A SPORTING PARSON.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4561, 17 August 1883, Page 2

A SPORTING PARSON.

The Eev. Jack Russell, better known as Parson ' Jack' Russell, the last of the sporting parsons, died recently at Home. Parson ' Jack' Russell was a most re« markable figure, and in the hunting field he shons conspicuously as a gallant rider and a pleasant companion. He was evef welcome, and his company was eagerly sought after. He had a noble bearing, standing over six feet, and his looks did not belie him, for a truer-hearted and more generous man never lived. His love of field sports did not interfere with the discharge of his parochial duties, and by his parishioners he was much beloved. A capital story is related concerning him. He was an old friend of the late Mr Gilbert, of the West of England Sank, and one day he called at the bank to see the manager. Mr Gilbert had to leave on business, and in order that his friend might have company he called ona of the bank clerks, who was known ai a veryjjagreeable man, a tolerably smart athlete, and who was fond of gymnastic feats. The young fellow was left with ' Jack ' and told to amuse him as best he could for an hour or so. At the expiration of the time Mr Gilbert returned, bat as he neared the ' sweating-room' in which he had left the two he heard rapid steps and noises.which he could not account for. On opening the door he soon saw what they proceeded from. There was the bank clerk with his coat off, and they were having a splendid set-to with the gloves (which the bank young man had handy). There they were sparring away like clock-work, as Sam Weller has it, and the manager for some minutes looking on to ons of the most extraodinary scenes ever witnessed in a bank parlour. The old divine was then approaching his fourscore years, but he was almost, if not quite, a match for his young and active companion.