The death of Jimmy Wilson
After a comparatively long Illness Mr James [‘Jimmy’] Wilson, a famous footballer in the early days, passed away in a private hospital at Geelong on the morning of November 16.
Like all racing men, he was inordinately fond of cricket, and before the new [MCG] stand was built could always be found under the old press-box, with half a dozen cronies.
There were many great footballers in the early days of the game, the recognised two champions being George Coulthard of Carlton, and Jimmy Wilson of Geelong. Coulthard was reckoned the more finished player of the two, with Wilson the stronger.
The veteran that has gone the way of all flesh was of splendid physique, with great dash and strength, and was a mighty power in the football world when he lead Geelong in the days of George Watson.
After a comparatively long Illness Mr. James [‘Jimmy’] Wilson, a famous footballer in the early days, passed away in a private hospital at Geelong on the morning of November 16.
Like all racing men, he was inordinately fond of cricket, and before the new [MCG] stand was built could always be found under the old press-box, with half a dozen cronies.
There were many great footballers in the early days of the game, the recognised two champions being George Coulthard of Carlton, and Jimmy Wilson of Geelong. Coulthard was reckoned the more finished player of the two, with Wilson the stronger.
The veteran that has gone the way of all flesh was of splendid physique, with great dash and strength, and was a mighty power in the football world when he lead Geelong in the days of George Watson.
Long association with racing (The Argus, 23 November, 1935)
Mr. James Wilson, who died in a private hospital in Geelong on Saturday, aged 79 years, was associated with horseracing for more than 60 years, first as a jockey and then as trainer and owner. With his father he made the St. Albans stud at Bonny Vale near Geelong one of the most famous in Australia. When weighing less than four stone he had his first ride in a race at Flemington on New Years Day 1869, and he soon became one of the leading jockeys.
Mr. Wilson trained Merriwee winner of the Victoria Derby and Melbourne Cup in 1899 for the late Mr. Herbert Power. In 1918 he owned and trained Outlook, the winner of the A.J.C. Sires Produce Stakes and Champagne Stakes, and the colt was then sold to the late Mr. S. P. Mackay for 5,000 guineas. Other winners owned and trained by him were; V. R. C. St. Leger Stakes - Silver King (1885), Danaus (1911), and Nautical (1921); Oakleigh Plate - Perspective (1926), A.J.C. Metropolitan - Sir Andrew (1923), A. J. C. St. Leger - Sir Andrew (1923), Brimming and Monodia.
In his younger days Mr Wilson was a noted athlete and was captain of the Geelong football team in 1878 and 1879 and also captained a Victorian team on a visit to Adelaide.
His health had been indifferent for some time and he was unable to visit Flemington on Cup Day this year. This was the first Melbourne Cup he had missed in 70 years.
Mr Wilson is survived by a widow and granddaughter. His daughter died some years ago.
The funeral, which was private, was at the Point Lonsdale Cemetery. The Rev. A. Gamble of Leopold officiated at the home and at the graveside. Messrs. King and Wellington of Ryrie street Geelong were in charge of the arrangements.
Footnotes
Title: Death of James Wilson
Author: Jack Worrall
Publish: The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic: 1864-1946)
Date: Saturday, 23 November 1935, p.23 (Article)
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