By Davy Crockett

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Perhaps this is the tabloid episode of 19th century pedestrianism. In the late 1800s, ultrarunners (called pedestrians back then), both male and female spent a prolonged time away from their homes and families as they traveled to compete in races across American and in England. As with other professional athletes and celebrities, even in our day, love scandals would at times emerge that made for popular gossipy news stories. Many of these ultrarunners/pedestrians became instantly wealthy and had numerous adoring fans and friends who wished to be part of this new wild free-spending lifestyle. Some of these love scandals were covered in newspapers all over the country.

Get Davy Crockett's new book, Frank Hart: The First Black Ultrarunning Star. In 1879, Hart broke the ultrarunning color barrier and then broke the world six-day record with 565 miles, fighting racism with his feet and his fists.

Fannie Edwards’ Love Triangle

Brewster Hall

In 1879, Fannie Edwards (1856-) of New York City, born in Portland Maine, burst onto the stage of pedestrianism when she succeeded in walking 3,000 quarter miles in 3,000 quarter hours at Brewster Hall in New York City on March 20, 1879.

But along with her fame came scandal. She became quickly involved in a love triangle. She had been seen in public with Frank Leonardson for several months in the New York City area.  Frank, also a pedestrian, was described as very good looking. He served as her trainer during her successful month-long walk.  Fannie was described as “quite young, below the medium height and of slight 100 pounds, almost fragile physique. She has large lustrous brown eyes, an abundance of dark hair, and well-rounded features, suffused with the glow of health.”

In March 1879, Frank’s wife of seven years, Delia Leonardson, filed for abandonment and wanted some of his estimated $800 of pedestrian winnings for the support of their two children.  Frank was arrested and a trial was held. “Lenardsen admitted the marriage and desertion, but said he could hardly support himself, but was willing to do whatever he could for his wife.” He claimed that he had only earned $31 as Fannie’s trainer but made no mention of his previous success as a pedestrian. He had started competing in May 1878, in a 36-hour race, as a member of the Scottish American Athletic Club in New York City. He could balance a quart bottle filled with beef tea on his head as he walked. They had been likely involved for a year. “It was learned during the hearing that Miss Edwards induced him to forsake his wife for her company, sharing her earnings with him.” She had even hired his lawyer for the trial.

Fannie Edwards

The judge ruled that Frank must pay his wife $200 and pay $3 per week for alimony. “Fannie screamed, ‘Is that all?’ with delight and surprise. She then bounded, brushed past Mrs. Lenardsen, and offered her gold watch and chain, her necklace, bracelets, and earrings to the court as security to have Frank released.” The judge said, “The court is not a pawn shop for lovers.” She then wrote out a check for the $200 and $156 for a year of support, and said, “That’s cheap enough, I’d pay a thousand dollars to be rid of her.” Delia was left in a corner of the courtroom “crying as if her heart would break.” Frank and Fannie Edwards went off together. To get away from the scandal, they went to California to compete.

At some point during their relationship, Frank took on the stage name of “Frank L. Edwards,” and they told people in California that he was Fannie’s brother. They weren’t discrete enough, the press noticed that Fannie soon had a diamond ring that they figured out came from Frank. But evidently their relationship only lasted a few months more.

Fannie Edwards Destroys Another Marriage

Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York

Fannie Edwards was not through destroying marriages. William A. Cousins (1858-1880),