Walter Edgerton
KENTUCKY ROSEBUD, whose real name was Walter Edgerton, boxed professionally, generally as a featherweight, from 1886 right up until 1916, when he twice fought and defeated John Henry Johnson in Philadelphia. “Kentucky Rosebud” was past 60 at the time of the fights, and Johnson was well past 40.
Walter Edgerton was born in Raleigh, North Carolina on November 18, 1854. He is known to have appeared in the ring around 100 times, compiling a known record of 28 wins, 41 losses, and 30 draws. In all likelihood he fought far more than what is currently known. Most of his fights were in Philadelphia. He was at his peak in the mid-1890s, and fought featherweight champion George Dixon to a draw twice in 1892, and was defeated by him on points twice in 1893. On March 22, 1894, in a non-title fight, he knocked Dixon out in the second round. They fought again in 1896 with Dixon winning and fought to a draw in 1897. “Kentucky Rosebud” also fought former world champion Young Griffo and twice fought future world champion Joe Gans. He remained fairly active as a fighter as late as 1902, when he fought at least nine times. He is known to have fought once in 1903, then seems to have retired. In 1913 another man boxed in Altoona as “Young Kentucky Rosebud,” and it is doubtful that Walter Edgerton was the man who fought light-heavyweight Battling Holmes in New York in 1915. What is certain is that Walter Edgerton, fighting as Kentucky Rosebud, defeated John Henry Johnson in Philadelphia on June 28, 1915 and did the same thing twice in 1916, on January 27 by knockout and on August 23.
Regarding Walter Edgerton’s age at the time of the John Henry Johnson fights in 1916, the 1910 Census and his death certificate indicate that he was born around 1855. At least one newspaper article gives his birth date as November 18, 1854 which fits the Census and death records. Perhaps adding to the public confusion about his age are the newspapers of the time of the Johnson fights in 1916, who are somewhat all over the place regarding exactly how old he was, but who all have him born in the 1850s, save one report by Robert Maxwell of the Philadelphia Evening Ledger, who took a few years off, perhaps in disbelief that a man that old could move around the ring.
They are the famous Kentucky Rosebud, aged 63 years, and the equally famous John Henry Johnson, aged 45.” (wire, January 24, 1916)
“The Kentucky Rosebud, the former great negro featherweight, who modestly admits being 61 years old, knocked out his veteran rival John Henry Johnson, another dusky warrior, who admits to having been on this earth for forty-three summers and as many winters.” (wire in Trenton Evening Times, January 28, 1916)
“The Rosebud, who confesses to being 62 years old, … knocked out John Henry Johnson, another veteran colored pugilist, whose span of life covers some 43 years.” (wire in Indianapolis Freeman, February 12, 1916)
“Philadelphia, May 18. John Henry Johnson, 56 years of age, defeated the Kentucky Rosebud, who is 61, in six rounds at the National A. C. here last night.” (wire, May 18, 1916)
“In the semi-windup there is offered a novelty in the bout between John Henry Johnson and the Kentucky Rosebud, two of the oldest pugilists in the world. The Bud is 60 years and Johnson near that mark.” (Philadelphia Inquirer, August 22, 1916)
“The semiwind-up was real exciting, as it brought together the Kentucky Rosebud and John Henry Johnson, a couple of sterling athletes who used to go big when Hector was a pup. The Bud is 55 years old and J. Henry a couple of years younger.” (Robert Maxwell in Philadelphia Evening Ledger, August 24, 1916)
“My record books show that the ‘Bud’ has turned his fiftieth year, but when he called on me he confidentially told me that he was 64 years old. I don’t believe he is that old, but he says so and we’ve got to believe him.” (Walter Schlichter in Philadelphia North American, quoted in Anaconda Standard, December 29, 1918)
Perhaps what is more amazing is that in April of 1921 he climbed back into the ring with John Henry Johnson for an exhibition bout.
Aside from his boxing exploits, Walter Edgerton was in and out of the newspapers quite a bit in his later years, involving several scrapes with law enforcement in Philadelphia and in Camden, New Jersey. His legal problems centered around running disorderly houses, i.e., prostitution and gambling, and he served jail time in Philadelphia and in New Jersey’s state prison. His first brush with the law that this writer has found happened in 1904 in Philadelphia, when he was arrested for running a crap game. In 1906 he was arrested again in similar charges, and in 1910 got into more trouble for running a disorderly house, i.e., a bordello. This and other offenses earned him some jail time in Philadelphia.
Walter Edgerton appears in the 1910 Census in Philadelphia, living at 245 Warnock Street in Philadelphia, with a wife of 11 years, Minnie M. Smith, and two step-children, Clifton and Nettie. This appears to have been a common-law marriage, as the two were legally married in Camden in November of 1917. The Census states he was keeping a cigar store at the time, and he also had five lodgers in the house, three of them female and under twenty-five years of age.
By the spring of 1912 Philadelphia had gotten too hot for him and he moved to Camden. Over the next eighteen years he resided at different addresses in the vicinity of Second and Sycamore Streets.
In June of 1913 Walter Edgerton was arrested at his home at 811 Locust Street on charges of running a disorderly house. He went to trial in October and was sentenced to serve one to three years imprisonment at Trenton State Prison.
Upon release, Walter Edgerton operated a pool hall for a time, and apparently continued to make money off of vice-related activities. As mentioned before, he fought three times professionally in Philadelphia in 1915–1916 and also appeared in exhibition bouts in 1920 and 1921.
In October of 1922, Minnie Smith Edgerton died and was buried at Mt. Peace Cemetery in Lawnside, New Jersey. Walter Edgerton was arrested again in 1924 and 1927 on gambling charges. He passed away at Philadelphia General Hospital on May 3, 1930. Cause of death was acute myocarditis and vascular syphilis, and he had been suffering from arteriosclerotic dementia.
In the Newspapers
Kentucky Rosebud Knocks Out Dixon
Philadelphia Inquirer — March 23, 1894
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The Champion Feather-Weight Defeated in Two Rounds by Walter Edgerton.
He Is Knocked Senseless and Has to Be Dragged to His Corner.
Sensational Termination of the Friendly Boxing Bout at Industrial Hall in Behalf of the Bread Fund—Wild Rumors about the Fall of the Champion—Other Events of an Interesting Program.
By a single blow from the gloved fist of Walter Edgerton, known as the “Kentucky Rosebud,” George Dixon, the undefeated feather-weight champion of the world, was completely knocked out last night at the Industrial Hall athletic carnival for the benefit of the Bread Fund. The champion was knocked flat and was thirty minutes in recovering sufficiently to interfere prevented a probably sensational termination of an ordinarily friendly bout.
It occurred in the second round of their bout-to-be. As Edgerton, who looked forward to by the assemblage as the event of the evening, it was known that the “Rosebud,” who has achieved a high repute locally, would come, the climax came “utterly paralyzed them.”
There was a cordial greeting for the champions. The appearances were cordial and an equally warm one for the “Rosebud.” Jimmy McHale looked after the Philadelphia man. Professor Jack Rosen were standing about in Dixon’s corner, and the first round was a good-natured bit of sparring, a nice, clean bout, in favor of Dixon.
The Knock-Out Blow.
When the end came it came with startling suddenness. In a fast rally and Dixon fell down like a log, his face wearing a dazed look. His body had hardly touched the floor when he was covered on the floor and large rose sprang forward simultaneously. Dixon was seized under the arms and he was literally helped from the ring to his dressing room, a few feet distant. The “Rosebud” merely looked at the fallen Dixon and stepped back in his corner. The situation prevailed. The big fellow in a dazed look was seized by the sensational conclusion of the crowd, there was a combination of cries and exclamations.
On the raised platform a little anxious-looking group about Dixon were busily engaged in efforts to bring him to, and around, while the audience breathlessly waited results…
Joe Butler Guards Dixon.
Just before the final round Jimmy McHale wanted time called a minute or two before the final round was up. Tom O’Rourke had a war of words. After them later John P. Dixon Dumaresq Devar “Rosebud” attempted to hustle the champion Dixon and Joe Butler, who had been the champion of the champion and guarded Dixon, interfered.
Tom O’Rourke and several of Dixon’s friends attempted to explain the situation to Edgerton’s friends but it was discovered that the “Rosebud” had struck Dixon in the last…
Kentucky Rosebud Is Held
Philadelphia Inquirer — January 25, 1904
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Walter Edgerton, known in the ring as “Kentucky Rosebud,” was arrested yesterday by Detective Gaul and a policeman in a raid on an alleged crap game at 1025 Locust street. Edgerton, who is between 50 and 60 years old, was held in $600 bail for a hearing before Recorder Weaver.
Edgerton was a famous featherweight in his day and is credited with having knocked out George Dixon, the former featherweight champion, many years ago.
Negro Pugilist Held
Philadelphia Inquirer — December 24, 1906
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Walter Edgerton, a colored man known in sporting circles as “Kentucky Rosebud,” and famous as a prize fighter some years ago, was rounded up in the extensive vice raids by the police yesterday. He was charged with keeping a disorderly house and held in $300 bail for a hearing before Magistrate Doran.
Camden Evening Courier — November 18, 1908
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Walter “Kentucky Rosebud” Edgerton celebrated his 54th birthday on Wednesday.
Answers Suit for Baby
Philadelphia Inquirer — August 6, 1910
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Walter Edgerton, a colored pugilist, known as “Kentucky Rosebud,” appeared in Quarter Sessions Court yesterday to answer a habeas corpus writ brought by Emma Ross to recover a white baby which Edgerton had adopted. Edgerton brought the baby into court, and after a hearing Judge Martin remanded him until next Thursday for further hearing.
Edgerton has had the child since it was three weeks old, having received it from its mother, who was unable to care for it.
Woman Reveals Haunts of Vice
Philadelphia Inquirer — August 20, 1910
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Mrs. Mollie August, arrested by Detective Reese in a recent raid on a disorderly house run by Walter Edgerton, the ex-prize fighter known as “Kentucky Rosebud,” at 245 Warnock street, turned State’s evidence and assisted police in their investigation of the vice district in the vicinity of Eighth and Locust streets, Philadelphia.
Among the details which came out in the hearing before Magistrate Haggerty was that the white child adopted by Edgerton had been brought to the house by its mother, who had been unable to care for it, and that Edgerton had lavished fine clothing and luxuries on the child.
Several of the houses raided had connections, and men arrested in one house had a habit of visiting the others. Edgerton was held in $500 bail for court.
Refused to Work If Wife Got Cent
Camden Daily Courier — October 27, 1910
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Walter Edgerton, known in prize-fighting circles as “Kentucky Rosebud,” was arrested on a charge of wife desertion by a Camden County detective at his home on Warnock street, Philadelphia, yesterday. He was locked up at Moyamensing Prison to await a hearing.
“Shut down the place; I don’t make another dollar if I have to give my wife another cent,” Edgerton allegedly declared when told he would have to contribute to his wife’s support.
‘Kentucky Rosebud’ Pleads His Guilt
Philadelphia Inquirer — April 20, 1911
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Walter Edgerton, known as the “Kentucky Rosebud,” yesterday pleaded guilty before Judge Martin to keeping a disorderly house at 258 South Clifton street, Philadelphia. Sentence was deferred.
‘Kentucky Rosebud’ Accused by Police
Camden Post-Telegram — June 9, 1913
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Accused of keeping a disorderly house, Walter Edgerton, at one time a famous lightweight colored pugilist, known as the “Kentucky Rosebud,” was held in $300 bail by Justice McClong this morning. The defendant, now in his fifties, lives at 811 Locust street, where he was arrested by Police Captain Stanley yesterday. No intoxicants were found, but it is charged that the “Rosebud” maintained a house of assignation. He waived a hearing.
Negro Pugilist Placed on Trial
Camden Daily Courier — October 16, 1913
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Kentucky Rosebud Appears in Camden Court in Now Familiar Role
Has Done Time Before
Walter Edgerton, a negro known in pugilistic and sporting circles as “Kentucky Rosebud” was tried to-day for running a disorderly house at Locust street, this city. Downtown policemen and persons living in the neighborhood told of the goings on in the Edgerton home but the ex-prize fighter denied all wrongdoing. He was convicted and sentenced from one to three years in State Prison.
Edgerton has been in jail for some months past and this was given as a reason for his not having witnesses to prove his defense. A white woman living at the Edgerton home disappeared during the negro’s imprisonment.
Years ago Edgerton is claimed to have knocked out George Dixon at an exhibition bout held in the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. This feat marked the zenith of his career in the ring. Later on he was convicted of keeping a disorderly house in Philadelphia and charges of a similar nature were brought against him in Atlantic City. He has made his home in Camden for the past year and a half.
Convicted This Morning and Immediately Sentenced to from 1 to 3 Years
Camden Post-Telegram — October 16, 1913
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Walter Edgerton, colored, alias “Kentucky Rose Bud,” was convicted this morning in the Criminal Court on a charge of keeping a disorderly house at 311 Locust street. He was immediately sentenced to from one to 3 years in State Prison by Judge Boyle, who said that notwithstanding the fact that the defendant was a negro the same law applied to him as to white men.
Kentucky Rosebud in Carnival Windup
Camden Daily Courier — September 25, 1920
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The Kentucky Rosebud is slated to meet an unknown in the windup at the outdoor carnival, Haddon avenue and Mickle street, this evening. “Black Bill” and Jim Blair are also scheduled to box a return engagement. These two put on a fast bout last night.
Old Kentucky Rosebud
Camden Daily Courier — April 30, 1921
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A crowd of South Camden sports, among them Police Stable Sergeant “Jim” Lewis, took in the Jimmy Ryan benefit at the National Athletic Club in Philadelphia, to see the old timers slug as they did 30 and 40 years ago. Among the come-backs was the “Kentucky Rosebud,” now of South Camden, a colored boxer of fame some time back. The “Rosebud,” who is now 67 years old, proved some game blackbird, said Sergeant Lewis, in his bout with John Henry Johnson, although he was pretty well winded when Mistah Jawnson got through jabbing him.
Camden Post-Telegram — May 18, 1921
A transcription of this clipping is not yet available; the newspaper image is reproduced above as a primary source.
Camden Daily Courier — November 23, 1921
A transcription of this clipping is not yet available; the newspaper image is reproduced above as a primary source.
“Kentucky Rose Bud’s” Wife Called by Death
Camden Daily Courier — October 6, 1922
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Frank [sic] Edgerton, well-known in pugilistic circles as the “Kentucky Rosebud,” is going through the worst battle of his career, according to his own statement.
The “Rosebud” is mourning the death of his wife, Mrs. Minnie Edgerton, who died Wednesday at their home, 1021 Francis street. There are two sons, and one, believed to be in New York, cannot be located. This has added to the former pugilist’s troubles. Mrs. Edgerton will be buried in Mt. Peace Cemetery on Sunday, at 2 o’clock. The services will be held at his husband’s home.
Camden Daily Courier — December 29, 1924
A transcription of this clipping is not yet available; the newspaper image is reproduced above as a primary source.
Kentucky Rosebud Dead
Camden Daily Courier — May 8, 1930
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The “Kentucky Rosebud” is dead. Known from coast to coast as one of the foremost characters in the history of the ring, the one-time lightweight contender was buried yesterday at the Mt. Ephraim cemetery. He formerly lived at 124 Mt. Vernon street but passed away in Philadelphia Saturday. His true name was Walter Edgerton. He was 76 years old.
The “Rosebud” fought many of the leading contenders for the world’s lightweight championship. Perhaps his most famous triumph was at the expense of George Dixon, another famed dusky ringster, at the Lyceum, Eleventh and Spring Garden streets, Philadelphia.
Tag: walter-edgerton
Joint Alley
Joint Alley, also known as Joint Street, was a one-block alley in South Camden running east from South 3rd to South 4th Street, between Spruce and Walnut Streets. It first appears in city directories in 1850; only six houses remained by 1947, and no buildings stand there today.
Vice Squad Raids Nine Disorderly Houses
The Camden vice squad raided nine alleged disorderly houses in South Camden in February 1927. The largest raid hit the home of former prize fighter Walter 'Kentucky Rosebud' Edgerton; Unity Hall at 318 Joint Alley was among the places raided.
Marriage Licenses
Camden marriage license applications from November 1917, including Walter Edgerton of 318 Joint Alley and Minnie M. Smith of the same address.
'Kentucky Rosebud' Accused by Police
Walter Edgerton, the former lightweight pugilist known as the "Kentucky Rosebud," was arrested by Police Captain Stanley at 811 Locust Street and held in $800 bail on a charge of keeping a disorderly house.
Court Dismisses Gambling Charge
A Camden Post-Telegram account of the April 1912 police raids on two alleged South Camden gambling houses. Eli Johnson and Daniel Bussey were discharged or fined; among those caught at 829 Locust Street was former prize fighter Walter "Kentucky Rosebud" Edgerton.