Need Help on ca. 1885 Boxing Cabinet Photo

[Exhibitman]

Hattie Stewart.

Hattie Stewart, sometimes nick-named 'The Female John L. Sullivan', was a well-known female boxer of the very late 1800s. She was born in 1857. The 1925 postcard with her 1890s photo says: "Above is pictured Hattie Gillen, as she appeared thirty years ago when she was recognized as Hattie Stewart, the female woman heavyweight boxer. Hattie Stewart married Thomas Gillen, an actor and former pugilist and they now live quietly in the Bronx, New York. Hattie Stewart to use the name by which she was known throughout the century more than a quarter century ago, proved her right to the title she boasted and on many occasions asserted her pugilistic superiority over some men opponents. She appeared at many boxing clubs and theaters throughout the country boxing both women and men – and in those days the woman's place was supposed to be in the home." In the ring, muscular Hattie acted resolutely and rapidly like a man being a champion for seven years.


The 'National Police Gazette' mentioned Hattie Stewart many times. In its issue as of September 24, 1892 it wrote: "Norfolk, Virginia then produced a burly female who had been taught the art of boxing. She startled sporting circles by issuing a challenge to meet any female In America in a boxing contest for the championship. Her name was Hattie Stewart. She was about 5 feet 7 Inches in height and weighed about 150 pounds. She was well proportioned, her chest measuring 37 inches; while she was a beautiful specimen of physical development, and stripped she looked a perfect Amazon. She could hit straight with her left and bring her right across a la John L. Sullivan. If any woman was fitted for a female champion, Hattie Stewart was the one that would fill the bill in every particular. She appeared at all the variety and music halls In America and Canada, and not only did the young giantess knock out female rivals, but held her own with professional male boxers." In another article the 'Gazette' said: "This package of muscular dynamic was the first woman to become 'World Female Boxing Champion'. Hattie who was born in Norfolk had boxed all the women challengers in variety theaters around the country. She won the title on April 14, 1884 by defeating Anna Lewis, a tough rough customer."

In 1890, Hattie Stewart, of Norfolk, Virginia, put out a public challenge in a local newspaper, to the heavyweight boxer Hattie Leslie, of Buffalo, New York. Stewart, who was living in Seattle, Washington, at the time of her public challenge, told the press that she wanted to fight Leslie in a 'boxing championship' and that she would receive $250 and that Leslie would receive $250, with an additional $100 to Leslie for expenses. After Leslie found out about the 'Public Challenge', she came back with her own 'public response'. The response was published in the 'Winnipeg Free Press' on September 25, 1890. Leslie stated the following: "I have seen a challenge to me from Hattie Stewart, stating she would meet me in a glove contest for $250 a side and that she would allow me $100 for expenses; but she has no money put up. Now I will make an offer to her: I will fight her 'Police Gazette' rules [until outright victory] to govern, with gloves weighing two ounces, bare hands preferred, and I will give or take $250 for expenses. We can get police protection, and if Stewart wants to fight in San Diego, California, she will have to get the same. Now, let Stewart put up her money with the Police Gazette, and I will cover it, and I will fight her three months after the articles [contracts] are signed. This is no bluff. (Signed) Hattie Leslie, champion female pugilist (not boxer) of the world." It is unknown though if the two ever met in the ring; Hattie Leslie died two years later.

The 'National Police Gazette' named the best four 'first boxing championesses': Hattie Stewart, Hattie Leslie, Cecil Richards, Dolly Adams. The newspaper considered Hattie Stewart as the best of them; the Gazette believed she was "able to beat any man of her weight."