Wrestling Legend Farmer Burns: Iowa Time Machine January 8, 1937

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On January 8, 1937, early iconic Iowa catch wrestler and coach of the state’s first-ever high school wrestling champions of Cedar Rapids, Washington, Martin “Farmer” Burns, died. A true hall-of-famer in early wrestling, Burns left a legacy of legendary proportions.

Born in a rural Cedar County, Iowa, log cabin in 1861, while the American Civil War raged, Burns showed a talent for wrestling at an early age. According to legend, Burns won fifteen cents at eight when he threw an older child in an impromptu match. Working as a farm hand and at a road-grading camp, Burns developed incredible strength alongside natural ability.

Perfecting catch wrestling technique against older and more physically-dominating opponents, by 1880, the 165-pound Burns fought professional grappler David Graffit to a draw. By April of 1895, the pinfall master Burns proved ready to claim the American Champion title from Strangler Lewis. Burns claimed that at the end of his career, he had wrestled over 6,000 matches and lost only seven.

When his career ended, Burns paid his knowledge forward by opening gyms, establishing schools, and working tirelessly to help establish the sport of wrestling. He also helped to mentor and develop another all-time Iowa wrestling legend, Humboldt’s Frank Gotch. In 1921, coaching in the inaugural season of high school wrestling for Iowa, Burns led Cedar Rapids Washington to the state title. #Iowa #OTD #History #Wrestling #Grappling