George R. Fearing

George Richmond Fearing Jr.
Born	New York City, U.S.
Died	June 15, 1956(1956-06-15) (aged 85) Westwood, Massachusetts, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Sportsman, investment banker, hospital executive
Years active	1889–1936

George Richmond Fearing Jr. (February 20, 1871 – June 15, 1956) was an American sportsman, investment banker, and hospital executive who held the indoor world record for the men's high jump from 1891 until 1893 and earned national titles in both real tennis and rackets.

Early life

Born in New York City on February 20, 1871, George Richmond Fearing Jr. was the son of George Richmond and Harriet (Travers) Fearing. He completed his preparatory education at the Cutler School before pursuing higher studies.

Athletics

During his time at Harvard College, Fearing played on the Harvard football team in 1889. He also took part in the landmark 1897 football match between École des Beaux-Arts and Académie Julian, recognized as the inaugural American football game held in Europe.

Fearing captured first place in the high jump at the Boston Athletic Association Indoor Games in both 1890 and 1891, establishing a world record mark of 1.89 meters in 1891 that remained unbeaten until 1893. His tennis career included competing in several U.S. National Championships, reaching the quarterfinal stage in 1887. He frequently reached the finals of national court tennis competitions, securing the championship title in 1897.

In racquets, alongside partner Hugh D. Scott, Fearing claimed the national doubles championship titles in 1905 and 1906 and made further finals appearances through to 1914. His court tennis doubles pursuits saw him contest numerous national finals between 1912 and 1922, often competing against notable figures such as Jay Gould and W. H. T. Huhn.

These athletic achievements complemented his subsequent professional endeavors in investment banking and hospital leadership, illustrating a career marked by both competitive spirit and executive capability.

Business

Fearing earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard College in 1893 followed by a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1896. After completing his legal education, he practiced at R. M. Saltonstall’s law firm in Boston before transitioning to the investment sector with Jackson & Curtis. In 1910, he departed to focus on managing his personal investments. From that year until 1936, he presided over the Free Hospital for Women. By 1918, he had become a special partner at Van Emburgh and Atterbury, a New York-based brokerage firm.

Military service

An active participant in the Preparedness Movement, Fearing trained at the First Officers' Training Camp located in Plattsburg, New York. In 1916, he joined the Massachusetts Naval Militia’s aviation division and underwent flight instruction at Marblehead and Great Misery Island. The following year, he was appointed head of aviation on the naval affairs committee within the Massachusetts Public Safety Committee.

On May 7, 1917, Fearing was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve Force and deployed overseas by August to supervise training for American aviators at a French flying school in Gironde. Later that year, he was assigned to U.S. Naval Aviation Headquarters in Paris, advancing to Lieutenant by March 1918. Serving as liaison officer to the U.S. Army Air Service, he was appointed Chief of Aviation for U.S. Naval Aviation Foreign Service. Upon relocation of headquarters to London, he led the planning division and earned promotion to Lieutenant Commander in September 1918 before being placed on inactive status in January 1919.

Personal life and death

On May 12, 1897, in Boston, Fearing wed Hester Sullivan Cochrane; their son, George III, arrived the following year. The family kept homes both on Beacon Street in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood and in Westwood, Massachusetts.

Fearing passed away on June 15, 1956, in Westwood, Massachusetts.