Coffee Johnny
1829–1900 (age 71)
Biography
Coffee Johnny a.k.a. Coffy Johnny and John Oliver (c. 1829 – 7 April 1900) was immortalised in the 6th verse George Ridley's song 'The Blaydon Races'. Coffee Johnny was a blacksmith in the village of Winlaton, a trumpeter in the Winlaton Brass Band, a bare-knuckle boxer and Geordie celebrity.
He was well known for his tall height and for wearing a white top hat.