In an effort to regain the heavyweight boxing title, James J. Corbett, known as Gentleman Jim, was knocked out cold by James J. Jeffries in the 23rd round. Corbett, who was born in San Francisco, had won the title from John L. Sullivan in 1892 then lost it to the Cornish fighter Bob Fitzsimmons. Jeffries of Los Angeles defeated Fitzsimmons, thus setting the stage for what many … [Read more...] about May 11, 1900
April 3, 1900
On April 3, 1900, the boat carrying Queen Victoria for her third-ever visit to Ireland – and her first since 1861 – set down anchor in Dublin Bay. Documents from the Irish Office of Public Works recently emerged and indicate that her ship went off course on its way to Ireland, resulting in a longer voyage. It was the time of her annual trip to France, but she had been advised … [Read more...] about April 3, 1900
August 13, 1899
Alfred Hitchcock, film's master of suspense, was born on this day in 1899. Although commonly remembered for his British accent, Hitchcock was of both Irish and English descent. His mother was Irish born Emma Jane Whelan. His father's mother was also Irish. Hitchcock was educated at a Jesuit school and remained a devout Catholic through out his life. Hitchcock also adapted Irish … [Read more...] about August 13, 1899
May 18, 1897
Oscar Wilde was released from prison on this date; he went to France, where he wrote his poem, "The Ballad of Reading Gaol." He was born Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde on October, 16 1854, to William Wilde, an Irish doctor and Jane Francesca Elgee, who wrote revolutionary poems under the pseudonym "Speranza" for The Nation. After study at Trinity College, Dublin and … [Read more...] about May 18, 1897
July 5, 1896
Bill Doolin, famous western outlaw of Irish descent, escaped from jail on this day in 1896. Born in Arkansas, Doolin went west and worked several jobs as a cowboy on Oklahoma ranches. He eventually became a member of the Dalton gang, who attempted several robberies. In 1892, Doolin formed his own gang called the Wild Bunch, which became the most infamous outlaw group of the … [Read more...] about July 5, 1896