Lexington in Fayette County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Cassius Clay Tankersly (c. 1866-1886)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

1. Cassius Clay Tankersly (c. 1866-1886) Marker

Inscription. had been employed by Barak G. Thomas, owner of Dixiana Farm, as a 'race rider' since he was fourteen years old. He was mounted for the Harold Stakes at Latonia. Cassius' fate was reported in several publications: “The sad accident which befell young Tankersly yesterday was universally regretted by all, as more promising young jockey than he would be hard to find. He has been head lad for the Thomas stable for several years and has piloted many good ones to the front, among them Queen Ban, Punster, Violater, Sis Himyar and others. The loss of this jockey will be heavy one to Major Thomas." — Lexington Daily Press, p4, c5, 5/29/1886

"Jockey Tankersly, died Friday night from the effects of severe injuries received in a race that day. He was thrown from Brother Ban, and must have been trampled on, as his skull was fractured." — Spirit of the Times, p595, 6/5/1886

On the face of the monument "A Race Rider killed in a race on the Latonia Race Course May 27, 1886. Known to be honest and reliable. Erected by his employer B.G. Thomas.” B.G. Thomas contracted with marble sculptor Malon Pruden, who is identified on the lower back, right hand corner of this monument.

Panel produced 2017 with the support of the International Museum of the Horse, Kentucky Horse Park

Erected

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2017.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Disasters • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 38° 3.055′ N, 84° 28.656′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Kentucky, in Fayette County. Marker can be reached from East 7th Street. Marker is located in African Cemetery No. 2. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 419 East 7th Street, Lexington KY 40508, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. James 'Soup' Perkins (a few steps from this marker); Groomsman (a few steps from this marker); Hostlers (a few steps from this marker); Trainers (within shouting distance of this marker); Farriers (within shouting distance of this marker); Oliver Lewis (within shouting distance of this marker); African Americans in the Horse Industry Buried Here (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Perry (1842-1908) (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 27, 2021

2. Cassius Clay Tankersly (c. 1866-1886) Marker

The marble monument to Tankersly by his employer is to the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 127 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 30, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.