strongman

In the news in January, 1913: Jess Westergaard (also known as Jess Reimer) defeated Henry Ordemann in Minneapolis on January 7, 1913, and claimed the world's heavyweight wrestling title. A week later, he announced that he would become a boxer and defeat Jack Johnson for the heavyweight championship in that sport. (Of course, he never did.)

Wystan: Thanks for the additional information on Mr. Westergaard. We will add to the record when we update. On a related note, there is another image of Mr. Westergaard in his street clothes in the Bain Collection here.

I am a decendant of Jess's.I believe he was my great great uncle. I have a book with all the wrestlers listed in it and his little black address book. This is the first info I have found on him besides what was past down through the family.

Another Bain/LOC photo of Mr. Westergaard, showing his face:

So coy!

This is too silly a pose not to be a favourite

In the news in January, 1913: Jess Westergaard (also known as Jess Reimer) defeated Henry Ordemann in Minneapolis on January 7, 1913, and claimed the world's heavyweight wrestling title. A week later, he announced that he would become a boxer and defeat Jack Johnson for the heavyweight championship in that sport. (But of course, he never did.)

Wystan: Thanks for the additional information on Mr. Westergaard. We will add to the record when we update.

Another Bain/LOC photo shows Westergaard from the rear: