The Notorious John Morrissey

How a Bare-Knuckle Brawler Became a Congressman and Founded Saratoga Race Course

Nonfiction, Sports, Horse Sports, Horse Racing, History, Americas, United States, 19th Century
Cover of the book The Notorious John Morrissey by James C. Nicholson, The University Press of Kentucky
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: James C. Nicholson ISBN: 9780813167541
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky Publication: April 14, 2016
Imprint: The University Press of Kentucky Language: English
Author: James C. Nicholson
ISBN: 9780813167541
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky
Publication: April 14, 2016
Imprint: The University Press of Kentucky
Language: English

An Irish immigrant, a collection agent for crime bosses, a professional boxer, and a prodigious gambler, John Morrissey was -- if nothing else -- an unlikely candidate to become one of the most important figures in the history of Thoroughbred racing. As a young man, he worked as a political heavy in New York before going to San Francisco in search of fortune at the height of the Gold Rush. After returning to the east coast, he was hired by Tammany Hall and was soon locked in a deadly rivalry with William Poole, better known as "Bill the Butcher."

As time went on, Morrissey parlayed his youthful exploits into a remarkably successful career as a businessman and politician. After establishing a gambling house in Saratoga Springs, the hard-nosed entrepreneur organized the first Thoroughbred race meet at what would become Saratoga Race Course in 1863. Morrissey went on to be elected to two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and two terms in the New York State Senate.

In The Notorious John Morrissey, James C. Nicholson explores the improbable life of the man who brought Thoroughbred racing back to prominence in the United States. Though few of his contemporaries did more to develop the commercialization of sports in America, Morrissey's colorful background has prevented him from getting the attention he deserves. This entertaining and long-overdue biography finally does justice to his astounding rags-to-riches story while exploring an intriguing chapter in the history of horse racing.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

An Irish immigrant, a collection agent for crime bosses, a professional boxer, and a prodigious gambler, John Morrissey was -- if nothing else -- an unlikely candidate to become one of the most important figures in the history of Thoroughbred racing. As a young man, he worked as a political heavy in New York before going to San Francisco in search of fortune at the height of the Gold Rush. After returning to the east coast, he was hired by Tammany Hall and was soon locked in a deadly rivalry with William Poole, better known as "Bill the Butcher."

As time went on, Morrissey parlayed his youthful exploits into a remarkably successful career as a businessman and politician. After establishing a gambling house in Saratoga Springs, the hard-nosed entrepreneur organized the first Thoroughbred race meet at what would become Saratoga Race Course in 1863. Morrissey went on to be elected to two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and two terms in the New York State Senate.

In The Notorious John Morrissey, James C. Nicholson explores the improbable life of the man who brought Thoroughbred racing back to prominence in the United States. Though few of his contemporaries did more to develop the commercialization of sports in America, Morrissey's colorful background has prevented him from getting the attention he deserves. This entertaining and long-overdue biography finally does justice to his astounding rags-to-riches story while exploring an intriguing chapter in the history of horse racing.

More books from The University Press of Kentucky

Cover of the book Wildcat Memories by James C. Nicholson
Cover of the book Decision in the Atlantic by James C. Nicholson
Cover of the book When Winter Come by James C. Nicholson
Cover of the book The Air Force Way of War by James C. Nicholson
Cover of the book Conversations with Legendary Television Stars by James C. Nicholson
Cover of the book Sergeant York by James C. Nicholson
Cover of the book Jarmila Novotná by James C. Nicholson
Cover of the book The Philosophy of Ang Lee by James C. Nicholson
Cover of the book The Civil War in Popular Culture by James C. Nicholson
Cover of the book The View from the Ground by James C. Nicholson
Cover of the book The Run for the Elbertas by James C. Nicholson
Cover of the book History Teaches Us to Hope by James C. Nicholson
Cover of the book Home and Beyond by James C. Nicholson
Cover of the book Irvin S. Cobb by James C. Nicholson
Cover of the book Hitchcock's Partner in Suspense by James C. Nicholson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy