the train crossed the International Railway Bridge fromNiagara Falls to Buffalo, Delahanty scuffled with the night watchman and subsequently either jumped or fell into the Niagara River. After his passing, Delahanty’s family sued the Michigan Central Railway Company for $20,000. They were eventually awarded the sum of $5,000 ($3,000 to his wife Norine, and an additional $2,000 to his daughter), for leaving Delahanty so close to the bridge in his intoxicated and unbalanced condition. The mystery of what caused his fall from the bridge has never been solved, and has captured the fascination of hobbyists to the point where Delahanty’s cards and memorabilia are among the most highly coveted of his era. Presented here is the most unique piece of Delahanty memorabilia we have encountered: a full copy of the “Appeal Book” presenting evidence and testimony from the railroad’s trial, originating from Norine Delahanty. Printed on brittle paper (almost onion skin) and string-bound together under a lightweight cardboard cover, the document files an appeal of the jury’s $5,000 award, motioning for a non-suit. The 91-page document presents all the evidence from the case, along with the entire testimony from the initial trial. The book contains the testimony from John Cole, the train conductor who removed Delahanty from the train, as well as Samuel Kingston, the bridge guard with whom Delahanty fought after being removed from the train. The book is well-worn, as the thin paper has become brittle with time (as one would expect). Some of the pages have torn out but are still all accounted for; many exhibit tears or creases, particularly at the edges and corners. Handwritten notations and underlines appear within the text, likely from Delahanty, as most arewrittenwithin specific areas of testimony that describe her husband’s drinking on the night of his disappearance. The cover exhibits creases, folds and tears, with significant loss at the bottom-right corner of the front. The majority of the text on the cover is legible, as is all the text inside. This is an extremely significant document, as it contains all the testimony from everyone involved with the Delahanty disappearance, including the last man to see Ed Delahanty alive, the railroad worker with whom he famously scuffled at the foot of the International Railway Bridge. It also contains testimony from Norine Delahanty herself, describing her husband’s condition when he was drinking, as well as his profession as a baseball player. It is, essentially, the most complete account of the final day of Ed Delahanty, along with information about the court case and how it was presented and cross-examined. An absolutely fascinating piece, originating directly from the family of Ed Delahanty, his wife’s copy of the court testimony
57 Incredible 1904 Norine Delahanty “Appeal Book” - The Ed Delahanty Court Testimony! “Big Ed” Delahanty was one of the greatest hitter of the 19th Century, hitting .400 three times in the 1890s and driving in 100 runs seven times in his career. In 1902, he joined the fledgling American League, winning a batting title in 1902 and becoming the only player to win batting titles in both leagues. Around this time, however, Delahanty began having problems in his personal life. His wife, Norine, was suffering with an illness, and Delahanty began to accumulate debts from gambling. At the end of the 1902 season, Delahanty signed a contract with the New York Giants that paid a $4000 advance, to help mitigate the debt. Unfortunately for Delahanty, an arrangement between the American and National Leagues to honor one another’s contractsmeant that Delahanty had to return toWashington for the 1903 season, and pay back the $4000 advance. Delahanty held out for more, but ultimately Washington paid back the advance with an agreement to withhold $2000 per year from his salary as reimbursement. Preparing for the 1903 season, Delahanty began to behave erratically, drinking more and eventually leaving his team on July 2 in Detroit, and heading to New York, ostensibly to re-join the Giants. Delahanty’s drunken behavior on the train resulted in his removal, and as
describing her husband’s death. MINIMUM BID: $1,000.00
www.LoveOfTheGameAuctions.com
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