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~ ATHLETICS - Pedestrianism ~
Pedestrianism.
George Kirby, Pedestrian.
A full account of George Kirby is covered on a separate page.
See here about George Kirby
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.
Pedestrianism as it was called (speed walking), was 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 similar track events.
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 contempory 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, he and his wife Fanny were still living in New Street - a few doors away from his Father's house.
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this aye fur noggin yeds