California, United States of America: 1880-1888
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1880
JANUARY 1880
JANUARY 25, 1880 (MONDAY)
Grand Wrestling Tournament: All the Different Varieties of this Manly Sport Will be Illustrated - Final Day
Promoter: Col. LE. Granger
Recreation Grounds, San Francisco, California
Attendance: "About 200"
Tickers: $0.50, $1.00 & $2.50
Announcer: Sam Roberts
Referee: J.B. Lewis
1 - Final - Two out of Three Falls
Thomas Nolan def. C.W. Driscoll,
Two Falls to None (F1 TN 00:15:00 - F2 TN 00:45:00 - C 01:00:00)
Notes:
This is the conclusion of the tournament which started on December 22, 1879 and was put on hold on December 24, 1879 in Platts Hall.
Originally it was said D.M. Watson & William M. Farrell were in the final.
Platzierung / Placement:
Collar & Elbow
1. Thomas Nolan - Pacific Coast Collar & Elbow Championship Belt & $400 in Gold Coin.
2. C.W. Driscoll - $100 in Gold Coin.
3. ???? - $50 in Gold Coin.
DECEMBER 1880
DECEMBER 11, 1880 (SATURDAY)
Bell Union Theatre, San Francisco, California
Featuring: "Harry Montague, Alice Dashwood and W.J. Russell; the specialities by Genevieve Devere, Carrie and Sophie Duncan, Prof. Durand, Miss Jennie McGregor, J. Arthur Doty, McDonald and Finnerly. Mlle. Zittella, Homer Lane and Tom Fox: and 'Mabel's Dream.'
DECEMBER 1880
DECEMBER 11, 1880 (SATURDAY)
Bell Union Theatre, San Francisco, California
Featuring: "Harry Montague, Alice Dashwood and W.J. Russell; the specialities by Genevieve Devere, Carrie and Sophie Duncan, Prof. Durand, Miss Jennie McGregor, J. Arthur Doty, McDonald and Finnerly. Mlle. Zittella, Homer Lane and Tom Fox: and 'Mabel's Dream.'
1881
MARCH 1881
MARCH 27, 1881 (WEDNESDAY)
San Francisco, California
1 - Collar & Elbow
Homer Lane (of New York) def. Andre Christol
MARCH 1881
MARCH 27, 1881 (WEDNESDAY)
San Francisco, California
1 - Collar & Elbow
Homer Lane (of New York) def. Andre Christol
SEPTEMBER 1881
SEPTEMBER 4, 1881 (SUNDAY)
Vienna Gardens, Santa Cruz, California
Referee: Labish
1 - Two out of Three Falls
Homer Lane def. Gus Gehring (of Santa Cruz),
Two Falls to One
Note:
Lane is listed as the ex-United States Champions.
OCTOBER 1881
OCTOBER 9, 1881 (SUNDAY)
Vienna Gardens, Santa Cruz, California
Attendance: "Large Crowd"
Referees: W. Baird
Seconds: F. Alzina (DeLong) & Frank Dakan (Gehring)
1 - Boxing
"Little Midget" Vs. "Little Midget",
Result Unknown
2 - "Pupil of Homer Lane" Vs. "Pupil of Homer Lane",
Result Unknown
3 - Collar & Elbow - Two out of Three Falls
Frank DeLong def. Gus Gehring,
Two Falls to One
Note:
The participants in Match 1 are thirteen years old and eleven respectivey.
NOVEMBER 1881
NOVEMBER ??, 1881 (????)
Maynard's, San Francisco, California
Homer Lane is currently performing exhibitions.
Note:
This is reported in the November 12, 1881 National Police Gazette.
NOVEMBER 1881
NOVEMBER ??, 1881 (????)
Maynard's, San Francisco, California
Homer Lane is currently performing exhibitions.
Note:
This is reported in the November 12, 1881 National Police Gazette.
1882
OCTOBER 1882
OCTOBER 5, 1882 (THURSDAY)
Santa Cruz, California
Referee: Homer Lane
Umpires: Tom Fox (McMillan) & Bill Quinn (Nolan)
1 - Boxing
Mark Athern Vs. Bill Hardie,
Result Unknown
2 - Two out of THree Falls
Dan McMillan (of Bodie) def. Tom Nolan,
Two Falls to None (F1 DM 00:45:00 - F2 DM 0:20:00 - C 01:05:00)
Note:
McMillan is listed as the Bodie Champion.
OCTOBER 23, 1882 (MONDAY)
San Francisco, California
1 - Pacific Coast Championship - Two out of Three Falls
Dan McMillan (of Bodie) def. Homer Lane,
Two Falls to One
1883
SEPTEMBER 1883
SEPTEMBER 8, 1883 (SATURDAY)
Athletic Pavilion, San Francisco, California
1 - Handicap - Muldoon to Throw Hugues in One-Hundred-and-Twenty Minutes
William Muldoon Vs. Chas. Hugues,
Time-Limit Muldoon Failed to Throw Hugues (02:00:00)
NOVEMBER 1883
NOVEMBER 1, 1883 (THURSDAY)
Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California
Attendance: 4,000
Gate: $2,420
1 - World Graeco-Roman Championship - For $2,000 & the Gate
Clarence Whistler Vs. William Muldoon,
Referee Stoppage - One Fall Each
Notes:
At one point in the match both men rolled off the five foot high stage and continued wrestling on the floor after the drop.
Whistler injured his shoulder on a bad landing and it was agreed to call it a draw, although Muldoon claim he should be awarded the fall.
The Sacramentio Daily Record-Union states Whistler should have won the match on several disallowed falls.
DECEMBER 1883
DECEMBER 29, 1883 (SATURDAY)
San Francisco, California
AttendancE: 3,000
1 - World Graeco-Roman Championship
William Muldoon def. Theobaud Bauer (c)
(03:00:00) - NEW CHAMPION
1884
MARCH 1884
MARCH 3, 1884 (TUESDAY)
Mechanics' Pavilion, San Francisco, California
1 - Two out of Three Falls
William] Muldoon def. [Thiebaud] Bauer,
Two Falls to One (F1 00:18:00 - F2 00:05:20 - F3 00:12:10 - C 00:35:30)
MARCH 24, 1884 (MONDAY)
Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California
Attendance: 'Large Crowd'
1 - Graeco-Roman Championsip - Two out of Three Falls - For $1,000
Clarence Whistler Vs. William Muldoon,
Draw - No Falls (02:00:00+)
Note:
Muldoon said he was tired during the third hour and the match was declared a draw as it was not going anywhere.
APRIL 1884
APRIL 12, 1884 (SATURDAY)
Armory Hall, Sacramento, California
Tickets: $0.50 & $1.00
Attendance: 'Small'
1 - Exhibition - Mixed Styles (Cumberland/Catch-as-Catch-Can/Graeco-Roman) - Two out of Three Falls
Clarence Whistler def. Henry Dunn,
Two Falls to One
2 - Exhibition - Boxing
Clarence Whistler Vs. Professor Young Dutchy,
Result Unknown
Note:
Whistler also gave an exhibition in strength.
Also an open challenge to any man who can throw Whistler.
Also featured boxing.
Some people failed to appear on the card.
Whistler-Dutchy was said to be very lively.
MAY 1884
MAY 31, 1884 (SATURDAY)
San Francisco, California
1 - Graeco-Roman - Two out of Three Falls
Clarence Whistler (of San Francisco) def. Thomas Cannon (of Denver),
Two Falls to None (F1 00:27:00 - F2 00:31:00 - C 00:58:00)
JUNE 1884
JUNE 25, 1884 (WEDNESDAY)
Tivoli Theatre, San Francisco, California
1 - Graeco-Roman - Two out of Three Falls
Tom Cannon def. John O'Hanlon,
Two Falls to None
Notes:
This is from an 1887 biographical account of Cannon.
This was a private match.
JUNE 1884
JUNE 25, 1884 (WEDNESDAY)
Tivoli Theatre, San Francisco, California
1 - Graeco-Roman - Two out of Three Falls
Tom Cannon def. John O'Hanlon,
Two Falls to None
Notes:
This is from an 1887 biographical account of Cannon.
This was a private match.
JULY 1884
JULY 2, 1884 (MONDAY)
Grand Opera House, San Francisco, California
1 - Graeco-Roman - Two out of Three Falls
Clarence Whistler def. Tom Cannon,
Two Falls to One (02:20:00)
[This is from an 1887 biographical account of Cannon.
Possibly actually the May 31, 1883 match with a favorable view of Cannon's performance]
AUGUST 1884
AUGUST 10, 1884 (SUNDAY)
San Francisco, California
1 - Two out of Three Falls
Tom Cannon (of Tyneside) def. Pietro Delmas,
Two Falls to One (F1 00:09:11 - F2 03:11:00 - F3 03:49:89 - C 07:10:00)
Note:
Times may include rest periods, not just strictly wrestling times.
SEPTEMBER 1884
SEPTEMBER 2, 1884 (TUESDAY)
Woodward's Gardens Pavilion, San Francisco, California
Attendance: 2,400
1 - Graeco-Roman (French Rules) - Two out of Three Falls - For $500 & $1,000 Purse
Clarence Whistler def. Pietro Delmas,
Two Falls to None (F1 00:10:10 - F2 00:27:30 - C 00:37:40)
SEPTEMBER 5, 1884 (FRIDAY)
San Francisco, California
1 - Tom Cannon def. Tomioko (of Japan)
Notes:
This is from an 1887 biographical account of Cannon.
Possibly didn't take place in California.
SEPTEMBER 17, 1884 (WEDNESDAY)
Armory Hall, Sacramento, California
Tickets: $1.000
1 - Graeco-Roman - Two out of Three Falls For $1,000 Purse
Clarence Whistler 'the Kansas Cyclone' Vs. Pietro Delmas,
Result Unknown
Notes:
Delmas listed as the champion of France.
Whistler as the American Champion.
NOVEMBER 1884
NOVEMBER 10, 1884 (MONDAY)
Stockton, California
1 - Mixed Styles - For $250 (a side)
Clarence Whistler def. Tom Cannon
DECEMBER 1884
DECEMBER 8, 1884 (MONDAY)
California, Theater, San Francisco, California
Attendance: 'Filled'
Announcer: B.E. McGregor
Timekeeper: Lucien Marc
Referee: The. Bauer
1 - Mixed Championship (Side-Holds x 2/Collar & Elbow/Graeco-Roman/Catch-as-Catch-Can) - Three out of Five Falls
Duncan C. Ross def. Tom Cannon,
Three Falls to Two (F1 00:11:15 - F2 00:02:00 - F3 00:03:30 - F4 00:09:00 - F5 00:11:00 - C 00:36:45)
Notes:
Who, if anyone, is the champion going in is not listed.
A British newspaper in 1895 giving a biographical account of Cannon has a match in November 1884 between these two, [I think is probably this one] was listed this way:
San Francisco, California
1 - Tom Cannon (of Tyneside) def. Captain Ross
DECEMBER 15, 1884 (MONDAY)
California Theater, San Francisco, California
1 - Mixed Styles (Side-Holds x 2/Graeco-Roman/Catch-as-Catch-Can/Collar & Elbow) - For $500 (a side)
Clarence Whistler Vs. Duncan C Ross,
Result Unknown
DECEMBER 18, 1884 (THURSDAY)
Republican Rally
The Wigwam, San Francisco, California
1 - Mixed Style (Graeco-Roman/Catch-as-Catch-Can)
Clarence Whistler Vs. Lucien Marc Christol,
Result Unknown
Notes:
Featured singing and testimonials by republican members.
Christol and Whistler were said to be the best part of the evening and received much applause.
DECEMBER 19, 1884 (FRIDAY)
Platt's Hall, San Francisco, California
1 - Japanese Style
Unknown 'Jap' Vs. Unknown 'Jap',
Result Unknown
2 - Mixed Style (Unknown/Unknown)
Clarence Whistler Vs. Lucian Marc Christol,
Result Unknown
3 - Handicap - Mixed Style (Graeco-Roman/Catch-as-Catch-Can) - George to Throw Matthews Four Times in Sixty Minutes
Theodore George 'George The Greek' Vs. Samuel Matthews
Result Unknown
Note:
Also featured broad-sword cmabat, boxing and dumbbell lifting.
1885
JANUARY 1885
JANUARY 5, 1885 (MONDAY)
Pavilion, San Francisco, California
1 - Catch-as-Catch-Can - Two out of Three Falls - For $500 a side & $750 Purse
Clarence Whistler def. Tom Cannon,
Two Falls to One (F1 00:42:00 - F2 00:14:00 - F3 00:04:30 - C 01:00:30)
JANUARY 30, 1885 (FRIDAY)
Wigwam, San Francisco, California
Attendance: 'Crowded'
1 - Boxing - For 75% of the Gate
Jack Brady def. Clarence Whistler,
Knock-out (R1 00:00:33)
APRIL 1885
APRIL ??, 1885 (????)
San Francisco, California
1 - Tom Cannon (of Tyneside) Vs. Clarence Whistler,
Draw (02:15:00)
Note:
This is from an 1895 British biographical account of Cannon written by a "Welsh Athlete."
APRIL 22, 1885 (WEDNESDAY)
Central Park, San Francisco, California
Referee: James Fraser
Judges: Major W.H. Cross & W.C. Dorrance
1 - Jousting
Duncan C. Ross "Scottish Athlete" def. Captain E.W. Jenning
Note:
It is said that Ross had mortally wounded Jenning, with an "unfortunate slash of the sabre in the hands of Mr. Ross, which fractured the skull of his opponent, who was gashed by an ugly wound over the right ear." Both men had been wearing a helmet and other safety gear for such a contest.
JUNE 1885
JUNE 3, 1885 (WEDNESDAY)
Wigwam, San Francisco, California
Attendance: 'Very Fair-Sized'
Announcer: D.R. McNeil
Referee/Timekeeper: Adon Butler
1 - Mixed Styles (Graeco-Roman/Catch-as-Catch-Can/Collar & Elbow x 2/Side-Hold) - Three out of Five Falls - For $200 (a side) & Gate Receipts
Duncan C. Ross def. Clarence Whistler,
Three Falls to Two (F1 00:10:00 - F2 00:09:00 - F3 00:19:00 - F4 00:20:00 - F5 00:10:00 - C 01:08:00)
Note:
Ross won the coin toss to decide the fifth fall.
JULY 1885
JULY 24, 1885 (FRIDAY)
Pavilion, San Francisco, California
1 - Hamada Korokichie Vs. Sasaba,
Result Unknown
Notes:
Also featured boxing.
Wrestlers are listed as "Two celebrated Japanese athletes."
DECEMBER 1885
DECEMBER 25, 1885 (FRIDAY)
Grass Valley, California
1 - Collar & Elbow - Two out of Three Falls
James Carkeek def. Wm. Henderson,
Two Falls to None (F1 00:03:00- - F2 00:03:00- - C 00:06:00-)
1886
APRIL 1886
APRIL 16, 1886 (FRIDAY)
Promotion: California Athletic Club
California Athletic Club, San Francisco, California
1 - Mixed Styles (Graeco-Roman/Catch-as-Catch-Can)
Sam Matthews def. Van Court,
Two Falls to None
Note:
Also featured boxing.
APRIL 25, 1886 (SUNDAY)
Woodward's Garden Pavilion, San Francisco, California
Attendance: "Thousands"
1 - Andre Christol Vs. Fritz Paulsen,
Result Unknown
Note:
Also featured a sword contest.
APRIL 30, 1886 (FRIDAY)
California Athletic Club, San Francisco, California
1- Mixed Styles (Graeco-Roman/Catch-as-Catch-Can) - Three out of Five Falls
Andre Christol def. E. Gibbs,
Three Falls to None
MAY 1886
MAY 12, 1886 (WEDNESDAY)
Great Wrestling Tournament For The Pacific Coast Middleweight Championship: Opening Day
Promoter: J.C. Seymour
Platt's Hall, San Francisco, California
Attendance: 300
Tickets: $0.25, $0.50 & $1.00
Announcer: J.C. Seymour
Referee: Duncan C. Ross
Judges: Bauer & Mott
1 - Semi-Final - Three out of Five Falls
Andre Christol def. Peter Stanovich,
Three Falls to None (F1 00:01:30 - F2 00:04:40 - F3 ??:??:?? - C 00:06:10)
2 - Semi-Final - Three out of Five Falls
Sam Matthews (c) def. W.E. Gibbs (of Kansas City),
Three Falls to None - Forfeit (F1 00:09:12 - F2 00:19:00 - C 00:28:12)
Notes:
This is the first day of the tournament which ultimately finish on May 27, 1886.
Christol is listed as the ex-World Champion.
Gibbs is listed as the Western Middleweight Champion.
Gibbs gave up following the second fall.
Teilnehmer / Participants:
Andre Christol,
Sam Matthews,
W.E. Gibbs.
Peter Stanovich.
MAY 13, 1886 (THURSDAY)
Great Wrestling Tournament For The Pacific Coast Middleweight Championship: Penultimate Day
Promoter: J.C. Seymour
Platt's Hall, San Francisco, California
Attendance: 500
Tickets: $0.25, $0.50 & $1.00
Referee: Charles Moth
Judge: Theo. Bauer
1 - Final - Two out of Three Falls
Andre Christol Vs. Samuel Matthews (c)
One Fall - Two to Go (03:00:20 - TL 04:00:00)
Notes:
Duncan C. Ross was asked to step down as referee by Christol, Moth was his replacement.
After an hours wrestling in the second fall it was agreed to continue the match another day in private.
MAY 27, 1886 (THURSDAY)
Great Wrestling Tournament For The Pacific Coast Middleweight Championship: Final Day
Promoter: J.C. Seymour
Platt's Hall, San Francisco, California
Attendance: 400
Tickets: $0.50 & $1.00
Referee: Cal McVey
1 - Final - Contest For Blood - Two out of Three Falls
Andre Christol def. Sam Matthews (c),
One Fall to None (00:27:00) - NEW CHAMPION
Notes:
This is the continuation of the tournament which started on May 12, 1886.
Christol already had one fall.
Matthews asked for Moth to step down as referee due to a dispute between the two taking place in the newspapers. McVey was his replacement.
The match took place in public after all.
Platzierung / Placement:
1. Andre Christol.
2. Sam Matthews.
JUNE 1886
JUNE 8, 1886 (WEDNESDAY)
Benefit for the Brannan Street Fire Sufferers
Promoter: Mr. Seymour
Pavilion, San Francisco, California
Attendance: 250
Announcer: Mr. Seymour
1 - Eugene Van Court Vs. Sam Mathews,
Result Unknown
2 - Eugene Van Court Vs. Sam Mathews,
Result Unknown
3 - Christol Vs. Bauer,
Time-Limit Draw
4 - Paulsen def. Gibbs
Note:
Also featured horizontal bar performances, sword combat, cannon ball juggling, high trapeze, club swinging and boxing.
JUNE 20, 1886 (SUNDAY)
Promoters: Seymour & Mathews
Santa Rosa, California
Show featuring Charles Taylor, Martin Murphy, Andre Christol, Theo. Bauer and others in a tournament.
Note:
Possibly starts later than this date and could last more than one day.
AUGUST 1886
AUGUST 5, 1886 (THURSDAY)
Nuclens Stables, San Francisco, California
1 - Christol def. Folsom,
Forfeit (01:00:00+)
Notes:
Christol challenged Schumacher, but Schumacher declined to participate as he had a big match coming up.
Neither man scored a fall in the match, but Folsom quit.
Only a select number of people were permitted into the new venue on the evening.
1887 (no results)
1888
FEBRUARY 1888
FEBRUARY 15, 1888 (WEDNESDAY)
Fort Bragg, California
1 - Catch-as-Catch-Can
Fred Nelson def. Vess Morrison
Note:
Morrison is listed as the "so-called champion of the coast."
Unique content strictly for the Professional Wrestling Historical Society.
All research has been completed by the Professional Wrestling Historical Society or by a trusted contributor.
Information came from contemporary newspapers unless otherwise stated.
Results from California, United States of America: 1880-1888.
Updated: May 28, 2020.
Editor: Jimmy Wheeler.
Unique content strictly for the Professional Wrestling Historical Society.
All research has been completed by the Professional Wrestling Historical Society or by a trusted contributor.
Information came from contemporary newspapers unless otherwise stated.
Results from California, United States of America: 1880-1888.
Updated: May 28, 2020.
Editor: Jimmy Wheeler.
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