Story finally told of world’s first black superstar

Now the incredible story of the first black professional footballer in the world, who enjoyed a meteoric rise only to end his days in 1930 dying of emphysema, largely forgotten by his 19th century fans, is to be captured in full for the first time.

Arthur Wharton’s extraordinary exploits include the glory of being officially the fastest runner in the world from 1886 until 1888 and becoming the first black athlete to win the 100 yards at the Amateur Athletics Association’s Championship in London.

Later he turned professional to win the world sprint championship and enjoyed a varied football career starting at Preston North End before signing professionally at Rotherham Town to become the world’s first paid black footballer.

His charisma, antics and fiery attitude would later see him become an unlikely Northern working class hero.

But his life began in Ghana, West Africa, when he was born in 1865 to Henry, a half Granadian/half Scottish missionary and Annie, who was related to the Fante royal family.

His wealthy upper class family decided to give him a British public school education and this was followed by him studying Divinity for three years.

But it was the world of sport that captured his imagination and he went on to play for Sheffield United and a number of northern football clubs in the 1890s mainly as a goalkeeper but also playing outfield.

From 1891 he began a parallel career as a publican in Rotherham and in 1915 he began work at Yorkshire Main Colliery at Edlington, Doncaster, as a haulage hand.

In 1930 he suffered a long, painful illness and died on December 12 aged 65. He was buried in an unmarked grave in a municipal cemetery.

Now, for the first time, his story is to be properly documented thanks to a grant of £117,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Activities planned include a film-making project that will document Wharton’s life to be distributed to schools, community groups and football clubs.

Fiona Spiers, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “There are many gaps in the knowledge we have about Arthur Wharton and the material is currently scattered across several archives.

“This grant will enable his remarkable story to be preserved while offering many people the chance to gain valuable skills in the process.”

Wharton’s granddaughter Sheila Leeson, 79, of Rotherham, helped bring Arthur’s exploits to light in 1994 when she was clearing out her mother’s home and found a large wooden box of ancient family photographs.

Her sister suggested they be thrown away but Mrs Leeson decided to keep them and it was a year later when her son-in-law began investigating how this extraordinary sportsman had not only taken the 19th century athletics world by storm but also become a brilliant runner, champion cyclist, cricketer and rugby enthusiast.

She said: “I think what is happening is fantastic. He was a remarkable man and I just hope his story will encourage children to look into their own ancestry which appears to be a popular pastime these days. I am very proud of him.”

Howard Holmes, of Football Unites, Racism Divides, added: “He was a Victorian superstar and his story is as relevant today as it was back in the 19th century. As well as an outstanding sportsman he was a proto-trade unionist and all round sporting icon.

“He was quite a fiery character with a bit of an attitude. Once when he won a competition for throwing a cricket ball and won second place also, he smashed the trophy he was presented with after being told he couldn’t have both prizes.”

LIFE AND TIMES OF A TRUE PIONEER

Like many heroes he was never fully acknowledged in his lifetime and died a largely forgotten man.

Arthur Wharton was renowned as an entertaining performer and, in those rather different footballing days when goalkeepers could handle the ball anywhere in their half of the pitch, was lauded for his prodigious punching of the ball.

His sporting prowess meant he was never short of female attention and he married Emma Lister in 1890.

A man who liked a drink, he took over the Albert Tavern, Rotherham, as licensee a year later but still kept his hand in sportswise by playing cricket for Rotherham Borough Police among other teams.

The year 1894 saw him transfer to play for Sheffield United. The following year he must have been delighted that shoulder-charging goalies was finally disallowed – reducing the risk of injuries.

In 1915 he began work at Edlington pit. He died in a sanatorium in 1930.