Biglin Brothers

The Biglin Brothers: John (died April 19, 1886[1]), James (1851–1917), and Bernard ["Barney"] (1840–1924) were brothers from New York active in professional rowing during the decade following the American Civil War, when rowing was one of America's most popular spectator sports.

The trouble started when the Biglin Brothers’ four man team (consisting of the brothers and Dennis Leary) defeated a local crew consisting of William Stevens, Homer Wooden, William Burger, and Ezekiel Beneway.

The officials gave the race to the Biglin Brothers, and barely escaped with their lives.

Because of the results the city descended into a riot as fights broke out between supporters of the rival crews.

The race was covered by numerous newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times and brought the brothers considerable fame.