London Bicentennial (Snippet 10)

 Jack Johnson Jailed in London - 1909

That article is from the Daily Alaskan, Skagway, Aug. 7,1909.

   The story also appeared in the New York Times on Aug. 7, 1909: "Jack" Johnson Fined: Was Charged With Running Down Automobile With His Machine."

   LONDON, Ontario, Aug. 6.-Jack Johnson, the negro pugilist, was arrested here this morning on the strength of a telegram from the Chief of Police at Woodstock, Ontario.

   Johnson is alleged to have gone through Woodstock at an excessive rate of speed in his automobile and to have run down another autoist, smashing his machine.

  He took his arrest quietly and wanted to pay his fine, whatever it might be. It was arranged by telephone that Police Magistrate Love of London should try the case. Johnson was fined $55 and continued on his way to Chicago."

   The car may have been this one:

  The "Galveston Giant" was often in trouble with the law, particularly when he was with white women, three of whom were his wives. There is plenty written about him and there is a Ken Burn's documentary. The Wikipedia entry will keep you busy for the rest of the day. 
   Johnson was in the news more recently. President Trump pardoned him during his first term. Here is what was said in the Oval Office: "Remarks by President Trump at Pardoning of John Arthur “Jack” Johnson" May 24, 2018.