 to 1896 period both locally and at Sheffield which was the centre of such track events at that time.
Opposite is an contemporary and typical account of one such event in January 1895, when he took on Ben Burns at the Lea Brook Grounds, Wednesbury.
Thomas J.T. Moss was the son of Samuel and Ann Moss of No.1 New Street, Gornal Wood, he gave his occupation as 'Pedestrian' in the 1891 Census, he was then 27 years of age
Thomas married Fanny Perry in 1900, apparently both had children from previous marriages, he had retired from professional running and was employed as a Commission Agent.
At this time, Tom and his wife Fanny were still living in New Street - a few doors away from his Father's house.
PEDESTRIANISM
MOSS DEFEATS HAWKINS AT
WOLVERHAMPTON
At the Victoria Grounds, Wolverhampton on Monday, an interesting foot race was decided before a capital audience, The match was between Tom Moss Jnr., of Lower Gornal, Dudley, and Buller Hawkins, of Wall Heath, who has signed "Sporting Life" articles to run 100yds. Moss to receive 2yds start inside, for £10, which was lodged with the Editor of the "Sporting Life" who appointed starter and referee.
Both lads had received a good course of training, Moss being looked after by his father, and Hawkins by J.Powell. Betting was of a fluctuating character, odds of 6 to 4 finally being laid on Moss. After an even start, Hawkins reduced the lead at 50yds, but Moss again forged ahead, and won easily by 2yds. The stakes were paid over immediately after the match. Mr J Russell was starter and Mr A E Pike referee.
Tom Moss jnr., one of Tom Moss' sons also took up running with some success as this report from 1914 opposite illustrates.
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this aye fur noggin yeds