Farmer Burns Beats Michigan Champion

Martin “Farmer” Burns is famous today as the trainer of legendary wrestler Frank Gotch.  “Farmer” Burns was a great wrestler in his own right.  Burns won the American Heavyweight Wrestling Champion in the legitimate pro wrestling era despite being only 165 pounds.  In 1891, Burns as the Iowa Heavyweight Champion took on J.C. Comstock, the Michigan Heavyweight Champion.

J.C. Comstock was coming off an impressive victory over Jack Carkeek, the Cornish Wrestling Champion from Michigan.  Based on this victory, many sporting men thought Comstock could  beat “Farmer” Burns.  Comstock, a true heavyweight, would have a significant size and strength advantage over Burns.

On Friday, April 24, 1891, Burns and Comstock each put up a $50 side bet to supplement the $50 dollar purse from the Rock Island, IL Sports Club.  The $150 purse was on the line, when the men met on Thursday, April 30, 1891.  Comstock started strong but faded as the match continued.

The match was a three out of five falls affair.  The match started at 8:45 p.m.  Comstock pressed Burns but couldn’t maintain a hold on the smaller Burns.  After 19 minutes, Comstock was finally able to get a hold on Burns and throw him.  With a strong effort, Comstock pressed “the Farmer’s” shoulders to the mat for the first fall.  It would be the only highlight for Comstock.

After ten minutes rest, the men came back for the second fall.  The clearly fatiguing Comstock lasted only five and half minutes before Burns pinned him with a front nelson and hammerlock.

Two minutes into the third fall, Comstock’s nose began to bleed causing a medical stoppage.  Comstock recovered a little but “Farmer” Burns picked him apart for the third fall after 25 minutes with another front nelson and hammerlock.

Comstock’s attendant’s tried desperately to fan him and restore some energy to his body but he was spent.  “Farmer” Burns grabbed many holds but only put the finishing touches on the last fall when he felt comfortable Comstock was done.  He took the fourth and final fall along with the $150 purse in 12 minutes with a double armlock.

Martin “Farmer” Burns must have liked Rock Island, IL because he established his wrestling gym there.  Among others, he trained Frank Gotch at this facility.  “Farmer” Burns would wrestle for ten more years before becoming a full time trainer.  Many wrestlers were happy to see the talented “Farmer” retire.

You can leave a comment or ask a question about this or any post on my Facebook page and Twitter profile.

Pin It