Journeyman Jack Washburn was nicknamed "Gentleman," but he rarely acted like a
gentleman in the squared circle.  He was a brutish heel on most occasions, really taking the
fight to an opponent, and refusing to play by the rules.  This was the role he settled on
despite his formal training by one of the sport's very best true wrestlers, Earl Caddock.  
Washburn could grapple in the pure catch-as-catch-can style, but would rather brawl and
punish his opponents unmercifully.

Jack was born Orval Robert Washburn in Paris, Clark County, Illinois to Clay and Jessie
Tumblin Washburn, and his date of birth is a matter of contention.  According to various
records and documents, his birth year is anywhere from 1892 to 1899.  When his family
resided in Grandview, Edgar County, IL in 1900, he was said to have been born in October
1892.  His parents were married in that same county on December 30, 1888.

By 1910, his family had relocated to Center, Hodgeman County, Kansas, and Jack was one
of six children.  His father labored on a farm.  Seven years later, Jack was living in Otero,
Colorado, and when he filled out his World War I Draft Registration card, he listed his brith
year as 1895, claiming to be 21 years of age.  Washburn entered the Army and wrestled
while overseas as a member of the AEF.  He trained under fellow soldier, and reigning World
Heavyweight champion, Caddock.

Washburn was touring profesionally by 1922 and was a member of the Ed Lewis syndicate in
the years that followed, even being pushed into title matches against the "Strangler." He lost
matches to the champ, Jim Browning, and others, and never reached top tier status.  He was
often billed as a body or head scissors king.

In 1937, Washburn became the manager of Dean Detton, a claimant to the World
Heavyweight Title, and became a promoter in Milwaukee and throughout Utah.

Washburn died on May 27, 1958 in Salt Lake City.  A few days later on June 2, his mother
Jessie passed away in Los Angeles.





Research by Tim Hornbaker
Jack Washburn Wrestling History
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