Captain Tom Gundry is dead (1888)

Captain Tom Gundry is dead. This brief announcement will be mad with regret by Cornishmen in every quarter of the world.

“Captain Tom” was the best known of the old school of Cornish wrestlers, and will be remembered for his prowess in the ring, and not as an mine agent. Born 70 years ago Captain Tom Gundry was bred in the parish of Sithney, and from a child developed a strong passion for the favourite sport of the West Countryman.

In the old day’s, wrestling was cultivated to a far higher degree than now; the leading gentlemen of the county, assisted by their patronage, presence, and financial support; and a match was the signal for an exodus of miners to witness the bouts. Captain Tom held the championship for a long period; he won many cups and wrestled, not only in Cornwall and Devon; but in London also. It is said of him that whilst he unquestionably bought many “backs,” be never sold his own. He was at one time the agent at Camborne Consols, and at another period agent at North Basset. Of late years he now and then assisted stickler in the wrestling field. He expired at his home near Camborne, on Tuesday evening.

The Mining Journal, 27th October 1888. pp. 1219. Available online via Google Books.