Inducted 1982
Player: John Paxton of Ottumwa, Iowa, began his horseshoe
career in the 1920’s. He
began competing in tournaments with two all-time greats, Frank Lundin, and
Frank Jackson, both former World Champions.
In 1939 after some
controversy with the Iowa State Fair, The State Championship also known at that
time as the Midwest National was held at Ellis Park in Cedar Rapids. John won that Championship.
In all, John qualified
for Men’s Championship Class in nine World Tournaments from 1940 through 1959,
winning 111 games averaging 66.6% ringers.
He best finish was in 1941 when he placed 12th and pitched
68.3%. John’s claim to fame
came when he won five consecutive Senior Men’s World Championships,
beginning in 1966 through 1970.
That remains a record although Stan Manker won five Senior Men’s
titles but not consecutively.