28.11.2006, 07:54
Minneapolis Tribune
Minneapolis, Minnesota
21 April 1933
Dr. B.F. Roller, Noted Wrester, Dead at 57
"Was star College Athlete -Minneapolis Mat Fans Knew Him Well."
New York, April 20 - (AP) - Dr. Benfamin Franklin Roller, who retired from wrestling when he was 39 years old to begin a career as a surgeon, is dead of pneumonia at the age of 57.
It was while he was a professor of physiology and supervisor of sports at Washington State university that Dr. Roller became a professional wrestler. He won his first match in 17 minutes and received $1,600
He wrestled Frank Gotch, who jpromised to throw him twice in an hour. Gotch didn't throw him, and Roller made $4,000. Gotch later defeated Roller in several finish matches. During the next five years he met and defeated many of the heavyweight stars. Roller weighted more thatn 200 pounds.
Dr. Roller was born in Newman, Ill., worked his way through De Pauw university, where he was captain of the track and football teams and was graduated from the university of Pennsylvania medical school.
"Dr. Roller wrestled Ordemann here in 1910"
Dr. Roller was well known to wreslting fans of Minnesota as he appeared in several matches here, the most importanc of which was with Henry Ordemann, who defeated the athletic surgeon, This bout was held in 1910 at the original Minneapolis auditorium, now known as the Lyceum.
Roller also appeared in Minneapolis with James J. Jeffries and Frank Gotch when that famous pair toured America seveal months before Jeffries' fight with Jack Johnson.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
21 April 1933
Dr. B.F. Roller, Noted Wrester, Dead at 57
"Was star College Athlete -Minneapolis Mat Fans Knew Him Well."
New York, April 20 - (AP) - Dr. Benfamin Franklin Roller, who retired from wrestling when he was 39 years old to begin a career as a surgeon, is dead of pneumonia at the age of 57.
It was while he was a professor of physiology and supervisor of sports at Washington State university that Dr. Roller became a professional wrestler. He won his first match in 17 minutes and received $1,600
He wrestled Frank Gotch, who jpromised to throw him twice in an hour. Gotch didn't throw him, and Roller made $4,000. Gotch later defeated Roller in several finish matches. During the next five years he met and defeated many of the heavyweight stars. Roller weighted more thatn 200 pounds.
Dr. Roller was born in Newman, Ill., worked his way through De Pauw university, where he was captain of the track and football teams and was graduated from the university of Pennsylvania medical school.
"Dr. Roller wrestled Ordemann here in 1910"
Dr. Roller was well known to wreslting fans of Minnesota as he appeared in several matches here, the most importanc of which was with Henry Ordemann, who defeated the athletic surgeon, This bout was held in 1910 at the original Minneapolis auditorium, now known as the Lyceum.
Roller also appeared in Minneapolis with James J. Jeffries and Frank Gotch when that famous pair toured America seveal months before Jeffries' fight with Jack Johnson.