History great flyer shooters, Billy Perdue, Homer Clark jr, Richard Smith, Seth Green, J A R Elliot

HB,tell us about,Homer Clark Jr,Billy Predue,Richard Smith and a host of others.

 

Doug,

In all honesty I'm best versed in the history from the early 1800's up to about 1920. After that my files are sparse with only reports of something I found interesting during a research of something else.

I did have a file on Homer Clark Sr. and Jr., of Alton, Illinois. I assume you meant Junior but his father was also a great shooter. Sr. won the sparrow championship of Indiana in 1902.

I had heard of Richard Smith but have no file for him. Billy Perdue, I had not heard of.

I will post a few reports on Homer Clark Jr. and I've started a file on Billy Perdue, of Mobile, Alabama and will post a few things about him also. When I have time, I will research Mr. Smith. What State was Richard Smith from?

If you have any information that might help me with my research (years they shot, residence, tournaments, trophies, etc.) please let me know. Thank you for the suggestion.

I'll no doubt be adding some information on several of the old-time pigeon shooters, such as William King (1850s); Fred Erb 1860s), Captain Adam H. Bogardus (1870s), Miles Johnson (1870s); Dr. W. F. Carver (1880s); Capt. John L. Brewer (1890s); J. A. R. Elliott (1890s) and Elijah D. Fulford (1890s). Bogardus (1869), Brewer (1895) and Elliott were three shooters who once killed 100 straight pigeons, although they say that Bogardus' were tame pigeons.

Other men who killed 100 straight live birds were : Al Bandle (1888); (George Roll (1900);

Old-Time Scores, 100 Live Birds Straight​

In connection with the notes on trap shooting at live birds the writers would learn about lots of instances where 100 straight kills were made at live wild birds (blue rock Pigeons) if they look up the championship matches made in Detroit, Buffalo, Rochester, Ithaca, Syracuse, Cleveland and London, Ont., and Windsor, Ont., forty years ago, when such men as Cook Cozens, John Long, Ira Paine, Seth Green, Edward Gilman and C. W. Bradford (father of the present day sporting writer, Charles Bradford) were giving trigger. Bradford and Seth Green both killed 100 straight more than once, and they shot with the gun held below the hip at the word pull. And they shot at wild, not tame pigeons. Bradford held the world’s championship for twelve years losing it to Ed. Gilman. Gilman is still with us. Ask him abut it. He lives in Detroit. SETH FIELDINGS
SPORTSMEN’S REVIEW, May 3, 1913, page 439

BANDLE’S CLEAN SCORE
Details of the Remarkable Performance of the Cincinnati Trap Shot.​

The scores made by Captain Bogardus and Al Bandle, of Cincinnati, in a match on Christmas
day are being discussed with considerable interest among trap-shooters everywhere. Captain Bogardus says that never in the world before was a clean score made under the rules at 100 live birds, the feat that Mr. Bandle has accomplished. Mr. S. A. Tucker, the referee in this match, pronounces the feat unparalleled. A score of 87 out of 100 and upward at live birds entitles any marksman to a rank among the great shots of the world. Following is an account of the match sent from Cincinnati:
"This Christmas shoot was under Hurlingham rules, the strictest in the world. The five ground
traps, instead of being scoops which push the bird out and encourage it to fly, were the tin lay-open traps, such as are used in bird shooting in England. They are not the best to make the birds fly. There were five of these traps arranged five yards apart on the arc of a circle, the distance of which from the shooter was thirty yards. The stake was the gate money. The birds were domestic pigeons. While they were a fairly good lot, some of them were too good and some were not good enough. This makes the task of the shooter more difficult. as it increased the demand upon his nerve and judgement. Any good shot will admit that an uneven lot of birds is the hardest to make a good score upon. Fully half of these birds had to be whipped up with the ropesafter the trap had been pulled open. Here are the scores:
Capt.. Bogardus, 95; Albert Bandle, 100.
Times used second barrel – Bogardus, 36; Bandle, 31.
Birds missed Bogardus, 11th, 21st, 27th, 30th and 65th; Bandle, none.
Greatest run of killed birds Bogardus, 33 birds, from his 66th to his 100th; Bandle, 100.
Dr. William F. Carver has challenged Albert Bandle to shoot 100 live birds for $250 a side.
Bandle has accepted the challenge under Hurlingham rules, except as to weight and bore of gun for himself, the match to come off at Cincinnati early next March. It is for Dr. Carver to say whether we will accept the acceptance allowing Bandle a 10 or 9 ½ pound gun.
SPORTING LIFE, January 9, 1889, page 7

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Enjoy Our History !

 

HistoryBuff,
Thank you.
Richard Smith was from Texas. Richard was a very good hand thrown and box bird shooter. He was one of the fastest pigeon shooters i've ever seen. I have not been to a pigeon shoot sense 1991 so i'm alittle out of touch. It would be nice to get some info from, Brad Dysinger!

 

HB,

I enjoyed reading the info you have so far.

Yes, perhaps Brad knows some of he people that Doug speaks of. Doug sounds like a fellow who has been around the game. As you know, I was going to one of these shoots as a guest, but the fellow who was going to take me passed away before I got to go with him...

I can't imagine 100 straight from the hip with Live Birds....If the ATA wanted to make handicap more of a challenge, they should change the rules to read: "Gun butts shall be held no higher than the hip until the target appears". That would challenge any shooter, especially the long yardage boys and Gals".

Thanks again HB.

Brad's Friend ( I Hope)

 

Richard Smith was from Texas and was indeed a very fast and accurate gun pointer and a great guy also. Billy Perdue was also a very good gun pointer. If memory serves he shot a Purdey SXS that he had modified by the factory to shoot higher. I met him at the Dallas Gun Club on several occasions and he was a fine gentleman. Other shooters at DGC included Homer Clark Jr. and until DGC stopped shooting flyers a host of very good trap and sporting clays shooters. That was a tough place to make a living.

DGC had a unique setup in that the rings ( the two main rings) only had five boxes but the boxes were loaded from underground so all boxes were full all the time. You could not play the empty boxes and the wind like you could do on a nine box layout. That setup made the shooting much tougher. With the shooting, the food and the general atmosphere it was my favorite place to shoot flyers.

I've been away from the game for some time now but am very grateful that I had the chance to do some flyer shooting at DGC.
There may be some DGC members that could chime in here with some useful info.

Jeff

 

Young Billy Perdue of Mobile, Alabama . . . .

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Enjoy Our History !
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Wow !

Mr Kennedy and Mr. Bailey living the day, and HB full of stories of the past..

It doesn't get any better than this !

 

Here's some well-known pigeon shooters from the late 1800's.

THE BIG SIX FAMOUS PIGEON SHOOTERS WHO MAKE HIGH SCORES

Geo. Work, Fred Hoey, Capt. Money, L. P. Thompson, Edgar Murphy and Robert Welch Hold the Highest Amateur Records at the Present Time.​

In presenting to our readers on our first page the likeness of six of the most prominent amateur pigeon shooters in this country, we feel that they are the representative of their class of marksmen at the present time. It is not necessary to go into exhaustive detail regarding the rise of these men, as they are too well known among the sportsmen of the present day. The names of these men have been seen from time to time in the last five or six years as connected with nearly all the matches of importance in this country, as well as some in foreign countries, and even at the present time one of the six is enjoying himself and making a record at the great pigeon shooting matches in France, England and Italy. No one can deny that the sport is an invigorating one, and cultivates careful attention of the health in every way, as the sport is one requiring the greatest amount of nerve power and keenest vision.

PIGEON SHOOTING​

was first taken up and made a gentleman's sport by the fashionable people around Newport, and the old Narragansett Gun Club were the leaders. Among the famous shots of those days were Pierre and George Lorillard, Carroll Livingston, Martin and Travers Van Buren, John G. Hecksher, William Douglas and Ben De Forest. Later on a younger set sprung up and Perry Belmont, Harry Jones, Coleman Drayton, Fred Sands, Donnell Swan and Charles Macalaster took the place of the older men. If a marksman killed 20 out of a possible 25 birds it was considered remarkable, while scores of 18 to 19 out of 25 were considered very high. Such scores to-day would not be of any consequence in even a small amateur match, while 75 out of 100 at live birds was about the best of shooting. It took 94 birds out of a possible 100 to divide first money in the big handicap held recently by the Riverton Club.

NOTICEABLE IMPROVEMENT.​

Young shooters, however, continued to improve, and were constantly experimenting in manner of shooting, holding the gun, loading of shells, testing of all the various nitro powders, until they found the best, and, having more time on their hands than some of the older men, found more opportunities to practice

Among the young men who suddenly came to the front is Fred Hoey, whose likeness is found in the centre; at the bottom of the page another is "Lou" Thompson, who showed considerable skill. George Work came to the front with remarkable quickness. Edgar Murphy soon found himself at the top and looking for more foes to conquer.

While in the beginning the new members were allowed handicaps, and plenty of encouragement by the older men, who easily had things their own way, they soon began to see the young blood coming to the front, and from several yards handicap it became an even race, and, finally, to an uneven one, in favor of the youngsters, and, as far as making matches were concerned, it was really stopped.

REMARKABLE PROGRESS.​

It would certainly be a very hard matter to choose a winner from among the six men shown, as each man has1 distinguished himself by some fine score, and there is but small matter of choice between any of them.

It would be quite interesting to witness a pigeon match of years ago, compared to those of the present day, as the match from start to finish is run with the preciseness of the movements of a well-trained regiment, and the "ready," "pull" of the shooter, "bang! bang!" of the gun, "dead bird" of the referee, and a scurry of feet of the trapper, who refills the empty trap, and the panting of the dog as be retrieves the dead bird is but a few seconds time, and the next man steps to the score and goes through the same performance, alternating the words of the referee to "lost bird" as a swift-winger pigeon escapes free.

The movement of a pigeon-shooter to the score, the placing of the cartridge in the gun, the raising of the gun to position and the quick action of the gun as it moves to swift-flying pigeons is one of ease, grace and skill.

POINTS OF EXCELLENCE.​

The easier a person can take up his gun, walk to the score and kill the bird, the better shot be can become. Some men appear as though they were laboring under great mental strain. Their face is screwed to an expression that indicates great pain, while their limbs are stretched out as though they expected the kick of a mule and wanted to be prepared to stand it. Others will sight over the gun four or five times to see if it looks the same. All such affectations are bad form and not conducive of good scores. To be a good pigeon shot one must have his whole mind on his work and not on whether the gun is going to kick or whether he has put in the right shells, or any other point except that there is a pigeon in one of the five traps and he must kill it. So, the easiest position at the score is the best, and by looking at the positions used by these men, as shown by the cuts, it will be seen that they are as easy and natural in every way as man can possibly be placed.

GEORGE WORK,
​

We will attempt to describe the style of these men and something of their record. Take George Work, of New York, who is shown in the lower left hand corner. He is about 35 years of age, five feet, eleven inches in height, and weighs close to 175 pounds; he is finely proportioned, of smooth face and clean-cut features; smokes moderately, but never indulges in spirits; always dresses in the latest fashion and merely changes his coat for a Norfolk jacket when shooting.

His position at the score is a very easy and graceful one his feet but a few inches apart; body erect, left hand extended well out on the barrel, and butt close to the shoulder, where he places it at the moment of calling "pull:" he uses a Purdy hammerless gun, of the latest model, for pigeon shooting, and is shooting in wonderful form without any weakening. He has not been prominent as a great pigeon shot until within the last three years, when he gained great notoriety by killing 98 out of a possible 100 pigeons in a match at Carteret, against the professional pigeon shooter, John L. Brewer. This is the best amateur record to date, but is tie with Welch for same honors. Work's great skill lies in his ability to adapt himself to any grounds or conditions, and when necessary can use both barrels with remarkable quickness and great judgment.

ROBERT WELCH,​

of Philadelphia, a member of the Riverton Gun Club, stands next and is equal with Mr. Work in the record of killing 98 out of 100 pigeons.

He is about 32 years of age, rather below the average in height, and of light build. He stands with feet close together, head thrown forward and close to stock of the gun; left hand rather well extended and his "Ready? Pull!" can be heard by everyone on the grounds.

He wears a closely-trimmed beard and looks like a pigeon shooter: he walks to the score with a precision that implies constant practice. Welch has been shooting ever since he was a boy. and has shot and won many important matches in this country, and also at the London Gun Club, England. His best score is 98 out of 100 killed in a match for the Riverton plate, his opponent in this match being James Wolstencroft, who scored but 88. Which showed something of the quality of the birds. He is also present holder of the diamond badge of the Pennsylvania State Association, which he won last year at Altoona, by killing 15 straight and 25 more straight in the tie: he lost but 1 bird out of 85 shot at during the match, and sweeps which followed. He uses a Purdy hammer gun of 7 ½ pounds weight.

FRED HOEY,​

whose remarkable shooting whose remarkable shooting for a short space of time he has been at the traps, has caused unusual interest, is nearly 30 years of age, rather tall, slight build, and rather boyish in appearance. The most noticeable of Fred Hoey's shooting is the short space of time 'he has been engaged in it, as it is said that five years ago he had never fired a gun. Then he suddenly jumped into prominence, and in a year's time shot with the skill that many men can hardly acquire in a lifetime. In the last three years he has shot many matches, and in sweepstakes and prize events has won more than all others put together.

His position at the trap is an easy one. He leans slightly forward with feet nearly together, left hand grasped firmly on the barrel at the tip of the fore end, butt of stock kept well down from the shoulder and muzzle of barrel rather raised, while at the word "pull" he covers a bird quickly and with unerring precision. While not as quick in shooting the first barrel as George Work, he has a certain deliberation that is sure to make a steady score. He always dresses well, and his appearance at the score is always noticeable.

His record is 97 out of 100, made at Westminster Club, in a team race, when he and Thompson shot against Work and MacAlester. Unlike other pigeon-shooters, Fred Hoey closes his left eye when aiming, while nearly all crack pigeon men use both eyes.

Hoey neither smokes nor drinks, and uses a Purdy hammerless gun.

EDGAR MURPHY,​

is another man who is always noticed while at the score. He is the direct opposite of Hoey, being 6 feet 2 inches in height, of robust, athletic build, a good shot in the field and has shot considerable at the traps. He is 40 years of age, and of that build and constitution that ought to make a champion, but his work is rather uncertain, sometimes making remarkable kills and long runs, and then going down on a comparatively easy bird His position is one of perfection, standing squarely on both feet, his gun held firmly in his left hand, which is well extended on the barrel, the right being raised on a level with his head. He shoots quickly and both barrels are used with regular time. His score is 95 out of 100, made at Hollywood in 1892.

LOU THOMPSON,​

is one who enjoys the gun with a decided keenness. He and Work have traveled over a good part of the country in search of sport with duck and quail, and even to big game, like elk and grizzly bear in the Rockies.

He is rather tall and wiry in build, and not near as stout of form as Work. His shooting is deliberate to a degree, and seems to feel sure the bird is centered before firing, and if a miss occurs with the first barrel the second is used with even more deliberation, to make sure of grassing the bird. He is very calm and collected while facing the traps, and is one of a very few men who never lose their nerve under trying conditions. He thoroughly enjoys field sports, and is a lover of fast horses, and is the owner of some very fine stock. His position at the trap is coolness itself, the left baud well extended, the gun fitted to his face, and his eye ready for the first flutter of a feather. His best score is 94 out of 100 birds, made at Tuxedo, but he can always be depended on for a high score in any kind of a match. We are sorry to note that his health is far from good, and by his doctor's advice has gone to Colorado, where we hope he may regain his former spirits.

CAPTAIN MONEY,​

is probably better known all over the United States and England than any of the other men mentioned. He is a regular veteran, and has won many hard-fought battles at the traps. His tall and rather slim form seems made of steel, and his position is always noticeable. Standing erect, both feet squarely together, he throws the whole force of his nature into his work, being quick and regular with both barrels, also regulating himself to various conditions of wind, light and quality of birds. He throws his elbow rather high, and grasps the gun well out on the barrel. He uses a Greener gun, and his best score is 94 out of 100, made at Riverton recently, in the big handicap race, and his score of 94 divided first money with George Work. He is the manufacturer of the famous E. C. powder, and no one could have succeeded' in introducing it among the shooting men all over the country and making it so popular as Capt. A. W. Money.

CHARLES MACALESTER,​

One man, whose likeness is not shown, but who held a very enviable position among pigeon-shooters, is Charles MacAlester He has given up the sport at present, but at one time was the acknowledged amateur pigeon shot of America. Without doubt he shot and won the biggest pigeon match ever held in this country, the match being with Dr. Knapp, at 200 live birds each, and a stake of $5000.

In his 17 years of pigeon-shooting he has a clean record, never having been defeated, and shot all-comers in the amateur class. His endurance was wonderful and his forte was matches at 200 birds apiece, with stakes as large as possible.

His last match was shot on March 15, 1894, on the Riverton grounds, against George Work, whom he defeated by seven birds, killing 176 to Work's 169 out of 200 shot at. He is rather tall, weighs 160 pounds and is about 42 years of age.

JOHN S. HOEY,​

Perhaps it may be well to mention in connection with these cracks the names of two men who are connected with every pigeon match of any importance shot in the East. Mr. John S. Hoey has been official referee at nearly all the big races shot by the men mentioned. He is of very slight "build, but tall in form, and would hardly look like a man who would stand much hard work, but he manages to act as patrol judge for the jockey club in summer and as referee in all important pigeon matches during the winter and spring The other is Major Jacob Pentz, known to all shooting men all over the United States as "Uncle Jake," and no shooting tournament, whether at live birds or targets, seems complete without "Uncle Jake" as official scoreman or referee, and his word is always law A decision made by him is never questioned.
[ SPORTING LIFE, March 23, 1895, page 15 ]

 

Found a little book in a local bookstore that would be of interest if you can locate a copy. "PIGEON SHOOTING by BLUE ROCK" bought it for a couple of bucks and was good reading. Incidentally BLUE ROCK is Capt. Albert w. Money
This edition was printed in 1987

 

Thanks for mentioning this book Big Jack. It's been in my library for years and it discusses several of the good pigeon shooters of the day, some of which most folks have never heard of, like Fred Hoey and George Work. The good Captain's two sons were pretty good trap shooters as well. A shooter from Newark, New Jersey, Christian Feigenspan, was one of New Jersey's great shooters. His family operated a brewery.

MONEY, Capt. Albert Wm.
MAY 1839, Suffolk, England –
Immigrated to U. S. in 1890
New York
Oakland, New Jersey
“E. C.” and “Schultze” Powder Company Representative
President of New Jersey State Sportsmen’s Association (1897)​

Guns Used:

1895 Greener 7 ½ lbs.
1897 Greener
1901 Parker 8 lbs. Ser. No.90,635 (Stolen in 1901)

The Captain lived in NY before moving to NJ. He was elected President of the New Jersey State Sportsmen’s Association in 1897. He was considered of of the top shooter of live birds in the country.

CAPTAIN MONEY​

is probably better known all over the United States and England than any of the other men mentioned. He is a regular veteran, and has won many hard-fought battles at the traps. His tall and rather slim form seems made of steel, and his position is always noticeable. Standing erect, both feet squarely together, he throws the whole force of his nature into his work, being quick and regular with both barrels, also regulating himself to various conditions of wind, light and quality of birds. He throws his elbow rather high, and grasps the gun well out on the barrel. He uses a Greener gun, and his best score is 94 out of 100, made at Riverton recently, in the big handicap race, and his score of 94 divided first money with George Work. He is the manufacturer of the famous E. C. powder, and no one could have succeeded in introducing it among the shooting men all over the country and making it so popular as Capt. A. W. Money.
[ SPORTING LIFE, March 23, 1895, page 15 ]

Tom Morfey has accepted the challenge of Captain A. W. Money to shoot for the trophy representing the clay bird championship of the State of New Jersey, an emblem now held by Morfey. The contest will take place next Saturday at Lyndhurst, N. J.
[ THE BROOKLYN DAILY EAGLE, (Brooklyn, New York), January 29, 1899, page 8 ]

Captain Money had two sons Harold B. and Noel. Both became great shooters. Harold went to work as a Winchester Representative.

AT INTERSTATE PARK
DOINGS OF THE PAST WEEK ON THE NEW YORK GROUNDS,
The Brooklyn Gun Club Holds Four Live Bird Events – Jack, Feigenspan and
Captain Money Straight – Harold Money Wins Interstate Handicap.​

Interstate Park, N. Y.,- Dec. 15. – Editor "Sporting Life:" The main trap shooting event on these grounds during the past week was the Brooklyn Gun Club shoot, on Dec. 11. There was a good crowd present, and the events, four in number, were well contested. Such men as Capt. Money, R. A. Welch, B. LeRoy, C. W. Feigenspan and Wm. Hopkins are sure to make good scores.

Among the contestants was the famous lady shot, Annie Oakley, who stood at 27 yards and made clean scores in the five, seven and ten-bird races.

On Dec., 12 the Interstate Park Handicap Was shot, with six entries. The conditions were: 25 birds, $10 entrance; birds extra; $5 added. This was the fifth contest for this prize. The previous winners have been Steve Van Allen, who has two wins; J. P. Daniels, and J. S. Fanning. The winner i:n this match was Harold Money, who shot in fine form and made a clean record, The four winners will meet for final possession of the trophy at Interstate Park some time next month.
[ SPORTING LIFE, December 22, 1900, page 12 ]

HAROLD B. MONEY
A Prominent Trap Shooter, Identified With Big W. Interests​

Harold B. Money is a valued member of the "Indians," a select American organization of trapshooters, though more than once anathematized as a "bad" Indian for certain pranks played on his unsuspecting fellow beings at the various shoots. There is generally something doing at any meeting of shotgun enthusiasts which he attends. Quite apart from the gathering of scores, though in this line the popular representative of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. by no means takes a subordinate position.
Mr. Money comes naturally by his love for firearms and his skill in the use of them, for there are few well informed sportsmen, of the United States who do not know his father, Capt. A. W. Money. Capt. Money is today a formidable opponent on either live birds or targets and his son may truthfully be regarded as a chip of the old block hi this respect. Harold Money has been a factor in many Southern meets this year and his percentage on targets has ranked uniformly high. His recent win at Selma, Ala., on Oct. 22 and 23, was secured by breaking 193 out of 200 each day, or 386 out of 400, nearly 97 per cent. In "Sporting Life" trap shooting reviews of past years Mr. Money has kept close to the 93 per cent. mark.
[ SPORTING LIFE, November 9, 1907, page 11 ]

Eventually Capt. Money returned to his homeland England and the sons followed.

HAPPENINGS AT VARIOUS TRAPS
Harold Money Revisits the States.​

After a trip of a little over one month aboard the steamer “City of Labore,” during which time he covered the stretch of water which lies between the Island of Ceylon and the port of Boston, U. S. A., Harold B. Money, now Captain Harold B. Money, late of the Royal North Lancashire Regiment of the British Army, has once more shown up in the trapshooting circles of New York City. The trapshooters of this country, at least all those who were in the game prior to 1914, will remember well his skill with the shotgun and the scores he put up with almost monotonous regularity. Probably his commanding officer during the war knew of his records at the trap, because sniping was made one of his special details whenever necessity or comfort called for particular attention to be paid one of the enemy. Trapshooters of the older generation will learn with regret that since Money has received a letter from a member of his family in England, which tells of the enfeebled condition of his father, Captain Albert W. Money, who for some twenty years, from 1889 to 1908 was an outstanding personality in trapshooting circles, his popularity with trapshooters being unquestioned.

“The Captain,” as he was generally referred to, is now 82 years of age and is practically confined to his bed. It is almost thirty years now since Captain Albert W. Money and his eldest son Noel E. Money (now General Money, of Qualicum Beach, Vancouver, B. C.), assisted in the organization of the Interstate Manufacturers’ and Dealers’ Association, and now the A. T. A., the first-named association was incorporated under the laws of New Jersey on December 27, 1892.
[ SPORTSMEN’S REVIEW, February 11, 1922, page 109 ]

Enjoy Our History !

 

History buff,I haven't checked in,in awhile. Thanks for your research and sharing your findings I hope you and other reader's and posters have a Very Merry Christmas.

 

Why thank you so much Doug Kennedy, on behalf of the other readers and posters my I (we) wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. Thank you for your kinds words.

I hope others get some enjoyment reading what I have to share. Would't be right to keep it all penned up in my files.

HistoryBuff

 

We should probably add E.D. Fulford, winner of the 1898 GAH at Live Birds

Fulford defeated Capt. Jack Brewer “Champion Wing Shot of the World” and “The Best Shot on Live Birds the World Has Ever Known” when they shot three, 100 bird matches at Al Heritage's grounds, Marion, New Jersey in November, 1891 for $3000 a side. Fulford killed 204 birds straight during the event.
Fulford won the rematch January, 1892 at Woodland Park, Long Island for $1,000 a side, killing 100 birds straight to Brewer’s 99. In preliminary practice and in the match Fulford scored 421 birds straight.

At a Live Bird championship in N.J. Dec. 1896, Fulford used a 8# Greener with 1 1/4 oz. shot and 54 grains = 3 3/4 Dr. Eq. “Schultze”
http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/SportingLife/1896/VOL_28_NO_12/SL2812012.pdf



Fulford won the 1898 Grand American Handicap at Live Birds as a shooting representative of the Remington Arms Co., and used a Remington hammerless gun weighing 7 3/4 lbs., 3 1/2 Dram “Schultze” powder in U.M.C. Trap shells, three inches in length; 1 1/4 oz. No. 7 shot.

 

J.A.R. Elliott was part of the victorious American team in the 1901 Anglo-American match
1901 International Match; 1900, 1912 & 1920 Olympic Games

Following the match, he went on to Belgium and joined R.A. Welch competing in a series of pigeon matches, winning 1000 francs in one match. The purse in Namur was $40,000 USD.
That would be about $1,100,000 today.

 

I took the liberty of enhancing HBs image of the Fulford Memorial Dedication from
"Sporting Review" June 24, 1905



The Parson looks to be front left, and to his left, behind his right shoulder is Harvey McMurchy of Hunter Arms. 3 over is Tom Keller of Peters Cartridge Co. and in the next row back about 3 heads over may be R.R. Merrill.
About 7 heads from the middle on the right is Neaf Apgar. Far right front may be Jack Fanning, and on his left possibly Rolla Heikes.
I don't see Tom Marshall, Fred Quimby, nor J.A.R. Elliott.

 

https://books.google.com/books?id=6JbaHddByIUC&pg=PA506&vq

DEATH OF E. D. FULFORD.
Elijah D. Fulford, famous the world over as a trap shot, died at his home in Utica, N. Y., Oct. 15, 1904 after a brief illness, of pneumonia. Mr. Fulford was 41 years of age, and for several years past had been employed as a shooting representative by the Union Metallic Cartridge Company and the Remington Arms Co. He was a faithful worker and never lost an opportunity to promote the interests of his employers.
In 1892 Mr. Fulford established a name among shooters all over the world by defeating J.L. Brewer, at that time the acknowledged champion wing shot of the world. Fulford killed 100 birds straight and Brewer killed 99. In preliminary practice and in the match Fulford scored 421 birds straight, a feat which undoubtedly will never be equalled. Fulford was a favorite among the shooting fraternity. He was always good natured, genial and entertaining. He was an honest, wholesouled sportsmen and delighted in surrounding himself with a crowd and relating his experiences at trap and field. He was an inventor of considerable note, his greatest achievement being the Fulford single trigger. He also invented an automatic target trap of great merit, besides many other things.
Mr. Fulford was a native of Bridgeport, Conn. Besides his wife he leaves three brothers, John W., of Morristown, N. J.: Thomas B., of Schenectady, N. Y., and Robert, of Dillon, Mass.

 

Sporting Life, May 5, 1900
"The greatest live pigeon match every shot in Milwaukee"
http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/SportingLife/1900/VOL_35_NO_07/SL3507013.pdf

George Roll at Watson's Park, Chicago Dec. 1897



Leslie's Weekly Illustrated, N.Y., May 4, 1899. I believe this is Roll, using a Remington Hammerless, standing behind the winner Thomas Marshall



Roll won the Amateur Championship at the 1908 GAH
https://books.google.com/books?id=ejQevDPMUIYC&pg=PA25
http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/SportingLife/1908/VOL_51_NO_17/SL5117024.pdf

 

HIs photo from the GAH Live Bird program...

Trap3

 

Thanks for posting. Must admit, that's about as dapper a man I've seen.

 

Mr. Fulford`s Advice to Live Bird Trapshooters April 1903...

Trap3

 

Countless times articles written in newspapers were submitted by writers unfamiliar with trapshooting. The same lack of knowledge remains today when those composing firearm related articles spout untruths about guns, some unintentional and some intentional.

There were several terms used by sportsmen to help readers understand Blue Rocks were not live birds. Early terms were clay pigeons, flying targets and clay targets. For a number of years sporting journals referred to these targets as "inanimate" targets.

ADJECTIVE

1. not alive, especially not in the manner of animals and humans.

Unfortunately, there were still writers who continued to report on State Shoots where they killed thousands of clay pigeons.

I believe it was 1902 when New York passed legislation prohibiting live bird shooting. New Yorker shooters then traveled to New Jersey where this type legislation had failed to pass into law. But, in 1904 these events were prohibited in NJ.

Note how shooters responded to the prohibition. They brought to the attention that ladies must not know where those pretty feathers in all their hats came from.

CLUB MEMBERS INTERESTED
Prominent Local Shots Going To Kansas City​

Since the passage of the bill by the New York Legislature prohibiting the shooting of live pigeons within the confines of the State, the opponents of the measure have been very quiet, giving the outward semblance of conforming to the law gracefully. This has been the appearance on the surface, but the conversation has not been of so mild a character among the enthusiasts of pigeon shooting whenever a few members of the Westminster and Cartaret Clubs or of the Interstate Park Association have gathered together.

[ THE NEW YORK TIMES, March 19, 1902, page ]

The Inconsistency of It​

The Legislature of New York has passed a bill making it illegal to slaughter tame birds for purposes of sport. This is wise. The Legislature might have gone further with propriety. Since women will not legislate for themselves by refusing to deck their bonnets with the plumage of birds destroyed to minister to the cruel vanity a statutory stop might also be brought to bear against this form of bird murder. – Philadelphia Record.

[ SPORTING LIFE, March 29, 1902, page 12 ]

Mr. Elijah D. Fulford died too young. I believe he was 41. He beat the best in the sport, John L. Brewer, J. A. R. Elliott, Rolla O. Heikes, ect.

He was well-liked by all shooters, so much, that a monument was erected in his hometown of Utica, NY honoring him. It was paid for by donations from fellow shooters.

Letter of Appreciation​

The following is a copy of a letter sent by the Fulford Monument Committee to Mr. James T. Skelly, who so ably handled the cash and whose continued efforts in this matter had much to do with its successful fulfillment:

Utica, N. Y., June 14. – Mr. James T. Skelly, Du Pont Powder Co., Wilmington, Del. – Dear Sir: Now that the Fulford Monument has been erected in a most satisfactory manner to all concerned, we, the committee, take the present opportunity of thanking you for the pains you have taken in this matter. While we have each put forth every effort to make it a success, we feel that you, in acting as treasurer, have done more than your share and again we extend our heart-felt thanks for the conscientious and business-like manner in which you handled the funds entrusted to your care by the sportsmen of America. Yours very truly,

T. H. KELLER,
J. S. FANNING
J. A. R. ELLIOTT,
FRANK E. BUTLER,

Committee.
[ SPORTING LIFE, June 24, 1905, page 22 ]

AT THE SIGN OF THE BLUE ROCK​

Superior shooting qualities have always been closely linked in the public mind with the Greener gun, and since the invention of the Greener choke bore in 1875 the distribution of shot at long range has been much improved. In fact, it is only by adopting the Greener system of choke boring that scientific distribution of shot is possible. By this system the results have remained regular through long series of shots with over 80 per cent of the standard charge evenly distributed in a 30 inch circle at 40 yards.

So much sought after is this extra close shooting, if coupled with even distribution, that it is by common consent rated as the most essential quality in a shotgun and is the hardest to produce. An interesting example of this quality was shown in a Greener gun used by the late E. D. Fulford, in which he killed 421 live pigeons straight with one retrieved dead out of bounds, which is a record that has never even been approached for closeness and regularity of shooting.

This special feature is found in all Greener Grand Prize pigeon guns, and the distinguishing mark of this grade is an English Blue rock Pigeon engraved on the rib.

Where this is found it is a guarantee that the gun has been specially bored for close pattern and even distribution. Guns bored this way are equally valuable for live birds, clay targets, duck shooting, etc. We have a large stock of them in all grades.

HENRY C. SQUIRES & SON,
20 Cortlandt St. NEW YORK
[ FOREST AND STREAM, January 20, 1906, page 120 ]

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Enjoy Our History !

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Some other very good pigeon shots were Bud Covert, David Dill, Mike Hampton, Mike Jordan, but Richard Smith always seemed to be at or near the top in the HOA at any club he shot. I'm sure I'll think of some more good shots. Most of the ones ,mentioned were before my time. From what I know George Snellenburger was the killer in the 60's. I've heard many stories of his 25 straights at clubs during that time, but that was before I ever seen a pigeon ring. I think i shot my first birds in 1976 and I know I killed my first 25 straight at Ryan's Club in Maysville Ky. I miss those shoots.

 

History Buff, I'm not well versed on the great pigeon shooters, but as a kid and Joe Devers being from our area (Vandalia, Ohio) I remember listening to many conversations about Joe. Often times he was referred to as the best all around shotgun shooter in the world. I did not know Joe well, but I remember standing next to him in a shoot off (probably in the 60's) at the grand and talking with him afterward. I don't remember what the shoot off was for, but when it ended Joe and I were both spectators.

I don't know that he was one of the great pigeon shooters, but he was quite involved in the sport. Chauncey Huber from Tiffin, Ohio who was the ATA president in I believe 1957. I know that he made some trips to Cuba to arrange shoots between our country and Cuba. I have been interested in learning more about Mr. Huber, but I haven't been able to find much information about him and his shooting career.

Dave Berlet

 

Correction, On my last post I should have said 1954 for Mr. Huber's presidency.

Dave Berlet