Iowa

Frank Gotch

(1877-1917)

Professional Wrestler

Fame-O-Meter-1/10

Resting Place-Union Cemetery, Humboldt

GPS Coordinates-

42°44'26.6"N, 94°14'16.8"W

Was Frank Gotch a legitimate wrestler? Or was he part of the newer, modern style where matches tell scripted stories with predetermined outcomes? Kayfabe reigns with this one--no one knows for sure. Most sources list Frank Gotch as the the best legitimate wrestler who ever lived. In his day, he was a celebrity who traveled and his matches were "must see" events. His biggest matches were against the "The Russian Bear" George Hackenschmidt, whom Gotch defeated in 1908 to become the world's champion. He defeated Hackenschmidt again three years later. Though he actually had a short career by pro wrestling standards, Gotch retired as champion. His reign of five years has only been eclipsed by Bruno Sammartino, Lou Thesz, and Verne Gagne.

President Herbert Hoover

(1874-1964)

President

Fame-O-Meter-9/10

Resting Place-Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, West Branch

GPS Coordinates-

41°40'05.3"N, 91°21'07.4"W

The 31st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover was the president from 1929 to 1933. Prior to his time as president, Hoover worked stabilizing food supplie sin Europe after World War I. He was the U.S. Food Administrator under Woodrow Wilson. He was later named the Secretary of Commerce under Presidents Harding and Coolidge. In 1928, he won the presidential election easily, Just after he was elected, the Great Depression began, throwing his administration into chaos. Hoover tried to use charity and private funding to help solve the chaos, but it was a failing effort. Despite successes like the Hoover Dam, the homeless encampments were also named after him--Hooverville. Herbert Hoover did little to solve the Depression, and he lost handedly in the 1932 election to Franklin Roosevelt.

Lou Hoover

(1877-1917)

Professional Wrestler

Fame-O-Meter-1/10

Resting Place-Union Cemetery, Humboldt

GPS Coordinates-

42°44'26.6"N, 94°14'16.8"W

Was Frank Gotch a legitimate wrestler? Or was he part of the newer, modern style where matches tell scripted stories with predetermined outcomes? Kayfabe reigns with this one--no one knows for sure. Most sources list Frank Gotch as the the best legitimate wrestler who ever lived. In his day, he was a celebrity who traveled and his matches were "must see" events. His biggest matches were against the "The Russian Bear" George Hackenschmidt, whom Gotch defeated in 1908 to become the world's champion. He defeated Hackenschmidt again three years later. Though he actually had a short career by pro wrestling standards, Gotch retired as champion. His reign of five years has only been eclipsed by Bruno Sammartino, Lou Thesz, and Verne Gagne.