Education
Despite this handicap, he studied medicine, and graduated from Wisconsin State College (now the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee).
Despite this handicap, he studied medicine, and graduated from Wisconsin State College (now the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee).
He was called a "billiards expert" and he competed with other notable billiards professionals such as Willie Hoppe. Sutton had no arms below the elbows, which made his ability to master the game even more remarkable. Sutton learned to play billiards while he was in college.
He mastered his skills enough to set a world record in balkline competitions.
In 1908, he went to Paris for eight months where he was contracted to play in billiards matches with other Americans at the Café Olympia. Sutton used no artificial devices, holding the cue between his two elbows and providing propulsion from the strong and flexible muscles in the stumps of his severed arms.
A film clip from the turn of the 20th century is known to exist showing Sutton as he demonstrates his abilities.