This day in history - December 26

[seamusTX]

1799 - At a memorial service for the recently deceased George Washington, Col. Henry Lee, then a congressman, uttered the famous epitaph, "First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen."

1908 - Jack Johnson won the world heavyweight boxing championship in a fight in Sydney, Australia.

His win gave rise the to the phrase "great white hope," the idea that a white man could regain the title; but Johnson held it for almost seven years.

To say that Johnson's career was controversial is a massive understatement. He was ambitious, flamboyant, outspoken, and sometimes cruel in the ring. He was probably the wealthiest black American up to that time.

He had an unfortunate taste for white girlfriends of less than sterling character, which got him convicted in 1913 of transporting women across state lines for immoral purposes. He continued his career abroad, but returned to the U.S. in 1920 and served time in prison.

As recently as this autumn, Congress passed resolutions calling for a presidential pardon.

Johnson is probably the most famous native of Galveston.

("Wrong Way" Corrigan was born here, but his family moved away when he was two years old.)

- Jim

[atxgun]

1776 - American Revolutionary War: The British are defeated in the Battle of Trenton.
1790 - Louis XVI of France gives his public assent to Civil Constitution of the Clergy during the French Revolution.
1792 - The final trial of Louis XVI of France begins in Paris.

[flintknapper]

Dec. 26 1955: My little brother was born!


Happy Birthday Chris!