Ward brothers (rowers)

The Ward brothers were four members of one family who rowed, sometimes forming four and two-man crews and sometimes individually.

The four brothers were part of a large family; nine sons and five daughters were born to Isaac and Winifred Ward.

These were; William Henry, b 1827, known as ‘Hank’, Charles, b 1831 Joshua, b 1838, known as ‘Josh’, Gilbert, b 1841, Additionally another son, Ellis Ward, b 1846, sometimes shared the honours if one of the others was unavailable.

Josh Ward wins his first single scull match, rowing against John Hancon: 2 miles, in 16 minutes 7 seconds (16:7), won by two lengths.

Josh becomes Champion Single Sculler of America, winning Tiffany solid silver championship belt: 5 mile race with a turn halfway, in 35:10.

1865: AUG., At Cornwall, N. Y. Josh defeats Hancon, Biglin, Grady, Radford (England), McKiel, Bergen and June.

Josh wins single scull race against Walter Brown, Doyle and McKiel: 2 miles, in 15:59.