Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-12-17

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match with Joe Stecher. OF Dodge,
Neb., who had won the title from
Charlie Cutler. OF Chicago. Gotch had
declared Cutler the American champion
upon his retirement.
Gotch had been with the circus
wrestling with Bob Managof, Earl
Caddock and others, only a short time,
when he was compelled to return to
his home because Of stomach trouble
He never regained his health fully. al
tho he later rejoned the circus, being
compelled to leave 1t again when nc
injured his ankle.
Travels For His Health.
The discoveries the champion made
regarding his condition that summer
caused him to abandon all plans OF
match with Stecher, and the following
spring Earl caddock won the title from
the Nebraskan at Omaha, when he was
substituted at Gotch's behest Tor the
Humboldt man.
The following winter Gotch became
no better and during the cold months
went to Hot Springs. Ark He returned
here last spring but gradually LOST
strength and became weaker. Early
in October he went to Chicago OH MS
way to a southern resort. but became
seriously i'll in Chicago hotel. lie
was removed to a hospital where ne
was kept until early in November when
he was brought back here.
Since that time he mad been able
to leave his home only two or three
times and thcn for only short strolls.
Ten days ago it was necessary for ms
relatives to call In a special nurse for
him but the best of care did not help
him AMI he gradually grew worse.
Makes Fortune Wrestling.
Gotch built up fortune In wrestling
and by investing his earnings in Iowa
farm lands. His estate is variously
estimated at between 100000 and
100000. all Of which represents money
made through his ability as grappler
No wrestler, In the opinion of the
best experts. ever equalled Gotch. The
latter had stated many times that he
considered Earl Caddock, the present
champion, the best man he had seen
during his wrestling career and he took
a great interest in the young mans
work, being his chief advisor when no
won the title from Stecher In Omaha
last spring. He often stated that II
Caddock weighed fifteen pounds more
no wrestler, not even himself,-would
be able to throw him.
Wins American Title In 1904.
Gotch won the American champion
ship Jan. q. 1904, from Tom Jenkins
aftersone Of the toughest matches ever
seen in this country. The bout was
staged in Bellingham. Wash. Gotch
won the first fall and was awarded the
second after Jenkins had fouled him
repeatedly by applying the stransle
hold and by striking him.
Four years later the Humboldt man
won the undisputed wrestling cham
pionship Of the world by defeating
George Hackenschmidt, the Russian
Lion" at the Dexter Park pavilion, Chi
cago in forfeited match after two
hours of gruelling wrestling. There was
no fall in the match, but the invader
quit, exhausted after the two hours OF
effort aglirt man who plainly showed
that he was superior in every respect.
Wins Fame for Toe Hold.
Gotch retired and died holding that
title, although he did not claim 1t after
Caddock had defeated Stecher. He felt
that the title was in good hands and
was being defended by an Iowan, and
inasmuch as he was not able to de-
fend the championship, was content
that Caddock should hold the honor.
The champion was the man who
made the toe hold and the crotch hold
famous. He was the first man to use
the former Furnishing grip effectively
and became famous for his ability to
apply 1t and to make opponents quit
when he used 1t. When Gotch was In
the zenith OF his career the toe hold
was as much talked Of as the scissors
has been since Joe Stecher and Earl
Caddock have brought the latter into
frequent use.
Active in Politics.
Gotch, after he retired from the mat.
took a lively interest in politics. A
few years ago some of his friends tried
TO induce him to be q candidate for
governor on the republican ticket and
a boom was started in his behalf. Dur
ing the last gubernatorlal election the
champion was active in behalf Of tho
candidacy Of Governor Harding and
made many speaking tours Of the state.