How did Francis Bernard from Weirhope get the name "Bridger" ?

Question

In his later years he lived in Germany and a builder there told me the story but I can't remember it . Something about throwing a stone to Wales...

Answer 1

WHEN HE WAS YOUNG HE THREW STONES OFF THE BRIDGE NEAR HIS HOUSE , AS HE GOT OLDER HE COULD THROW FURTHER AND EVENTUALLY COULD HIT INCOMING SHIPS . HIS FRIEND USED TO WATCH HIM AND MAKE BETS WITH  PEOPLE WHO DIDN'T KNOW HIM . THAT'S HOW HE GOT THE NAME . THE WALES STORY IS ABOUT  A GUY FROM WALES WHO WAS ON HOLIDAYS THERE . HE CHALLENGED HIM AND LOST , ON THE FINAL TRY HE TOLD THE GUY TO GO HOME AND HE WOULD SEND HIS STONE TO HIM LATER .