Episode 140 – Money Talks
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In this episode, we discuss the fight for the estate of former professional wrestler, regular St. Louis wrestling referee, and St. Louis businessman George Baptiste. I discussed George Baptiste’s career back in Episode 64 of the podcast.
Update
Is AEW losing their TV deal?
Double or Nothing 2026 did 204,000 buys, a big increase over the normal 140,000 buys.
Jon Jones asks for UFC release to fight Francis Ngannou for MVP promotions but UFC unsurprisingly refuses.
Artist rendering of George Baptiste, St. Louis professional wrestler and referee (Public Domain)
Main Content
On December 1, 1938 at 5:15 pm, former professional wrestler and all-around athlete George Baptiste passed away at 74 years of age. While enjoying robust strength his whole life, Baptiste’s doctor discovered he had stomach cancer in June 1938.
Five days before his death, Baptiste married longtime companion Lillian Slingwein. This marriage led to strife and lawsuits after his death.
After his father’s death in 1919, George Baptiste took over as president of the Baptiste Tent and Awning Company. Like his father, George Baptiste was an astute businessman and added to the success of the business. At the time of his death, an assessor valued George Baptiste’s estate at $180,000.00, which is 4,250,000 in 2026 dollars.
Baptiste’s financial success led his heirs to contest the will. His family accepted Baptiste’s original will because his wife of 5 days inherited $5,000 and $600 a year annually. However, due to their recent marriage, Lillian Baptiste claimed the widow’s share, $90,000.00. Baptiste’s half-brothers and nephew contested the will.
In June 1941, Judge Ernest F. Oakley set aside the will and awarded Mrs. Baptiste half of the estate. The remaining $90,000.00 went to George Baptiste’s niece Alexia Hulse Palmer, his lawyer and long time friend Frank J. Quinn as well as the tent company employees.
Recommendation and Review
Andre the Giant in the Territories on WWE Vault YouTube Channel
Omni Card headlined by Paul Orndorff versus Larry Zbyszko on WWE Vault and WCW YouTube Channel – Brian Blair unique way of reviving Chick Donovan
World Title Changing Card in Wichita, Kansas on March 3, 1922
Ed “Strangler” Lewis versus Stanislaus Zbyszko
Cliff Binckley versus Dick Daviscourt in a 30-minute draw, which the crowd enjoyed.
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