John Morrissey
Athlete, Sportsman, Politician, Entrepreneur
John Morrissey was born in County Tipperary, Ireland in 1831 and immigrated with his parents to Troy, New York, in 1834. As a young street tough, he was arrested several times for burglary and assault with intent to kill and served time in jail before he was 18.
Building on his reputation as a street fighter, he moved to New York City in 1849 to pursue a career as a professional prizefighter. He soon became part of the Tammany Hall network, using his street skills to enforce Boss Tweed's will. He learned about fighting, politics and high society while in New York. In 1853 he went on to become the American boxing champion by defeating Yankee Sullivan.
Morrissey first came to Saratoga Springs in 1861 and operated a small gaming house, and was also a founding member of the Saratoga Race Course while still in his 30s. he represented New York's Fifth District for two terms in Congress, 1867–71. He was elected to the New York State Senate and served 1876–78.
John Morrissey knew that there was more money to be made, and starting in 1867 he invested $190,000 to build an elegant Casino. Opening in 1870, his Saratoga Club House was a draw for wealthy and prominent visitors from across the world.
Although he never attained the social respectability he desired, when Morrissey died at the Adelphi Hotel in 1878 of pneumonia at age 47, nearly 20,000 people attended his funeral in Troy.