Tom Hyer

Tom Hyer (January 1, 1819 – June 26, 1864) was an American bare-knuckle boxer. He was a champion of boxing in America from September 9, 1841 to 1851.
Hyer was born in New York in 1819. His father Jacob had also been a prizefighter. Hyer was recognized as a champion of boxing after a 101-round victory over Country McCloskey at Caldwell's Landing New York on September 9, 1841. He did not fight again for nearly ten years.
Hyer defeated James Ambrose, also known as "Yankee" Sullivan in the 16th round at Still Pond Creek, Maryland on February 7, 1849. The fight lasted 17 minutes, 18 seconds and Hyer won a $10,000 purse. This was a widely publicized boxing match at the time and helped to ignite the sport's popularity. Hyer retired in 1851. While he challenged other fighters, he never fought again. Yankee Sullivan claimed Hyer's title in 1851 based on Hyer's retirement.

Death

Hyer died in 1864, with a reported cause of death as "cardiac dropsy".

Family

Tom married Emma Beke of Maine and had one daughter, Charlotte, who later married Floyd Grant. Charlotte and Floyd had a daughter, May Rankin Grant, who married Charles R Davis. All are interred at the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.