Belshaw was Big Ten grappling champion in the 135 pound class in '32. He won the national collegiate title the same year at Indiana University.
The knee infection became serious while Mr. and Mrs. Belshaw were visiting her parents at Ridgeville. He was taken to the hospital at Winchester at once. W.H. Thom, Indiana wrestling coach, was with him the last week.
Eddie, who was a resident of Gary, is survived by his wife, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Belshaw, of Gary, his grand parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Belshaw, of Shelby, and one brother, George Belshaw, captain of the 1933 Indiana University wrestling team.
At the age of 12 he came with the family to the vicinity of Lowell, Ind., and lived there through his school days, graduating from the Lowell High school in 1926. He attended the Presbyterian church at Schneider.
He entered Indiana University in 1928 and continued this work until his graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1932, after which he took post graduate course working on his Master of Science degree, and served as assistant wrestling coach to W.H. Thom. He was very prominent in the sports life of the school and earned three numerals for cross country, track and wrestling during his Freshman year.
From his Sophomore year he devoted his time entirely to wrestling and earned commendation and praise both from his coach and followers. He was elected captain of the wrestling team in 1931 and won the National Collegiate 135 pound championship in 1932.
He was given the David Balfour award for being the most valuable man to his team in 1932 and also received the honor cup from the National Coaches' Association for being the most outstanding wrestler and sportsman in collegiate circles.
He was united in marriage to Mary Alice Carpenter of Ridgeville, Ind., November 27, 1931, at Martinsville, during his Senior school year.
He took up professional wrestling in the fall of 1932 and had earned a definite reputation for ability and true sportsmanship among the followers of this sport.
He was scheduled to wrestle for the championship of the world during this month. He had decided to give up professional wrestling after this match in order to enter school again in February in further preparation for coaching and school teaching. He made true friends wherever he went and was well liked by all who became acquainted with him.
He is survived by his wife, his parents, a sister, Dorothy, and brother George.
Funeral arrangements were conducted by Rev. William Moore of Bloomington. Miss Meriam Boswell played a violin solo, accompanied by Evan Boswell. Members of 1931 and 1932 wrestling teams of Indiana University were honorary and active pall bearers. The flower bearers were: Mrs. Margaret Somerville, Mrs. Mildred Geist, Misses Florence Hopkins, Meriam Boswell, Mabel Gantz and Louise Hummel. Interment was made at the Green Park cemetery at Portland.
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