Authored by Kerin Santos
The Ward Brothers, Winners of the Saratoga International Regatta (Joshua, Henry, Gilbert, Ellis) – From a Photograph by Baker & Record, Saratoga Springs
A group of distinguished athletes – all brothers – lived in the beautiful riverfront town of Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York in the mid- to late-1800s (Norsen 1958, p. 20). These Ward Brothers took the world of competitive rowing by storm with their impressive talents. They were five of fourteen children born to Isaac and Winifred Ward. Isaac Ward, originally from Middle Hope outside of Newburgh, was an experienced seaman as a proprietor of fishing vessels, sloops, and “Yankee schooners” and was a hotel-owner as well (Norsen 1958, p.21). Isaac prided himself on teaching his sons to row and sail on the Hudson River from the time they were young and he shared with them everything he knew about the river and boats (Norsen 1958, p.21). From eldest to youngest, the brothers include William Henry (Hank), Charles, Joshua (Josh), Gilbert (Gil), and Ellis.