 1st Sgt. Frank S Leavitt [Central News Photo Service, NY] FRANK SIMMONS LEAVITT, who would become the professional wrestler and movie actor "Man Mountain Dean", was born in Manhattan, New York on 30 June 1891, the son of John M and Henrietta (Decker) Leavitt. In 1911, at age 19, he joined the U.S. Army, and served for three terms, being honorably discharged in 1920. The above photo was taken while he was serving overseas (between 10/20/1918 and 5/5/1919). He was engaged in wrestling while in Europe, and "Soldier Leavitt" became the heavyweight champion of the US Army. Upon returning home and leaving the military, he continued with his wrestling profession, retiring in 1940. He would also take up movie acting in the 1930's, playing himself in many of the films.
Following his retirement, he moved to Norcross, Georgia, where he died on 29 May 1953. He was buried in the Marietta National Cemetery, Georgia. -- Steve Dow (from personal collection, purchased in 2017)
2 Comments
Cathy Bartoli
6/12/2021 06:09:22 pm
This is my Great Uncle via my grandmother Jennie Leavitt. I believe that Uncle Frank was also married in January 1918 to Amelia Emily Zwickey. I can not find a divorce but I do find her re-married in 1931. My grandmother was a witness to this marriage, but it was never spoken of when I was a child. I also think he may have father a child in 1915 - a girl who was put up for adoption and was never told who her father was. This discovered via dna Ancestry.
Steve
7/18/2021 06:10:06 pm
Hi Cathy, I did notice that Frank was listed as married in 1920 census, living with his mother, but Amelia wasn't with him, so seems they separated soon after their marriage. Hadn't known about a mystery child, however. Leave a Reply. |
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