Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1911-01-14
DAD BOWER LOSES
MATCH TO SON
On Twenty-First Birthday, for First
Time, Ross Bower, Throws"
Father.

right after breakfast this morning,
out under the evergreen trees in the
back yard, that Ross Bower, on his
twenty-first birthday, succeeded, for
the first time in his life, in throwing
his father fiat on his back, feat he
has been attempting ever since he
was 16 years old.
1t took three rounds to decide the
match, and the first one went to the
father, William Bower. But as soon
as he could catch his breath, after
his son downed him on the second
and third rounds, the father reached
out his hand and said:
'sWen / reckon I've got to allow
you're a better man than your dad
son.
Tie Bower family was up early this
morning. Breakfast was on the
table at O'Clock, and everybody was
under restrained excitement. On the
other birthday it had not made so
much difference. But this was the
last chance that Ross had to meet
the challenge his father had made
five years ago that he would throw
his brawny son on his twenty-first
birthday.
FATHER SAYS "CoME ON"
The elder Bower who is now As
years old, had finished his second cup
of coffee and the third plate of buck
wheat cakes this morning, when he
folded his napkin, showed back his
chair, and said:
"Well son, you don't seem to be
eating much. Let's go out and have
it over. 1 want to put you down and
get to work" "
The two went out through the
kitchen with Ralph, the 16-year-old
son, for referee. The first bout lasted
just sixty seconds. Ross got his
hands on his fathers shoulder and
tried for another hold. But the old
er man ducked, broke through his
guard and caught his son about the
waist AS they bent Ross's feet went
out from under him on the slippery
grass and he was on his back in
another moment.
There was a three-minute rest and
then they began the second struggle,
This time the young man caught his
father about the waist But the eld
er man held his ground and for ten
minutes they scuffed up the lawn all
the way, between the cistern and the
wood shed. Then Ross got a leg hold
and down went the father.
From that time it was only a
question of endurance. Bower,
senior, was blowing hard as he tried
for lower hold for the third time.
He was making a desperate effort to
make good his long standing chal-
lenge, but the exuberance of a
twenty-first birthday was more than
he could overcome. For twelve
minutes they painted and tugged and
then finally they both tripped and
down they went for the last time.
THEN HE HAD ''DAD.'
1t took two minutes more before
the younger brother announced:
ssGet up Fat, you've got him. He's
got you dad"
Fat got him this time mother .
he cried, as Mrs. Bower came out on
the back porch with dish towel
ssWell, both of you come in side
right this very minute and let me
brush you off" was her only COM
ment.
It's hard to say which of the two
contestants was the more pleased
over the outcome of the long contest.
If the father felt any chagrin at be-
ing thrown by his 196-pound son he
didn't show it.
sim going to put up the same chal-
lenge to Ralph" he said, after the
match this morning. 'sRalph's tall
er and he's lighter yet, so / think I'll