Michigan, United States of America: Pre-1890
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1867
APRIL 1867
APRIL 13, 1867 (SATURDAY)
The Race-Course, Ypsilanti, Michigan
Attendance: "Large"
Judges: Thomsas Barton & A.M. Noble
1 - Square Hold - Two out of Three Falls
E.P. Harrington def. Col. Harrison Berdan,
Two Falls to None (F1 00:01:30 - F2 00:00:30 - C 00:02:00)
Notes:
Berdan is said to be a relative of Colonel Berdan, of the sharpshooters.
Harrington is said to be a diver who has unbroken feats.
APRIL 27, 1867 (SATURDAY)
Ypsilanti Driving Park, Ypsilanti, Michigan
Attendance: 250
Gate: $52.50
Referee: seneca Bagley
Umpires: Myron Ellis & Jas. Phillips
1 - Two out of Three Falls
Jacob Martin (of Ypsilanti) def. E.B. Harrington,
Two Falls to None (F1 ??:??:?? - F2 00:00:30 - C 00:00:30+)
MAY 1867
MAY 4, 1867 (SATURDAY)
Ypsilanti, Michigan
1 - Square-Hold - Two out of Three Falls
E.B. Harrington Vs. John Morton,
Result Unknown
Note:
Harrington is listed as being a diver who reached a depth of one hundred and eighty feet, the tallest diving on record.
MAY 25, 1867 (SATURDAY)
Riverside, Michigan
1 - "Rough & Tumble" - Three out of Five Falls
David Fleming def. John Downey,
Falls Unknown
SEPTEMBER 1867
SEPTEMBER 19, 1867 (THURSDAY)
Merrill Hall, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: "Filled"
1 - Three out of Five Falls
Elliot P. Harrington "the Diver" Vs. William Payne (of Ohio),
Result Unknown
Note:
The match was originally scheduled to take place at Woodward Avenue Skating Rink. The match had to be relocated due to repairs taking place at the rink.
1870
MARCH 1870
MARCH 10, 1870 (THURSDAY)
International Collar & Elbow Wrestling Championship Tournament
President: Thomas Lewis
Vice President: James P. Mansfield, W.V. James, Sears Thompson & N.H. Redmon
Young Men's Hall, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: "Large"
Judges: Stephen Knight & Sears Thompson
Umpire: James Craig
1 - Side-Hold
E.P. Harrington def. Barney Smith,
Forfeit
2 - Side-Hold
James Defoe def. Wm. Bell
3 - Back-Hold
Matthe Brown def. Wm. Bell
4- Square-Hold
James Hiram McLaughlin def. Barney Smith
5 - Side-Hold
James DeFoe def. Matthew Brown
6 - Square-Hold
James Hiram McLaughlin def. E.P. Harrington
7 - Back-Hold
Wm. Bell def. Matthew Brown
8 - Square-Hold
James Hiram McLaughlin def. E.P. Harrington
9 - Side-Hold
James Defoe def. Wm. Bell
10 - Square-Hold
James Hiram McLaughlin def. Barney Smith
11 - Back-Hold
Matthew Brown def. Wm. Bell
12 - James Hiram McLaughlin def. Barney Smith
13 - Side-Hold
James Defoe def. Matthew Brown
14 - Back-Hold
Matthew Brown def. Wm. Bell
Notes:
The championship was represented by a belt "Four feet long, white on the outside with blue edge; also, with a silver plate in front, engraved as follow: 'Won by J.H. McLaughlin at the International Tournament, Detroit, March 10, 1870,' and a silver shield at the back, bearing the inscription; 'Champion Wrestler.' The trim of the belt is inlaid with diamonds, and stars in red, making the red, white and blue. The cost of the belt was $300."
The above belt was placed on exhibition at M.S. Smith & Co.'s on February 18, 1870.
Originally the Opera House was attempted to be rented for the show.
The Rules:
"1. The umpire and judges shall be selected by the contestants in the tournament, and all decision made by them shall be final.
2. The names of all persons entering shall be placed in a hat (or box) and the names of two contestants shall be drawn each time by the umpire.
3. Such two contestants must be ready to take the stage upon call of the umpire, as their names shall be drawn, and all are required to remain in the dressing room during the exhibition in order to prevent unnecessary delays.
4. No two contestants shall occupy the stage more than ten consecutive minutes. If no fall shall occur within that time, they shall be called off to rest, and two others (to be draw) shall take their places for the next fall.
5. Each person entering shall be entitled to three trials. If any person shall lose three falls he shall be entitled to no further trial.
6. The holds to be wrestled shall be Square, Side, Back and Cornish.
7. Breaking a hold, or three 'files,' shall constitute a fall.
8. Side-hold contestants shall have the choice of upper and under holds by lot, unless they shall otherwise agree." - Detroit Free Press
It is said 21 entries from 9 different states have been received on February 19, 1870.
On that date it is also said the books close for entrants on March 6, 1870.
On March 1, 1870 it is reported 32 entries have been received.
30-40 entrants are said to be assured on March 6, 1870.
In several advertisements for the tournament there were twelve entrants in the tournament all together with McLaughlin and Lane being listed as the two most notable wrestlers involved. However, wrestlers came from Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Canada. In one report it states William Nilson will be representing Illinois.
It's reported several wrestlers did not turn up. The actual number reported on the day of the show to be there was 31 wrestlers. Only 6 are reported as having had matches.
There was dispute over the rules in the opening match and Smith ended up withdrawing from further competition against the same opponent.
According to the Detroit Free Press the above match listing is complete.
A second show will be held tomorrow with a number of private matches in the same hall and will feature some of the late arrivals.
An announcement was made by Redmond (co-Vice President) to the effect of an open challenge to any man in Canada or the United States to face McLaughlin on tomorrow's show.
A similar offer was made on behalf of Brown.
In 1881 the following account was given in a biographical account of McLaughlin:
"Up to this time there had been no trophy emblematic of the championship...Some eighteen contestants appearing, but only two-the late E.P. Harrington of Detroit and Barney Smith, at that time an engineer on the Great Western Railway of Canada-competed with McLaughlin, and both were easily defeated. Smith received an injury to his head in th econtest, which it was claimed hastened his death, which occurred not long afterwards."
In 1888 McLaughlin said the following about the tournament: "There were thirty competitors, the tournament lasting three nights, I was pitted against all, and won the belt, never losing a fall, as the records will show."
Some later published sources list that Homer Lane was eliminated by an unknown wrestler. The above results - the most complete from a contemporary source - are from the New York Clipper and list that Lane did not take part in the tournament.
Platzierung / Placement:
1. James H. McLaughlin (Championship Belt).
2. James De Foe (Gold Medal).
3. Matthew Brown (Silver Medal).
Teilnehmer / Particpants (as listed in a local newspaper on the day of the tournament):
Homer Lane (of New York),
Asa Patnam (of New York),
James Collins (of New York),
L.T. Harrington (of New York),
William Nelson (of Illinois),
Joseph Cole (of Iowa),
Alfred Payne (of Ohio),
Wm. Tattle (of Pennsylvania),
Hiram Nash (of Pennsylvania),
J.R. Roberts (of Pennsylvania),
E.P. Harrington (of Michigan),
J. Martin (of Michigan),
H. Berdan (of Michigan),
James Rowell (of Michigan),
Charles Bramble (of Michigan),
James Defoe (of Michigan),
Albert Rumsey (of Ohio),
Wm. Nash (of Connecticut),
James Carter (of Indiana),
George W. Burk (of Michigan),
Andrew Curry (of Michigan),
James Cook (of Ohio),
M.H. Ellis (of Michigan),
Barney Smith (of Hamilton, Ontario),
Wm. Bell (of London, Ontario),
Matthew Brown (of London, Ontario),
Jas. H. McLaughlin (of New York),
Elgar Harvey (of Michigan),
Joseph Kiggins (of Ohio),
C.C. Carr (of Michigan),
William Smith (of Massachusetts).
Teilnehmer / Participants (as per who was reported to have actually arrived in time to wrestle):
Wm. Bell (of London, Ontario),
Matthew Brown (of London, Ontario),
Captain James Defoe (of Detroit),
E.P. Harrington (of Michigan),
James Hiram McLaughlin (of Oneida, N.Y.),
Barney/John Smith (of Hamilton, Ontario).
MARCH 11, 1870 (FRIDAY)
International Collar & Elbow Wrestling Championship Tournament: Special Matches
President: Thomas Lewis
Vice President: James P. Mansfield, W.V. James, Sears Thompson & N.H. Redmon
Young Men's Hall, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: "Although the Attendance was Smaller than that of Thursday Evening, There Seemed to be No Less Outside Interest"
Judges: Stephen Knight & Sears Thompson
Umpire: James Craig
1 - $100 - Two out of Three Falls
Harrison Berdan (of Michigan) def. James Quinnell (of Michigan),
Two Falls to None
2 - $100 - Side-Hold - Two out of Three Falls
James Defoe def. E.P. Harrington,
Two Falls to ????
3 - $400 - Back-Hold - Three out of Five Falls - Part 1
Wm. Bell (of London, Ontario) Vs. Matthew Brown (of London, Ontario),
Two Falls to One - To Be Continued (F1 WB ??:??:?? - F2 MB ??:??:?? - F3 WB ??:??:??)
4 - $50 - Square-Hold - Two out of Three Falls - Part 1
Harrison Berdan Vs. E.P. Harrington,
One Fall to None - To Be Continued (F1 HB ??:??:??)
5 - $400 - Back-Hold - Three out of Five Falls - Part 2
Wm. Bell def. Matthew Brown,
Two Falls to One - To Be Continued (F1 WB ??:??:?? - F2 MB ??:??:?? - F3 WB ??:??:??)
6 - $50 - Square-Hold - Two out of Three Falls - Part 2
Harrison Berdan Vs. E.P. Harrington,
Cancelled
7 - Square-Hold - Open Challenge
James Hiram McLaughlin Vs. ????,
Cancelled(?)
Notes:
When Bell secured the winning fall he also fell to the floor and injured his forehead badly. Brown suffered a similar less severe injury.
Due to the injury to Bell the conclusion to Berdan-Harrington was cancelled and the show brought to an end.
No mention is made of McLaughlin in the results.
MARCH 14, 1870 (MONDAY)
Theatre Comique, Detroit, Michigan
The Introduction of the "Great Wrestling Tournament"
MARCH 17, 1870 (THURSDAY)
Merrill Hall, Detroit, Michigan
1 - Two out of Three Falls
James H. McLaughlin def. Geo. C. Orr (of St. Louis),
Two Falls to ????
Notes:
McLaughlin is listed as the winner of the championship tournament belt.
In a later account of his life McLaughlin says this was for "The Championship."
MARCH 18, 1870 (FRIDAY)
Association Park Course, Hamtramck, Michigan
1 - $400 - Side-Hold - Three out of Five Falls
James Defoe Vs. William Close,
Cancelled(?)
Note:
On March 16, 1870 the Detroit Free Press reports that Defore does not want to wrestle in a race course, rather on a stage in the city.
NOVEMBER 1870
NOVEMBER 15, 1870 (TUESDAY)
Michigan State Wrestling Tournament: Opening Day
Arrangement Committee: James Defoe, George Jennigs, Henry Becker, C.C. Carr, George Hawkins & James McGarrety
Young Men's Hall, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: "A Goodly Audience"
1 - Side-Hold
Wm. Close (of Detroit) def. Charles Bell (of Saginaw City)
2 - Tournament - Square-Hold
A.B. Hall def. John N. Bishop
3 - Tournament - Side-Hold
Hiram Clark def. George Quinnell
4 - Tournament - Cornish Style
John Sterling def. C.C. Carr
5 - Tournament - Square-Hold
E.P. Harrington def. Frank Spear
6 - Tournamnent - Back-Hold
George Quinnell def. Frank Beecham
7 - Tournament - Side-Hold
John Sterling def. Vet. Kimmel
8 - Tournament - Cornish Style
Harrison Berdan def. Charles Bell
9 - Tournament - Square-Hold
A.B. Hall Vs. Harrison Berdan,
No Fall (01:00:00)
10 - Tournament - Back-Hold
Charles Bell def. John sterling
11 - Tournament - Cornish Style
Frank Beecham def. James Maloney
12 - Tournament - Square-Hold
John N. Bishop def. Frank Spear
13 - Tournament - Cornish Style
Charles Bell def. James Maloney
14 - Tournament - Side-Hold
Frank Beecham def. Harrison Berdan
Notes:
This is the first day of the tournament which finishes on November 25, 1870 in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
All four championship belts were put on display at M.S. Smith & Co.'s on November 12, 1870.
"The belts are made of red, white and blue patent leather, with silver-plate buckles, which latter are appropriately inscribed in very handsome style." - Detroit Free Press
The Rules: "All competitors, residents of the State of Michigan, and who have resided therein three monsts last past, are eligible to enter any of the prizes.
All competitors, residents as aforesaid, who reside outside of the city of Detroit, will be provided with board and lodging (free of charge) at the expense of the Wrestling Association. Tickets will be issued to them for the same at the office of James Defore, 112 Griswold Street, Detroit, where all the entries for matches for the above prizes or side matches must be made.
No entries for the foregoing prizes will be received after six o'clock p.m. of the first day of the tournament. Entries for side matches will be made during the progress of the tournament, or sooner if ready.
All matches made will be subject to the rules of the association.
Umpires for each class of wrestling will be chosen by the competitors." - Detroit Free Press
McLaughlin is listed as the United States and Canadian CHampion.
A band of msuic filled intermission.
Teilnehmer / Participants:
Cornish/Catch-as-Catch-Can Style
Frank Beecham (of Detroit),
Charles Bell (of Saginaw City),
Harrison Berdan (of Wayne),
C.C. Carr (of Ypsilanti),
James Maloney (of Detroit),
Samuel Stephens (of Marquette),
John Sterling (of Nankin).
Back-Hold
Frank Beecham (of Detroit),
Charles Bell (of Saginaw City),
Harrison Berdan (of Wayne),
George Quinnell (of Hamtramack),
John Sterling (of Nankin).
Side-Hold
Frank Beecham (of Detroit),
Charles Bell (of Saginaw City),
Harrison Berdan (of Wayne),
Hiram Clark (of Mason),
E.P. Harrington (of Ypsilanti),
Vet. Kimmel (of Ypsilanti),
George Quinnell (of Hamtramack),
John Sterling (of Nankin).
Square-Hold
Harrison Berdan (of Wayne),
John N. Bishop (of Springwells),
E.J. Brown (of Ypsilanti),
Anson B. Hall (of Detroit),
E.P. Harrington (of Ypsilanti),
Frank Spear (of Ypsilanti).
NOVEMBER 16, 1870 (WEDNESDAY)
Michigan State Wrestling Tournament: Day 2
Arrangement Committee: James Defoe, George Jennigs, Henry Becker, C.C. Carr, George Hawkins & James McGarrety
Young Men's Hall, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: "Quite As Successful As the First"
1 - Tournament - Cornish Style
Samuel Stephens def. C.C. Carr
2 - Tournament - Square-Hold
Harrison Berdan Vs. Anson B. Hall,
No Fall
3 - Tournament - Side-Hold
Frank Beecham def. John Sterling
(00:00:30)
4 - Tournament - Square-Hold Coin Toss
Harrison Berdan def. Anson B. Hall
5 - Tournament - Back-Hold
Harrison BErdan def. Frank Beecham
6 - Tournament - Cornish Style
John Sterling def. Charles Bell
7 - Tournament - Square-Hold
Frank Spear def. John N. Bishop
(00:20:00)
8 - Tournament - Side-Hold
Vet. Kimmel def. George Quinnell
(00:10:00)
9 - Tournament - Back-Hold
Charles Bell def. John Sterling
10 - Tournament - Cornish Style
Harrison Berdan Vs. Frank Beecham,
No Falls
11 - Tournament - Square-Hold
John Sterling def. E.P. Harrington
12 - Tournament - Side-Hold
Hiram Clark def. Charles Bell
13 - Tournament - Cornish Style
Frank Beecham def. Harrison Berdan
14 - Tournament - Back-Hold
Charles Bell def. George Quinnell
15 - Tournament - Cornish Style
James Maloney def. C.C. Carr
16 - Tournament - Square-Hold
John N. Bishop def. E.J. Brown
17 - Tournament - Side-Hold
Harrison Berdan def. E.P. Harrington
18 - Square-Hold
McLaughlin Vs. Jacob Martin (of Ypsilanti),
Cancelled(?)
Note:
Match 4 - Due to the first two matches between Berdan and Hall both men agreed to decide the first fall by a coin toss.
NOVEMBER 17, 1870 (THURSDAY)
Michigan State Wrestling Tournament: Day 3
Arrangement Committee: James Defoe, George Jennigs, Henry Becker, C.C. Carr, George Hawkins & James McGarrety
Young Men's Hall, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: "Meager"
Notes:
The tournament is said to be postponed until tomorrow due to bad weather causing the low attendance.
On November 19, 1870 it is reported the tournament has been postponed by the tournament managers until next Thursday evening and it will now be held in Ypsilanti.
The managers eventually hold the next show on November 25, 1870.
NOVEMBER 24, 1870 (THURSDAY)
Michigan State Wrestling Tournament: Day 4
Arrangement Committee: James Defoe, George Jennigs, Henry Becker, C.C. Carr, George Hawkins & James McGarrety
Hewitt's Hall, Ypsilanti, Michigan
Attendance: "Large"
1 - Tournament - Square-Hold
E.P. Harrington def. John Sterling
2 - Tournament - Side-Hold
Fred Beecham def. Vet. Kimmel
3 - Tournament - Back-Hold
George Quinnell def. John Sterling
4 - Tournament - Cornish Style
Harrison Berdan def. John Sterling
5 - Tournament - Square-Hold
Harrison Berdan Vs. Anson B. Hall,
No Falls
6 - Tournament - Side-Hold
E.P. Harrington def. John Sterling
7 - Tournament - Back-Hold
Harrison Berdan def. George Quinnell
8 - Tournament - Square-Hold
John N. Bishop Vs. Frank Spear,
No Falls
9 - Tournament - Side-Hold
Harrison Berdan def. George Quinnell
10 - Tournament - Square-Hold
Harrison Berdan def. John Sterling
11 - Tournament - Side-Hold
E.P. Harrington def. Vet. Kimmel
12 - Tournament - Cornish Style
Frank Beecham def. Harrison Berdan,
Forfeit
Notes:
This is the continuation of the tournament that started on November 15 in Detroit, Michigan and was then postponed on November 17, 1870.
Match 12 - Berdan refused to wear the regulation jacket.
Due to the late hour when Berdan forfeited it was decided the show would be continued the next day.
NOVEMBER 25, 1870 (FRIDAY)
Michigan State Wrestling Tournament: Penultimate Day
Arrangement Committee: James Defoe, George Jennigs, Henry Becker, C.C. Carr, George Hawkins & James McGarrety
Hewitt's Hall, Ypsilanti, Michigan
Notes:
This is the last day of the tournament which started on November 15, 1870 in Detroit, Michigan.
The Square-Hold finals have been indefinitely postponed with the consent of all interested parties.
Harrison Berdan, E.P. Harrington, Anson B. Hall and John N. Bishop are the four finalists for the Square-Hold.
Platzierung / Placement:
Catch-as-Catch-Can/Cornish Style (No Hold Below Belt)
1. Fred Beecham ($25 & a $25 Championship Belt).
2. C.C. Carr ($20).
3. Harrison Berdan ($15).
Back-Hold (Left Hand Under)
1. Harrison Berdan ($25 & a $25 Championship Belt).
2. George Quinnell ($20).
3. John Sterling ($15).
Side-Hold (Left Hand Under)
1. Frederick Beecham ($40 & a $35 Championship Belt).
2. E.P. Harrington ($30).
3. Harrison Berdan ($20).
DECEMBER 1870
DECEMBER 15, 1870 (THURSDAY)
Michigan State Wrestling Tournament: Final Day
Arrangement Committee: James Defoe, George Jennigs, Henry Becker, C.C. Carr, George Hawkins & James McGarrety
Union Hall, Jackson, Michigan
1 - Back-Hold
Harrison Berdan Vs. Charles Bell,
Result Unknown
2 - Side-Hold
Fred Beecham Vs. Albert Rumsey (of Ohio),
Result Unknown
3 - Side-Hold
James Defoe Vs. Fred Beecham,
Result Unknown
Notes:
This is the final day of the tournament which started in Detroit, Michigan on November 15, and was continued in Ypsilanti, Michigan on November 24, 1870.
Beecham is listed as the Michigan Side-Hold Champion.
Defoe is listed as the United States and Canadian Champion.
Platzierung / Placement:
Square-Hold (Right Hand to Collar)
1. Harrison Berdan ($40 & a $35 Championship Belt).
2. ???? ($30).
3. ???? ($20).
1871 (no results)
1872
JANUARY 1872
JANUARY 3, 1872 (WEDNESDAY)
Gigantic Attractions: First Appearance of the Lion Wrestlers
Proprietor: C.M. Welch
Stage Manager: W.J. Thompson
Theatre Comique, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: "Crowded"
1 - Two out of Three Falls
Major J.H. McLaughlin Vs. Homer Lane,
Result Unknown
Notes:
McLaughlin is listed as the World Champion.
Lane is listed as the American & Canadian Champion.
Also featured "attractive Olio & Drama."
JANUARY 4, 1872 (THURSDAY)
Gigantic Attractions: First Appearance of the Lion Wrestlers
Proprietor: C.M. Welch
Stage Manager: W.J. Thompson
Theatre Comique, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: "Crowded"
1 - Two out of Three Falls
Major J.H. McLaughlin Vs. Homer Lane,
Result Unknown
Notes:
McLaughlin is listed as the World Champion.
Lane is listed as the American & Canadian Champion.
JANUARY 5, 1872 (FRIDAY)
Grand Complimentary Benefit to the Popular Author, Actor & Manager, W.J. Thompson / Gigantic Attractions: First Appearance of the Lion Wrestlers
Proprietor: C.M. Welch
Stage Manager: W.J. Thompson
Theatre Comique, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: "Crowded"
1 - Two out of Three Falls
Major J.H. McLaughlin Vs. Homer Lane,
Result Unknown
Notes:
McLaughlin is listed as the World Champion.
Lane is listed as the American & Canadian Champion.
Over 40 volunteers for the benefit.
JANUARY 6, 1872 (SATURDAY)
Gigantic Attractions: First Appearance of the Lion Wrestlers
Proprietor: C.M. Welch
Stage Manager: W.J. Thompson
Theatre Comique, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: "Crowded"
1 - Two out of Three Falls
Major J.H. McLaughlin Vs. Homer Lane,
Result Unknown
Notes:
McLaughlin is listed as the World Champion.
Lane is listed as the American & Canadian Champion.
1873 (no results)
1874 (no results)
1875 (no results)
1876
JANUARY 1876
JANUARY 4, 1876 (TUESDAY)
Detroit Opera House, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: 2,000 (Sell Out: Hundreds turned away)
Gate: $5,000+
1 - 'World' Collar & Elbow Championship - Two out of Three Falls
Maj. James H. McLaughlin (of Detroit) def. Walter J. Benjamin (of Washington, D.C.),
Two Falls to None
Note:
Maj. Geo. H. Penniman (of Detroit) made a 'graceful and appropriate' introductory speech.
MARCH 1876
MARCH 23, 1876 (THURSDAY)
Detroit, Opera House, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: 'Packed'
Tickets: $1.00 & $2.00
1 - World Collar & Elbow championship - Two out of Three Falls
J.H. McLaughlin (of Detroit) (c) Vs. Jacob H. Martin (of Yspilanti),
Time-Limit Draw - Martin Secured One Fall (F1 02:00:00 - TL ??:??:??)
Notes:
The New York Times listed it as the American Collar & Elbow Championship.
A draw was declared by the referee due to it being 01:40 and there was a dispute over whether McLaughlin had been fouled or not.
MARCH 1876
MARCH 23, 1876 (THURSDAY)
Detroit, Opera House, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: 'Packed'
Tickets: $1.00 & $2.00
1 - World Collar & Elbow championship - Two out of Three Falls
J.H. McLaughlin (of Detroit) (c) Vs. Jacob H. Martin (of Yspilanti),
Time-Limit Draw - Martin Secured One Fall (F1 02:00:00 - TL ??:??:??)
Notes:
The New York Times listed it as the American Collar & Elbow Championship.
A draw was declared by the referee due to it being 01:40 and there was a dispute over whether McLaughlin had been fouled or not.
JUNE 1876
JUNE 29, 1876 (THURSDAY)
Whitney's Opera House, Detroit, Michigan
1 - Collar & Elbow Style
Jacob B. Martin (of Ypsilanti) Vs. James Hiram McLaughlin (of Detroit),
Time-Limit Draw (07:45:00)
Note:
Time includes rest periods.
1877
APRIL 1877
APRIL 10, 1877 (TUESDAY)
Whitney's Opera House, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: "Large"
Referee: Harry Hill
Umpires: T.L. King (McLaughlin) & Jacob Martin (Bauer)
1 - Mixed Style (Collar & Elbow/Graeco-Roman/Catch-as-Catch-Can) - Two out of Three Falls
Colonel J.H. McLaughlin (of Detroit) def. Professor Thiebaud Bauer (of New York),
Two Falls to One (F1 00:00:50+ - F2 00:08:00 - F3 00:04:00 - C 00:12:50+)
MAY 1877
MAY 15, 1877 (TUESDAY)
Union Hall, Kalamazoo, Michigan
1 - Three Falls to Five
G. Mixer (of Hastings) def. Wright M. Crandall (of Casego Corners),
Three Falls to Two
1878
OCTOBER 1878
OCTOBER 24, 1878 (THURSDAY)
Detroit Opera House, Detroit, Michigan
Referee: John Nayler (of Detroit)
Umpires: Col. James McLaughlin (Wright) & James Hartness (McMahon)
1 - Two out of Three Falls
John McMahon def. Robert Wright (of Detroit),
Two Falls to None (F1 ??:??:?? - F2 00:33:00 - C 00:33:00+)
Note:
McMahon is listed as the Californian Champion.
1879
JANUARY 1879
JANUARY 18, 1879 (SATURDAY)
Referee: Dr. J.J. Mulheron
Whitney's Opera House, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: 1,500
1 - Greco-Roman Style - Two out of Three Falls
Col. J.H. McLaughlin (of Detroit) def. Andrea Christol (of France),
One Fall to None - Forfeit (00:03:00)
Notes:
It's said Christol had his collar bone fractured when McLaughlin broke his bridge which ended the match.
[This is Lucien Marc wrestling as Andre Christol]
AUGUST 1879
AUGUST 27, 1879 (WEDNESDAY)
Whitney's Opera House, Detroit, Michigan
1 - Mixed Style (Catch-as-Catch-Can/Graeco-Roman/Collar & Elbow) - Two out of Three Falls
Col. McLaughlin def. Andre Christol,
Two Falls to One (F1 00:30:00 - F2 00:20:00 - F3 00:02:00 - C 00:52:00)
SEPTEMBER 1879
SEPTEMBER 2, 1879 (TUESDAY)
Detroit Opera House, Detroit, Michigan
1 - Mixed Style
Andre Christol Vs. Robert Wright (of Detroit),
Time-Limit Draw (05:00:00)
SEPTEMBER 13, 1879 (SATURDAY)
Whitney's Opera House, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: "Crowded"
Mixed Style (Collar & Elbow/Graeco-Roman/Catch-as-Catch-Can) - Two out of Three Falls
1 - Col. J.H. McLaughlin (of Detroit) def. Thebaud Bauer (of New York),
Two Falls to One (F1 00:03:00 - F2 00:27:00 - F3 00:07:00 - C 00:37:00)
1884
JANUARY 1884
JANUARY 29, 1884 (TUESDAY)
Detroit Opera House, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: 'Packed'
Tickets: $1.50 & $2.00
1 - American Collar & Elbow Championship - Three out of Five Falls
J.H. McLaughlin def. H.M. Dufur (of Boston) (c),
Three Falls to None (F1 00:07:00 - F2 00:09:00 - F3 00:50:00 - C 01:06:00) - NEW CHAMPION
APRIL 1884
APRIL 10, 1884 (THURSDAY)
Detroit Opera House, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: 1,500
Referee: E.H. Gillman (of Detroit)
1 - Mixed Championship - Mixed Styles (Collar & Elbow x 2/Side-Hold x 2/Catch-as-1 - Catch-Can x 1) - Three out of Five Falls
J.H. McLaughlin (of Detroit) def. Duncan C. Ross (of Cleveland),
Three Falls to Two (F1 00:07:00 - F2 00:04:00 - F3 00:02:00 - F4 00:01:00 - F5 00:08:00 - C 00:22:00)
Note:
Who the champion is going in is not mentioned.
SEPTEMBER 1884
SEPTEMBER 5, 1884 (FRIDAY)
Recreation Park, Detroit, Michigan
Attendance: 3,000
1 - Collar & Elbow Championship
H.M. Dufur (of Massachusetts) (c) def. J.J. Benjamin (of Washington),
Two Falls to One (F1 00:06:00 - F2 00:02:00 - F3 00:06:00 - C 00:14:00)
2 - World Mixed Championship (Catch-as-Catch-Can/Collar & Elbow) - Two out of Three Falls
J.H. McLaughlin (of Detroit) def. Hon. George W. Flagg (of Vermont) (c),
Two Falls to None (F1 00:22:00 - F2 00:19:00 - C 00:51:00) - NEW CHAMPION
Note:
McLaughlin is listed as the Detroit Champion.
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 Michigan, United States of America: Pre-1890.
Updated: June 23, 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 Michigan, United States of America: Pre-1890.
Updated: June 23, 2020.
Editor: Jimmy Wheeler.
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