San Antonio Daily Light
4 June 1900
A DEGENERATE
YOUNG GRIFFO GONE BEYOND
HOPE OF REDEMPTION.
Dawson Labored All in Vain For Him.
He Threw Away Ten Thousand Dollars
by Taking One Drink of Sherry
Not Long Since. . .
"What do you think of a glass of Sherry that cost $10,000 ?' said George Dawson one day recently, says the N.Y. Telegraph. "Not a cask or a barrel, But just one little glass—an ordinary drink, such as-a man would take over a bar. Well, I know an incident of that kind. Strange as it may seem, there is a young man in Chicago today who not more than a mouth ago paid $10,000 for cue glass of sherry wine. It was young Griffo. Of course, he didn't pass the money over in one bunch when he took the drink, but he might as well have done so, for he is out of pocket fully that much that I know of, and thousands of dollars besides. but it isn't a long story and I'll let my friend Whitbeck tell it." John is the manager of George Williams' restaurant and a
personal friend of Dawson's. When he was asked for the story he said:
"I think Dawson rather underestimates the amount that .Griffo paid for that one glass of sherry, but, then, Dawson is conservative, and likes to he on the safe side, even, when talking about prize fighers. It was like this: When Griffo came to life the second time and demonstrated by his bouts at the Chicago Athletic association that he was still a premier in his class, Dawson, who had his business interests in charge, was deluged with offers of matches for him. Not hard fights, but easy exhibitions with a sparring partner, and guaranteed purses ranging from $300 to $1,000. Every athletic club of note in the country wanted him.
"The peculiar conditions under which Griffo entered the ring made a big advertisement for him, and letters and telegrams poured in from all parts of the country. Right after his appearance with Young Kenny at Tattersall's engagements had been booked for the time up to the end of April which would have netted him $10,000, and there was a chance for a lot of profitable dates between them. Then some fool friend of Griffo's insisted on his taking a glass of sherry, and it
was all off.
"All the sporting fraternity knows how he went to pieces, and how Dawson, in disgust, had to cancel all the $10,000 worth of engagements. No pugilist, aside from a heavyweight champion, ever had such an opportunity to reap such a golden harvest.
These $10,000 engagements were only a beginning. If he had kept sober, Griffo would have virtually coined money for two or three years to come. "But, to my friend, the most interesting part of the Griffo story is that relating to the experience of Dawson in trying to give him a new lease of life. It has been widely stated that Fitzsimmons was the man who induced Dawson to take Griffo out of the asylum at Dunning and give him a trial. This is not true. Fitzsimmons had nothing to do with it. Sometime last fall a veterinary surgeon — a man of high standing in his country came here from Australia on a visit .He is a devotee of the pugilistic art, and knew Dawson, Fitzsimmons and Griffo in the antipodes.
"Naturally he hunted up Dawson and renewed their acquaintance. In talking over old times he inquired for Griffo, and when told that he was hopelessly insane and in an asylum, he asked Dawson lo go with him and see the famous boxer. They went to Dunning and talked with Griffo, both of them coming away with the strong belief that Griffo was not so badly of as the doctors said. Later Dawson made another trip to Dunning, when Griffo, who appeared rational and in sound mind, said:
" For Heaven's sake get me out of here. I'm not crazy, but I will be
if I'm kept here with this mob of lunatics much longer.”
Dawson was impressed with Griffo's statement, and having a warm spot in his heart for the boy, made arrangements to take him out .To secure his release a bond of $3,000 to indemnify the county for any damages the alleged crazy man might do while at liberty was demanded. Dawson and a friend of his, a business man with whom Dawson boards, signed the bond and Griffo was discharged. At that time George Connors was training the Carlisle Indian team at Carlisle, Pa., and Griffo was sent there to get in shape. The managers of the team became dissatisfied because Connors gave so much time to Griffo, and released him out of a $1,200 position. This was the beginning count of a list of troubles. Connors came back to Chicago, bringing Griffo with him. 'It will never do to turn him loose here in Chicago,' said Dawson. 'What the boy wants is the kindly restraint and influence of a home. He's been a waif all his life, and perhaps a home will have a good effect on him.
"So Griffo, the Dunning outcast, was taken into the private circle of the business man's home, and coddled and petted and cared for by the family. Why, that man's wife — a woman of social standing — even took Griffo to the theatre with her. It was distasteful to her, but she thought it might make him understand that he had friends if he would behave himself.
Everything went well for a time. He got two or three profitable engagements through Dawson's influence, and had several hundred dollars to his credit. Not a dollar was taken out of his earnings except for actual expenses. Dawson and his business friend were encouraged, and began to think that they had really reformed the Australian pugilist.
"But suddenly they were rudely undeceived. One day, just after a profitable engagement had been made for Griffo's second, appearance at Tattersalls he turned up missing. The levee was hunted over but no trace of him could be found. Late that night hackman who know where Dawson lived drove up to the house with the information that Griffo was making a ruction in a south side saloon. It was then after midnight, but Dawson and his friend dressed, went to the extreme south side and found the fighter in a wild stale of intoxication.
He objected to going home and they had to make him by force. At the house they had to remove his clothes by main force, and even then he refused to got to bed, declaring he would go down town in his night gown. Finally, in despair Dawson and his friend gave him back his clothes and told him to get out of the house and keep out.
"The next morning Griffo was heard from at the Harrison street station, abjectly contrite. Dawson was appealed to take him out, but said it would be no good. It seems, however, that the clever showing made in the ring by the Australian had pleased a number of the older members of the C. A. 'A. and these men requested as A personal favor that Dawson make one more trial to reform the outcast.George Dawson was never known to stand out very long against any charitable movement so, persuaded against his will, he went to Harrison street and secured Griffo's release. It was then he heard the story of that fatal l glass of sherry.
"'Blime me bloody heyes “ said Griffo “Hime a bloody, bloomin fool. Gawge, and if you'll take me out this time I'll never touch another bloody drop.”
"George took him out and inside of a week he was out on a debauch again. It would take a page to tell all the tricks he played on Dawson and the latter's friend, at whose house he had been sheltered. One day, for instance, he went down early in the morning and drew $23. Two hours later he showed up decidedly drunk and minus his overcoat. An effort was made to induce him to go home and sober up, when he surprised his backers with a request for car fare. He had spent every cent of the $25 in two hours and pawned his overcoat beside.
"I never put in such a time in my Life said Dawson, “and I do not want any more of it.”
"When it was decided that Griffo was beyond redemption, and that it was idle to waste time on him, Dawson had $400 to his credit. What to do with his money was a conundrum. To give it to Griffo was like throwing it in a sewer. At the same time neither Dawson nor his friend wanted lo keep It. They had not taken a cent from him for their work in his behalf, and didn't want any pay. But there was George Connors, who had lost $1,200 position through trying to train the degenerate fighter. 'Whose more entitled to the money than Connors?' queried Dawson. “Nobody on earth," said his friends, and the $400 was turned over to Connors.
"Griffo is a degenerate of the worst type. It is absolutely impossible to keep him in a respectable condition. Given $500 tonight he will be broke tomorrow, and no inducement, not even the guarantee of $10,000 for twenty minutes work with the gloves would make him forego a drinking bout with the lowest of levee characters. I wouldn't go through what George Dawson has for all the money a sober Griffo could earn, and that's a big pile.
"One of the most pathetic incidents in Griffo's career was the receipt of a letter, when he was too drunk to appreciate its worth, from Johnson, of Sydney, New South Wales, the man who taught the fighter how to spar. This letter was written just after the reformation had reached Australia, and no words from a. mother to her son could have been more loving or solicitous. Johnson, in homely, but burning language, besought Griffo to tread the straight and narrow path, told him how all his old time friends were rejoicing over the good news concerning him and admonished
him to remain under the guardianship of George Dawson, who was his 'best and truest friend.' "
Young Griffo
Re: Young Griffo
A strange and pathetic, yet fascinating, individual.
Griffo was convicted and spent time in jail for molesting a small boy.
He had a pecular habit of shaving all his body hair. (Some fans derisively called him the "hairless wonder.")
After his ring career, he survived by begging in the NYC theater district, and lived on a mattress in a widow's basement. (When he died, Tex Rickart magnanimously paid for his funeral - only to discover that Griffo had several thousand dollars squirreled away in a bank account. I guess he saved his handouts. Rickard had to sue Griffo's estate to get back the funeral money.)
Griffo was maybe the only featherweight championship claimant to whip a world heavyweight champion (Jim Corbett) in a barroom fight. (Corbett was pissed because Griffo had challenged Corbett to a three-round exhibition bout in which Griffo bet Corbett couldn't land a punch over that distance. Corbett saw Griffo in a bar, and approached the featherweight to vent his displeasure in the challenge. An argument ensued, and Corbett threw a left to Griffo's head. Griffo ducked and countered with a vicious kick to the jaw that dropped Corbett, and the heavyweight champion was rendered senseless when his head collided with a brass spittoon.)
A true "character" . . .
Griffo was convicted and spent time in jail for molesting a small boy.
He had a pecular habit of shaving all his body hair. (Some fans derisively called him the "hairless wonder.")
After his ring career, he survived by begging in the NYC theater district, and lived on a mattress in a widow's basement. (When he died, Tex Rickart magnanimously paid for his funeral - only to discover that Griffo had several thousand dollars squirreled away in a bank account. I guess he saved his handouts. Rickard had to sue Griffo's estate to get back the funeral money.)
Griffo was maybe the only featherweight championship claimant to whip a world heavyweight champion (Jim Corbett) in a barroom fight. (Corbett was pissed because Griffo had challenged Corbett to a three-round exhibition bout in which Griffo bet Corbett couldn't land a punch over that distance. Corbett saw Griffo in a bar, and approached the featherweight to vent his displeasure in the challenge. An argument ensued, and Corbett threw a left to Griffo's head. Griffo ducked and countered with a vicious kick to the jaw that dropped Corbett, and the heavyweight champion was rendered senseless when his head collided with a brass spittoon.)
A true "character" . . .
-
robert.snell1
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 1141
- Joined: 16 Oct 2003, 07:56
Re: Young Griffo
When “Honest Tom” Heeney that indefatigable scrapper who is always ready to take two to give one climbs into the ri.ng to meet Gene Tunney for the championship of the world, he will revive the memories of thirty an forty years ago when other champions of Australia came from the land of down under in search of championship honors and American gold.
During the decade from 1880 to, 1890 an apparently endless stream of good fighters — and many of them were fully entitled to be called great — poured into America from the country of the kangaroo. It was a subject of wonder how a small a land, in point of population could produce so large a pugilistic output.
Peter Jackson, the only man John L Sullivan ever declined to meet, Robert Fitzsimmons at his weight probably the greatest fighter who ever lived; "Young" Griffo and "Gentleman George" Dawson — all champions of their classes in Australia — headed the list.
On nothing Heeney has shown in his meteoric rush to the front in fistic circles does he measure up to the standard of Fitzsimmons and Jackson, for they were diamonds of the first water, but at least he is the best heavyweight that has come from the land of down under since those giants passed away.
Four-fifths of the fighters who came from Australia in the heyday of boxing in that country were
graduates of Larry Foley's Gymnasium — Foley's "Iron Pot"—an annex of that ex-pugilist's White Horse Saloon in Pitt street, Sydney.
A millionaire backer gave it to Foley when he won the championship of Australia from Abe Hicken one-time lightweight champion of England and middleweight champion of America. Soon the "Iron Pot" became the Mecca of aspiring fighters from all parts of Australia and New Zealand.
The presiding genius and influence at Foley's "Iron Pot," the man to whom a great many of these
Australian fighters owe at least the completion of their fistic education was an American, Jack Thompson the bookmaker, an uncommonly clever boxer and fighter. As a boy of sixteen he had fought for the preservation of the Union. Later after he had won two bare-knuckle fights in America, he sailed for the Antipodes to join his two older brothers. Joe and Barney, who had established themselves as leaders in the Australian betting ring.
It was to Thompson that Jem Mace sent Bob Fitzsimmons after the latter won the amateur championship of New Zealand, beating Mace's protégé, Herbert Slade, the Maori fighter.
It was on Thompson's advice that Peter Jackson made his first tour of America under the management of Sam Fitzpatrick and it was the same Thompson who after two ineffectual attempts finally got "Young" Griffo to make the voyage to San Francisco.
Bob Fitzsimmons was not overburdened with this world's goods when he arrived in Sydney, and it was Jack Thompson who slipped him a ten pound note and gave him his first showing at the "Iron Pot." It was at Foley's too, that Bob Fitzsimmons met his first really good opponent — Jim Hall. For Hall was a good man at that time, a very different Hall from the man Bob beat so easily at New Orleans three years later.
The idea widely prevails that in the fight at Sydney. Fitzsimmons "lay down." And he is reported to have admitted tacitly, by his silence, that he did so. But as a ringside spectator, we are not inclined to believe that Bob "threw" this fight. Rather we are perfectly certain that the New Orleans affair was simply a frame-up, with Fitz, of course, no party to it.
AT THE "IRON POT
At the time of their first battle in Sydney, Hall was physically perfect, a very clever boxer with a powerful, straight left that carried the kick of a mule. He was unbeaten at the time he knocked out Fitz.
Griffo. probably the greatest defensive fighter that ever drew on a glove, made his first appearance at Larry Foley's "Iron Pot" as a graduate of the "Rocks Push." a gang which had its headquarters in the highest and rockiest part of the old City of Sydney, known as Millers point From their rocky fastnesses the "Rocks Push" used to descend on Sunday mornings, for some of them were guilty of working occasionally during the week, and meet the "Haymarket" gang in battle array. The selected representatives of the rival gangs, the bantams, lightweights or heavies, would divest themselves of everything except their pants.
The gangs fought fairly. It was their code of honor to do so — about the only one they had. The stakes were far from large, ranging from “half a quid," or $2.50 a side to somewhat larger amounts if some members of the gang had been lucky in finding work or money.
The stakes were placed in a hat or cap in public view in the charge of a sentry, who was armed with a bottle often a broken one to protect himself and the coveted treasure. Gloves were not used, but the fighters were required to show their hands, palms up, to make sure they were not carrying a piece of lead to add weight to their blow this was the environment in which which Griffo learned the manly art of self defense. He was the undisputed lightweight champion of the “Rocky Push" when he made his first public appearance at Larry Foley's "Iron Pot." I saw that debut.
It was a markedly successful one. Before he had gone to his corner at the end of the first round Jack Thompson pronounced judgment on the newcomer. His verdict was brief and convincing. "He'll do," was the emphatic assertion of that master picker of fighting prospects. Griffo became part and parcel of the "Iron Pot." There he had all he wanted to eat and drink and every opportunity for a scrap. There was nothing more wanting in the world, in Griffo's philosophy. Ambition? He had none, unless it was to beat any one that was put in front of him in the ring.
Strict training was abhorrent to Griffo. Road work was simply scoffed at, and yet he was always
fit and could fight all day. On one occasion we saw him take on four opponents in succession, boxing a quarter of an hour with each — and stopping only long enough to consume four quarts of beer, one for each opponent.
Jack Thompson thought that a view of the world might infuse some ideas into this little fighting animal. So he arranged with Captain Morse to take Griffo to America. Thompson had undertaken a task. It was not until the third attempt that Griffo finally left for these shores. On the first occasion he simply run away and hid until the Alameda had departed. On the liner's next trip Griffo stayed on board until the Alameda had sheered off from the wharf. Then suddenly he hopped off the rail and, without waiting to take off his coat, took a flying dive into the water and swam ashore.
The third time was attended with success, and Griffo reached .San Francisco.
During the decade from 1880 to, 1890 an apparently endless stream of good fighters — and many of them were fully entitled to be called great — poured into America from the country of the kangaroo. It was a subject of wonder how a small a land, in point of population could produce so large a pugilistic output.
Peter Jackson, the only man John L Sullivan ever declined to meet, Robert Fitzsimmons at his weight probably the greatest fighter who ever lived; "Young" Griffo and "Gentleman George" Dawson — all champions of their classes in Australia — headed the list.
On nothing Heeney has shown in his meteoric rush to the front in fistic circles does he measure up to the standard of Fitzsimmons and Jackson, for they were diamonds of the first water, but at least he is the best heavyweight that has come from the land of down under since those giants passed away.
Four-fifths of the fighters who came from Australia in the heyday of boxing in that country were
graduates of Larry Foley's Gymnasium — Foley's "Iron Pot"—an annex of that ex-pugilist's White Horse Saloon in Pitt street, Sydney.
A millionaire backer gave it to Foley when he won the championship of Australia from Abe Hicken one-time lightweight champion of England and middleweight champion of America. Soon the "Iron Pot" became the Mecca of aspiring fighters from all parts of Australia and New Zealand.
The presiding genius and influence at Foley's "Iron Pot," the man to whom a great many of these
Australian fighters owe at least the completion of their fistic education was an American, Jack Thompson the bookmaker, an uncommonly clever boxer and fighter. As a boy of sixteen he had fought for the preservation of the Union. Later after he had won two bare-knuckle fights in America, he sailed for the Antipodes to join his two older brothers. Joe and Barney, who had established themselves as leaders in the Australian betting ring.
It was to Thompson that Jem Mace sent Bob Fitzsimmons after the latter won the amateur championship of New Zealand, beating Mace's protégé, Herbert Slade, the Maori fighter.
It was on Thompson's advice that Peter Jackson made his first tour of America under the management of Sam Fitzpatrick and it was the same Thompson who after two ineffectual attempts finally got "Young" Griffo to make the voyage to San Francisco.
Bob Fitzsimmons was not overburdened with this world's goods when he arrived in Sydney, and it was Jack Thompson who slipped him a ten pound note and gave him his first showing at the "Iron Pot." It was at Foley's too, that Bob Fitzsimmons met his first really good opponent — Jim Hall. For Hall was a good man at that time, a very different Hall from the man Bob beat so easily at New Orleans three years later.
The idea widely prevails that in the fight at Sydney. Fitzsimmons "lay down." And he is reported to have admitted tacitly, by his silence, that he did so. But as a ringside spectator, we are not inclined to believe that Bob "threw" this fight. Rather we are perfectly certain that the New Orleans affair was simply a frame-up, with Fitz, of course, no party to it.
AT THE "IRON POT
At the time of their first battle in Sydney, Hall was physically perfect, a very clever boxer with a powerful, straight left that carried the kick of a mule. He was unbeaten at the time he knocked out Fitz.
Griffo. probably the greatest defensive fighter that ever drew on a glove, made his first appearance at Larry Foley's "Iron Pot" as a graduate of the "Rocks Push." a gang which had its headquarters in the highest and rockiest part of the old City of Sydney, known as Millers point From their rocky fastnesses the "Rocks Push" used to descend on Sunday mornings, for some of them were guilty of working occasionally during the week, and meet the "Haymarket" gang in battle array. The selected representatives of the rival gangs, the bantams, lightweights or heavies, would divest themselves of everything except their pants.
The gangs fought fairly. It was their code of honor to do so — about the only one they had. The stakes were far from large, ranging from “half a quid," or $2.50 a side to somewhat larger amounts if some members of the gang had been lucky in finding work or money.
The stakes were placed in a hat or cap in public view in the charge of a sentry, who was armed with a bottle often a broken one to protect himself and the coveted treasure. Gloves were not used, but the fighters were required to show their hands, palms up, to make sure they were not carrying a piece of lead to add weight to their blow this was the environment in which which Griffo learned the manly art of self defense. He was the undisputed lightweight champion of the “Rocky Push" when he made his first public appearance at Larry Foley's "Iron Pot." I saw that debut.
It was a markedly successful one. Before he had gone to his corner at the end of the first round Jack Thompson pronounced judgment on the newcomer. His verdict was brief and convincing. "He'll do," was the emphatic assertion of that master picker of fighting prospects. Griffo became part and parcel of the "Iron Pot." There he had all he wanted to eat and drink and every opportunity for a scrap. There was nothing more wanting in the world, in Griffo's philosophy. Ambition? He had none, unless it was to beat any one that was put in front of him in the ring.
Strict training was abhorrent to Griffo. Road work was simply scoffed at, and yet he was always
fit and could fight all day. On one occasion we saw him take on four opponents in succession, boxing a quarter of an hour with each — and stopping only long enough to consume four quarts of beer, one for each opponent.
Jack Thompson thought that a view of the world might infuse some ideas into this little fighting animal. So he arranged with Captain Morse to take Griffo to America. Thompson had undertaken a task. It was not until the third attempt that Griffo finally left for these shores. On the first occasion he simply run away and hid until the Alameda had departed. On the liner's next trip Griffo stayed on board until the Alameda had sheered off from the wharf. Then suddenly he hopped off the rail and, without waiting to take off his coat, took a flying dive into the water and swam ashore.
The third time was attended with success, and Griffo reached .San Francisco.
Re: Young Griffo
A news account of Griffo v. Corbett:
"Early yesterday morning Champion Jim Corbett, with his manager Billy Brady, and a small party of friends, was in Foley's restaurant in New York when 'Young Griffo' entered the establishment. The Australian, in his usual evening condition, seeing Corbett, went over to him and asked him to "take something." Corbett abruptly declined and attempted to ignore Griffo's presence by turning his back to him. Griffo would not be ignored, but attracted the champion's notice by saying: "It takes us Australians to do up you chumps. Peter Jackson can do you and I can stand you for four rounds myself." To this Corbett retorted: " Here you little whpper-snapper go about your business if you have any or I'll break you in two." Griffo's response was a blow aimed at Corbett's jaw. Jim stopped it with ease, and with his open hand he slapped "the feather" on the chops so severely that he knocked him on the floor. Corbett was wild with rage, and stooping down, he attempted to pick Griffo up that he might slap him again. As he did so Griffo's right leg shot out suddenly and the heeel of his toe caught Corbett on the point of the jaw and the champion fell. As his body struck the floor his head collided against the rim of the iron cuspidor. Brady and Billy Delaney pciked him up unconscious. There was a slight cut on his head just back of his right ear, which bled freely. Griffo and his boon companions made their escape into their hack and were driven away. Corbett revived and went to the drug store and had his wound dressed."
-Miwaukee Evening Wisconsin. April 2, 1895
"Early yesterday morning Champion Jim Corbett, with his manager Billy Brady, and a small party of friends, was in Foley's restaurant in New York when 'Young Griffo' entered the establishment. The Australian, in his usual evening condition, seeing Corbett, went over to him and asked him to "take something." Corbett abruptly declined and attempted to ignore Griffo's presence by turning his back to him. Griffo would not be ignored, but attracted the champion's notice by saying: "It takes us Australians to do up you chumps. Peter Jackson can do you and I can stand you for four rounds myself." To this Corbett retorted: " Here you little whpper-snapper go about your business if you have any or I'll break you in two." Griffo's response was a blow aimed at Corbett's jaw. Jim stopped it with ease, and with his open hand he slapped "the feather" on the chops so severely that he knocked him on the floor. Corbett was wild with rage, and stooping down, he attempted to pick Griffo up that he might slap him again. As he did so Griffo's right leg shot out suddenly and the heeel of his toe caught Corbett on the point of the jaw and the champion fell. As his body struck the floor his head collided against the rim of the iron cuspidor. Brady and Billy Delaney pciked him up unconscious. There was a slight cut on his head just back of his right ear, which bled freely. Griffo and his boon companions made their escape into their hack and were driven away. Corbett revived and went to the drug store and had his wound dressed."
-Miwaukee Evening Wisconsin. April 2, 1895
Re: Young Griffo
The sad saga of Young Griffo:
Young Griffo or Alfred Griffith, as he is known outside the prize ring was arraigned before Judge Moore in the Court of Sessions, Brooklyn, N.Y., May 25 (1895), charged with an unprintable offence. In a dogged manner the accused pleaded not guilty, and declared that the accusation was a “put up job" by his enemies. In committing the prisoner to jail without bail Judge Moore said, “I understand that attempts have been made to get the witnesses against this man out of the way.” “Any such attempt,” replied Griffo’s counsel, “has in no way been encouraged by the defendant, and if some of his friends are misguided enough to act in this manner, it ought not to be charged against him.” “Well, perhaps not” said Judge Moore, “but if I discover it to be a job, you may rest assured that I shall see that the guilty parties are made to suffer.” The eleven-year-old boy complainant, William Gottleib, was placed under $100 bond to prosecute.
-Police News, May 26, 1895
Albert Griffiths [sic], the pugilist, or as he is known in the prize ring, “Young Griffo,” was to have been tried June 12 in the Court of Sessions, Brooklyn, before Judge Moore, for his alleged unnatural assault of the boy, Gottlieb Mayer, at Coney Island on May 9, but his case was put over for one week. He was sent back to jail as he could find no one to qualify in the amount required for his release, $5,000. He will probably stay in jail until his trial comes on.
-Police News, June 12, 1895
Young Griffo is still confined in Raymond street jail in Brooklyn, unable to find the $5,000 bail that would set him temporarily at liberty. He is willing to give his share of his next two contests to anyone who will go bond for him. Judge Henry A. Moore, before whom he has been arraigned, is soon to leave for Europe to spend the summer, and Griffo hopes to be tried before some other judge.
The chief witness against Griffo has disappeared and cannot be found.
-Police News, June 20, 1895
If Young Griffo succeeds in getting out from behind bars on bail, the Florida Athletic Club may offer a purse of $7,500 for a contest between him and Jack McAuliffe.
-Police News, July 15, 1895
Griffo is still in jail in Brooklyn awaiting trial. Some days ago he with several other prisoners, was placed in line to afford a witness a chance to identify a murderer. The witness picked Griffo as the man. Now the Australian is sorry he left his home, and wants to get back as quickly as possible.”
Police Gazette, July 27, 1895
After much inside work Young Griffo has been released on bail of $5,000, and if he keeps in line with those who have been instrumental in securing his release, his case may never come to trial. The object in having Griffo bailed was to get him some matches, the principal one being with Jack McAuliffe at Dallas, who has signified his willingness to take the match. Hugh Behan still has the management of Griffo. The boy with whom Griffo was charged with committing an unnatural offence disappeared from Brooklyn. It seems a question whether the entire proceeding against the rollicking “Rocks Lad” was not a job prompted either by the spite of McAuliffe’s partisans or by Griffo’s own friends to get him into line and out of temptations way for a time. He should after imprisonment of several weeks be in great condition for a go in the ring.
Police News, August 8, 1895
Young Griffo, as stated in the Police News, last week, is out of the Raymond Street Jail, Brooklyn, N.Y. Ex-Senator McCarran applied to Judge Gaynor of the Supreme Court to admit the pugilist to bail August 8. It will be remembered that Griffo was indicted on May 23 for an indecent assault upon a boy named William Gottlieb at Coney Island. Justice Gaynor fixed bail in the sum of $5,000, and as sureties on the bond William Johnson, a builder, qualified. The bond was approved, and Griffo accompanied by Hugh Beehan and other friends, called at several Brooklyn saloons to celebrate his deliverance. Griffo hopes to get a match with Jack McAuliffe, to take place before the Florida Athletic Club in Dallas the week that Corbett and Fitzsimmons fight.
Police News, August 15, 1895.
Griffo, who has been celebrating his release from Raymond Street Jail in Brooklyn by a prolonged spree, is back again in the jug. It seems that he only gave “straw bail”, and the authorities found it out and rearrested the “feather” and put him back in prison. They now intend to make it hot, not only for Griffo, but for his bondsmen as well. The latter can be prosecuted for perjury.
Police News, September 25, 1895
Griffo has succeeded in obtaining a “good” bond and is again enjoying the invigorating breezes of Coney Island.
Police Gazette, October 9, 1895
Young Griffo, otherwise Alfred Griffith, pleaded guilty at New York to assaulting William Gottleib, a 12 year old boy. The indictment against Griffo was found last spring and he has most of the time since then been at large on bail. Judge Aspenwall sentenced the fighter to one year in the penitentiary.
-Milwaukee Evening Wisconsin, August 14, 1896
Young Griffo celebrated his release from prison June 14 at Coney Island. As a result of celebration Griffo is in a cell. The tough little prize fighter, after loading up on Coney Island whiskey of “Grandmother-fighting” brand, entered Henderson’s Music Hall and ran all the perfomers off the stage. He then challenged any man in the place to fight. His challenge was promptly accepted by Detective Eckold, who was attracted by the screams of the women. The detective did not understand the ethics of the prize ring. He used those tricks learned in dealing with thugs. When the atmosphere cleared up there was no fight left in the fighter and he went meekly to the West Eighth street station for the night.
-Police News, June 26, 1897
Young Griffo or Alfred Griffith, as he is known outside the prize ring was arraigned before Judge Moore in the Court of Sessions, Brooklyn, N.Y., May 25 (1895), charged with an unprintable offence. In a dogged manner the accused pleaded not guilty, and declared that the accusation was a “put up job" by his enemies. In committing the prisoner to jail without bail Judge Moore said, “I understand that attempts have been made to get the witnesses against this man out of the way.” “Any such attempt,” replied Griffo’s counsel, “has in no way been encouraged by the defendant, and if some of his friends are misguided enough to act in this manner, it ought not to be charged against him.” “Well, perhaps not” said Judge Moore, “but if I discover it to be a job, you may rest assured that I shall see that the guilty parties are made to suffer.” The eleven-year-old boy complainant, William Gottleib, was placed under $100 bond to prosecute.
-Police News, May 26, 1895
Albert Griffiths [sic], the pugilist, or as he is known in the prize ring, “Young Griffo,” was to have been tried June 12 in the Court of Sessions, Brooklyn, before Judge Moore, for his alleged unnatural assault of the boy, Gottlieb Mayer, at Coney Island on May 9, but his case was put over for one week. He was sent back to jail as he could find no one to qualify in the amount required for his release, $5,000. He will probably stay in jail until his trial comes on.
-Police News, June 12, 1895
Young Griffo is still confined in Raymond street jail in Brooklyn, unable to find the $5,000 bail that would set him temporarily at liberty. He is willing to give his share of his next two contests to anyone who will go bond for him. Judge Henry A. Moore, before whom he has been arraigned, is soon to leave for Europe to spend the summer, and Griffo hopes to be tried before some other judge.
The chief witness against Griffo has disappeared and cannot be found.
-Police News, June 20, 1895
If Young Griffo succeeds in getting out from behind bars on bail, the Florida Athletic Club may offer a purse of $7,500 for a contest between him and Jack McAuliffe.
-Police News, July 15, 1895
Griffo is still in jail in Brooklyn awaiting trial. Some days ago he with several other prisoners, was placed in line to afford a witness a chance to identify a murderer. The witness picked Griffo as the man. Now the Australian is sorry he left his home, and wants to get back as quickly as possible.”
Police Gazette, July 27, 1895
After much inside work Young Griffo has been released on bail of $5,000, and if he keeps in line with those who have been instrumental in securing his release, his case may never come to trial. The object in having Griffo bailed was to get him some matches, the principal one being with Jack McAuliffe at Dallas, who has signified his willingness to take the match. Hugh Behan still has the management of Griffo. The boy with whom Griffo was charged with committing an unnatural offence disappeared from Brooklyn. It seems a question whether the entire proceeding against the rollicking “Rocks Lad” was not a job prompted either by the spite of McAuliffe’s partisans or by Griffo’s own friends to get him into line and out of temptations way for a time. He should after imprisonment of several weeks be in great condition for a go in the ring.
Police News, August 8, 1895
Young Griffo, as stated in the Police News, last week, is out of the Raymond Street Jail, Brooklyn, N.Y. Ex-Senator McCarran applied to Judge Gaynor of the Supreme Court to admit the pugilist to bail August 8. It will be remembered that Griffo was indicted on May 23 for an indecent assault upon a boy named William Gottlieb at Coney Island. Justice Gaynor fixed bail in the sum of $5,000, and as sureties on the bond William Johnson, a builder, qualified. The bond was approved, and Griffo accompanied by Hugh Beehan and other friends, called at several Brooklyn saloons to celebrate his deliverance. Griffo hopes to get a match with Jack McAuliffe, to take place before the Florida Athletic Club in Dallas the week that Corbett and Fitzsimmons fight.
Police News, August 15, 1895.
Griffo, who has been celebrating his release from Raymond Street Jail in Brooklyn by a prolonged spree, is back again in the jug. It seems that he only gave “straw bail”, and the authorities found it out and rearrested the “feather” and put him back in prison. They now intend to make it hot, not only for Griffo, but for his bondsmen as well. The latter can be prosecuted for perjury.
Police News, September 25, 1895
Griffo has succeeded in obtaining a “good” bond and is again enjoying the invigorating breezes of Coney Island.
Police Gazette, October 9, 1895
Young Griffo, otherwise Alfred Griffith, pleaded guilty at New York to assaulting William Gottleib, a 12 year old boy. The indictment against Griffo was found last spring and he has most of the time since then been at large on bail. Judge Aspenwall sentenced the fighter to one year in the penitentiary.
-Milwaukee Evening Wisconsin, August 14, 1896
Young Griffo celebrated his release from prison June 14 at Coney Island. As a result of celebration Griffo is in a cell. The tough little prize fighter, after loading up on Coney Island whiskey of “Grandmother-fighting” brand, entered Henderson’s Music Hall and ran all the perfomers off the stage. He then challenged any man in the place to fight. His challenge was promptly accepted by Detective Eckold, who was attracted by the screams of the women. The detective did not understand the ethics of the prize ring. He used those tricks learned in dealing with thugs. When the atmosphere cleared up there was no fight left in the fighter and he went meekly to the West Eighth street station for the night.
-Police News, June 26, 1897
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robert.snell1
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Re: Young Griffo
A tragic story of this man and had he stayed at home it would have been so better for him, his family and friends must have been devastated to hear of his troubles.
Re: Young Griffo
Yes, but more tragic for 11-year-old William Gottleib. I wonder how his life turned out after being sodomized by Griffo.