THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES GORDON BENNET II, 1841 - 1918
Gordon
Bennett, not an exclamation but a real person
Born
in New York but enjoying a European education
Named
after his father who had been born a Scotsman
An
immigrant to America who became a newspaperman
An
accomplished New York journalist for many years
Founding
the herald instituting many modern ideas
Known
as Gordon to distinguish him from his father
A
good journalist but he liked the good life rather
But
he took over the herald and his father’s throne
He
sent Stanley to Africa to seek out Dr Livingstone
He
was never afraid to back a dangerous expedition
Even
De Long’s ill-fated trip to the arctic region.
Gordon
was at one time engaged to Miss Caroline May
But
he committed a most dreadful faux pas one-day
Arriving
at her parent’s mansion, both drunk and late
In
front of her he proceeded to urinate in the grate
Bennett
was unceremoniously ejected and sent away
Well,
the engagement was broken off needless to say
He
lived mainly in Paris after the fireplace incident
But
still running the herald by cable as president
Bennett
was fond of sports, especially of yachting
But
also, of balloon, aeroplane and motor racing
Sponsoring
many international events of the day
Some
of the many trophies are still raced for today
Gordon
Bennett was a bit of a daredevil of his day
He
was known to be a playboy in an eccentric way
According
to one particular well reported yarn
Bennett
flew his aeroplane through an open barn
One
surprised onlooker was supposed to have said
'Gordon
Bennett' and hence the phrase was spread
Many
names are remembered after the individual dies
He’s
still better known as an exclamation of surprise
Gordon
Bennett is one of the many euphemisms used
In
order to prevent the word “god” being misused.
A
colorful character whos daring exploits were famed
Would
we remember had he been differently named?
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