John Bilbo (wrestler)

This article is about the original Chief Jules Strongbow. For the World Wide Wrestling Federation wrestler, see Chief Jules Strongbow.

John Bilbo
Bilbo in 1951
Birth nameJohn Ralph Bilbo
Born(1906-01-22)January 22, 1906[1]
De Queen, Arkansas, U.S.[2]
DiedMay 13, 1975(1975-05-13) (aged 69)[1]
Spouse(s)
  • Betty L. Mast
    ​
    (m. 1928⁠–⁠1950)​
  • Ramona Rae Roten
    ​
    ​
    (m. 1951⁠–⁠1975)​
    [2]
Children2[2]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)
  • Jules Strongbow..[3]
  • Julius Strongbow
Billed height6 ft 4 in (193 cm)[3]
Billed weight285 lb (129 kg)[3]
Debut1931[3]
Retired1948[3]

John Ralph "Buster" Bilbo[4] (January 22, 1906-May 13, 1975),[1] better known by the ring name Jules Strongbow, was an American professional wrestler, wrestling promoter and commentator, actor and sporting venue owner. He was a key figure in the Los Angeles wrestling territory as a booker and promoter in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1959, Strongbow co-founded the North American Wrestling Alliance with Cal and Aileen Eaton[5] and is credited for creating some of its biggest stars.[6]

  1. ^ a b c California, County Death Index| url= https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VPHR-M9Y | title = Jules Strongbow| death date = May 13, 1975 | death location= Los Angeles | birth date = Jan 26, 1906 | birthplace = Arkansas
  2. ^ a b c "OLYMPIC WRESTLING MATCHMAKER DIES". Los Angeles Times. May 14, 1975. p. 50.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Jules Strongbow". wrestlingdata.com. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  4. ^ "AROUND TOWN". San Bernardino Sun. May 20, 1975. p. 26. Roy Warner, who promoted wrestling and boxing for years as the G Street Arena in SB., knew the late Jules StrongBow better than anyone in the area. "Did you know his real name was Buster Bilbow? Few people know this, but I have a Christmas card signed by him that shows it," said Warner.
  5. ^ Solomon, Brian (2015). "6. Gentlemen's Agreement: The Glory Days of the Territory System". Pro Wrestling FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the World's Most Entertaining Spectacle. Milwaukee: Hal Leonard Corporation. ISBN 978-1617136276.
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Yohe was invoked but never defined (see the help page).