Major Thorp, of New York, backer of William L. Ainsworth, sought out Homer Lane and proffered to arrange a contest with him for the sum of $500 a side and the American Collar-And-Elbow Championship, to take place three weeks from May 11, 1868, within the limits of New York, New York. Harry Hill, the financial agent of Lane, promptly accepted the terms proposed, $50 was immediately deposited by each party, articles of agreement signed, and today agreed upon for the final payment of the balance of the stakes. The match will be collar-and-elbow and the best 2 out of 3 falls. It has been determined that the match shall to an extent be of a private nature, each party being restricted to the admission of fifty friends, a method that will secure impartiality.

Location	New York, New York
Venue	The Hall, 26 East Houston St.
Time	7:00 PM
Referee	Harry Hill
Umpire(for Lane)	Mr. MacArthur
Umpire(for Robinson)	Mr. Jas. Duffy
Best 2 Out Of 3 Falls Collar-And-Elbow Match
Homer Lane defeated Tom Robinson.

Quite a large number gathered early in the evening anxious to witness the trial, but it was after 7:00 PM before preparations began. There was no lack of enthusiasm when the friendly antagonists stepped into the roped square prepared for them.

To the eye of the ignorant of what constitutes the elements of a successful wrestler Lane seemed almost of pygmy statue compared with his opponent, and hushed words passed quickly around the circle full of prophecy that Robinson's well knit and almost gigantic form would soon quiet his pretentious rival, but the smile of satisfaction resting upon the faces of Lane's friends seemed full of hope.

A few minutes to complete necessary preparations, when it was announced that it had been agreed upon that the match was the "best two out of three square back falls," "Ready," was the word that rang through the room, when the antagonists grasped each other as vices do a foreign element, and every muscle strung as hard as stone. It was the work of an instant, light, quick steps, uplifted, darting feet, a twist, a quiver of the body, and Tom Robinson was lying prostrate upon his back, Lane the victor of the first fall.

The tables then turned, the second clinch was immediate, and Robinson, exerting himself greatly and brining to his aid all the devices gained in his wrestling experience, quietly deposited Lane in the position he had a moment before occupied.

The interest was now evident, each man having gained a fall. Quickly they clasped for the trial, and before the spectators could realize that they were working earnestly, and that with all their united cunning, Lane had again thrown Robinson and was immediately declared the victor.

The wrestling occupied but four minutes, yet in that time these men of skill had brought into requisition all that years of shrewd teaching and extended practice had made them the masters of in the art of wrestling. Robinson, although defeated, remained the good wishes of all his friends, who departed with him in the best of all pleasant humors.

At Harry Hill's on Houston Street, in New York, New York, a match between Homer Lane and Lew Thompson is arranged to take place in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on August 20, 1868 for $2000 and the American Collar-And-Elbow Championship.

Hill put up the stamps for Lane, while George King, of Saratoga, New York, did the like amable office for Thompson, he having great faith in the prowess of his protege.

Both men are preparing for the issue, Thompson went into thorough training. Lane dilly-dallied over it, and in fact paid but little attention, his training is principally on the pulleys and with the dumb-bells.

The upcoming match is creating an unusual amount of interest in sporting circles, owing to the reputation of the wrestlers. It is expected that this match will draw together a large crowd from all parts of the state. It is said that nearly 800 persons from the eastern states and the northern parts of New York state intend to witness the contest.

Location	Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Venue	Harrisburg Park House
Time	Shortly before 4:00 PM
Referee	Harry Hill
Umpire(for Lane)	D. C. Sullivan
Umpire(for Thompson)	J. H. Stevens
Best 2 Out Of 3 Falls Collar-And-Elbow Championship Match
Lew Thompson defeated Homer Lane.

Considerable interest was manifested by their respective adberents as to the issue of the contest for a $2,000 purse and the American Collar-And-Elbow Championship, but the knowing ones having such faith in Lane's prestige, willingly invested their pile on him at odds, especially in this city. These odds were eagerly taken by Thompson's friends.

Scarcely a night passed without bets at Harry Hill's sporting establishment on Houston Street, which was Lane's headquarters. There had been so many championship fizzles of late that Harry, who was Lane's principal backer, determined that this affair, barring accidents, should be brought to a satisfactory conclusion, and accordingly, in company with him, Homer Lane, Cal. Mitchell, Mr. Cook, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and several other sports, our reporter took the cars for the scene of the contest.

On arriving there we found several of the sporting fraternity from St. Louis, Cincinnati, Boston, Philadelphia and other places, all of whom were eagerly discussing the merits of the men and investing their currency on their respective favorites.

Before adjourning for the night, Thompson, accompanied by his backer, George King, of Saratoga, New York, and J. H. Stevens, of New York, New York, visited Lane's caravansary. The contestants were then introduced to each other for the first time, and afterwards considerable talk as indulged in by their friends regarding further bets, but as both sides wanted odds no business of any note was transacted, so matters were left in status quo until the morrow, which arrived in due course, but in anything but a satisfactory shape, as it rained in torrents the whole night.

By the articles drawn up for the match, the men were to have wrestled on the Harrisburg trotting park track, but shortly before the time announced for the affair to commence, Jupiter Flavius again opened his vials in such a manner as to totally extinguish all hopes of bringing the contest off on the turf. Accordingly a consultation was held by he men's backers, and finally, sooner than disappoint the visitors, the majority of whom suffered a complete martyrdom in reaching that locality, it was mutually agreed to decide the contest in a capacious room attached to the Harrisburg Park House. This apartment is 66 feet deep by 34 in width, and afforded ample accommodation for all those who wished to witness the encounter.

Previous to the commencement of the affair, Mr. Sullivan addressed the competitors, also the audience, in relation to the match, hoping that everything would be conducted fairly and decided on its merits. He was followed by Harry Hill, who in a few brief and humorous remarks, informed his bearers that he had a large amount invested on Lane, but that would not bias him in the least in giving a just decision, no matter whether it was against him or not, should he be called upon to do so. His well known integrity as a sporting man was acknowledged by all present, and his pithy speech was received with uproarious applause.

Shortly before 4:00 PM time was called by the referee and the men instantly grasped each other. As they stood face to face, the immense disparity in size was palpable to the most obtuse, Thompson appearing as if he could crush his smaller adversary; but what Lane lacked in size he made up in superior science and cat-like activity. All the dodges, locks, squirms, and kinks, were respectively tried on by each, but at the expiration of six minutes, Thompson went down like a bolt from a catapult.

The majority of the spectators imagined this was a fair back fall, but Mr. Hill decided it was not so, and again the contestants fronted each other. Previous to their making play, some heavy betting was indulged in by the lookers on, conspicuous among whom were Cal Mitchell, George King and Harry Hill, who wagered their hundreds of dollars as though they were so many nickles, and this business being brought to a close, the men again took hold. But three minutes elapsed before the herculean Thompson discovered that his shoulder blades and the floor had an affinity for each other in an unmistakable manner, and Homer Lane was declared the winner of the first throw.

20 minutes was allowed for breathing time, during which interval the betters were engaged in pocketing what they had won and entering into fresh arrangements, until the referee again called time for round 3. This was a scientific tussle, ending in Lane being bored down by his powerful adversary, but it was decided a side fall by the referee.

In round 4, Thompson saw that he must now do something to win, and accordingly, after a tremendous struggle of 8 minutes, he got a lock on Lane, which resulted in the latter being thrown squarely.

Now came the deciding tussle, as each of them had gained a fall, and great was the excitement among the spectators as to the final issue, but after 6 minutes' hard work on both sides another side fall was the result.

Again they grappled each other, both apparently straining every nerve to secure the victory, though it was evident to all that Lane was growing weak from the desperate struggle of the previous rounds, and likewise being out of condition. However, it was short, sharp, and decisive, for ere the dial had marked 3 minutes, Lane was again thrown, and Thompson was hailed as victor by his enthusiastic admirers. The match lasted 3 hours and 10 minutes.

A considerable amount of cash was lost by the New York delegation, which they bore with their usual equanimity. Everything passed off amicably and satisfactorily, the contestants shaking hands and smiling with each other after the affair was over as though they were old friends.

Another match is talked of between the same men, Lane's friends being of the opinion that he can reverse this arrangement by thorough training for it, and not holding his adversary too cheap. Thus matters stand for present.

The match between Lew Thompson and Homer Lane for the sum of $2,000 and the American Collar-And-Elbow Championship was declared by the referee, Harry Hill, to have been a fraud.

A match between Homer Lane and Joe Johnson for the sum of $1,000 and the American Collar-And-Elbow Championship is arranged to take place at 600 Broadway Street, New York, New York, on March 3, 1869. Tickets for reserved seats, for $1, could be purchased Harry Hill's, 26 East Houston Street, New York, New York.

Location	New York, New York
Venue	600 Broadway Street
Time	~8:00 PM
Referee	James Center
Umpire(for Lane)	Joe Ryan
Umpire(for Johnson)	L. Martin
Stakeholder	Harry Hill
Collar-And-Elbow Match
Henry Grace and Lewis Cole wrestled to a draw.
Best 2 Out Of 3 Falls Collar-And-Elbow Championship Match
Homer Lane defeated Joe Johnson.

"You could cut the smoke with a knife," wheezed a choking spectator last evening, his sage observation being evidently directed to the thick vapor which floated in heavy rings over a perfect sea of closely jammed perspiring faces at the pugilistic haunt in the upper part of 600 Broadway Street, New York, New York.

The occasion was the third trial between Lane and Johnson, wrestlers, for $1,000 and the American Collar-And-Elbow Championship. Beyond doubt there never assembled in that ill ventilated arena such a motley crowd, and it is a reasonable supposition to put forward that few will be necessitated to take Turkish baths for weeks to come.

Johnson carried off the honors at two previous contests with Lane, the one at Amsterdam and the other at Hamburg. He was accordingly the favorite; but the friends of Lane, nevertheless, entertained sanguine hopes of his success.

Henry Grace vs Lewis Cole
According to the agreement the contestants were to wrestle the best two in three, back falls, collar and elbow holds. Prior to the engagement, however, the entertainment was enhanced by the pleasure of witnessing several amateurs trying their skill, and, truth to say, they did every justice to each others shins; if good substantial kicking may be regarded as a criterion.

The audience roared with delight, and the fun was relished to an astounding degree. Harry Hill, who was stakeholder in the champion match, introduced a Hibernian wrestler named Henry Grace and backed him for $50 against any man in the assembly. Whereupon a noted wrestler named Lewis Cole stepped upon the arena and accepted the challenge.

Cole was he taller and heavier of the two, while his opponent was stoutly built and full of action. Holds having been taken the men proceeded cautiously to their work, and a very fine exhibition ensued.

Fully 25 minutes ensued without any result, Cole throughout repeatedly trying the "lock leg" without effect. Grace was wary and nimble and foiled his opponent at every attempt. There being no prospect of a finish the contest was finally abandoned and declared drawn.

Homer Lane vs Joe Johnson
The event of the evening was then announced, and the interest hitherto manifested in the proceedings now verged into clamorous excitement, most of the remarks essayed by the audience being not quite guided by Parliamentary debate.

At 8:52 PM the contestants were introduced amid great cheering. The contestants grasped each other with a determined hold, and, with a few preliminary shakes, commenced operations in lively style. They were evidently tempting each other, and while both hopped about like harlequins their feet wriggled like those of accomplished ballet dancers. Both were nimble and wary, elastic and daring.

After much sprightly business Johnson got he toe lock on his opponent, bringing him to his knees, which of course was no fall, and the men having once more gripped each other a most scientific piece of feet shuffling ensued, the betting being in the favor of Johnson.

A most determined struggle ensued, when finally Lane with a lightning-like move, got the toe lock on Johnson and landed him on his back at 9:06 PM, amid enthusiastic cheers.

The second innings was by no means so well contested, for after a brief contest Lane was whirled around by a cross-toe movement and both fell flat. Again closing, Johnson got the under vine grip on his opponent and quickly changing it to the cross-toe threw him, amid redoubled cheering.

It was now fall and fall, and the excitement was at its height, though it was loudly proclaimed that the second inning was very "thin," a term which probably alluded to the manner in which Lane had been disposed of.

At 9:16 PM the deciding contest was commenced, and to say the least, it was an excellent display of first class wrestling. The rapidity of the movements, the twist, turns and changes were remarkably well performed and at intervals elicited thunders of applause.

It was a most determined tug; white pedal science was busy at work Lane forced it, while Johnson tried to whirl him to the ground by his cross toe, which, by the way, seemed quite a favorite with him. The under grape-vine he also unsuccessfully ventured, but was nevertheless cautious, and a the same time exceedingly nimble.

It was a most exciting affair, the eyes of the audience being completely riveted upon the feet of the wrestlers. By electric twist Johnson was thrown heavily on the ground and Lane was declared the victor, the audience rising up and cheering vociferously.

The conqueror was not rewarded like the wrestlers of ancient Greece with a crown of laurels, but his pocket was adorned with a thousand greenbacks, which, in this 19th century, was, doubtless, far more preferable.

Location	New York, New York
Venue	600 Broadway Street
Referee	James Center
Umpire(for Lane)	Harry Hill
Umpire(for Grace)	Lewis Cole
Best 2 Out Of 3 Falls Collar-And-Elbow Match
Homer Lane and Henry Grace wrestled to a draw.

The competitors were very evenly matched, and seldom has a more interesting, scientific or well contested display of the kind been given in this city. The marvellous rapidity with which the various movements were executed and the vigilance exercised by both, created both surprise and admiration.

The proceedings were to have commenced with a wrestling match between Michael O'Connor and Patrick Evans for $250 a side, but the latter not appearing, owing to an accident, it was postponed.

Then the contestants of the evening appeared, being loudly cheered by their respective supporters. Both men appeared o be in fair condition, healthy, muscular and vigorous looking.

After the usual preliinaries having been gone through the contestants grasped each other and commenced operations in a lively style. Considerable caution was at first observed, each apparently endeavoring to tempt the other off his guard. Their evolutions were entirely devoid of the usual tugging, hugging and kicking which generally characterize such exhibitions.

Grace tried the toe lock repeatedly, his opponent being very anxious to get the grape-vine lock, which he several times almost succeeded in obtaining. Lane now began to force matters but, Grace being exceedingly wary, his vigorous efforts were carefully watched.

Nearly 30 minutes was consumed by a very excellent and exciting display, the audience at times giving vent to their feelings in loud applause. At length, by a lightning-like move, Grace got that vine lock on Lane, and, after a desperate tug, the latter was thrown.

The next innings was comparatively brief, although nevertheless well contested. Elated, doubtless, with his success, Grace attempted to force the wrestling; but Lane, who hopped about as nimbly as a ballet dancer, got the fatal crook upon him and Grace fell.

There was now but one fall to decide, and the excitement became immense. It was generally admitted that a better exhibition could not be witnessed, and the good feeling which marked the contest much enhanced the interest in beholding it.

The last was a great struggle. Muscle, science and activity were brought into requisition with a determination that plainly evidenced the feelings of the competitors. Scores and scores of times one of them was almost gonel but a sudden jump or a plunge would just save him. At length, by a very rapid twist, Lane fell, Grace by his side.

The fall was promptly disputed and the referee, on being appealed to, held that it was not a fair back fall. The wrestlers then resumed operations but Grace having sprained his ankle it was agreed to postpone the contest.

It was certainly a most determined and well matched event, and doubtless the next struggle will be looked forward to with interest. In the first innings Grace had the choice of holds, which was something in his favor, as it was also the case with Lane, he having his favorite grip in the second innings.

Location	New York, New York
Venue	The Hall, 26 East Houston St.
Time	3:40 PM
Referee	Harry Hill
Umpire(for Lane)	Mr. Ball
Umpire(for Grace)	John Grady
Best 2 Out Of 3 Falls Collar-And-Elbow Match
Homer Lane defeated Henry Grace.

The match was for $500 and the American Collar-And-Elbow Championship. At 3:40 PM the men took hold, and, after a struggle of 12 minutes, Lane got an outside lock and brought Grace on his knees, the latter dragging Lane down with him, and they fell their full lengths on the floor. They then suspended operations for 4 minutes.

When they clinched again, Lane was offered at odds, but there were no takers. After a few moments Lane got an outside lock and brought Grace on his knees, bruising his flesh badly. Grace again dragged Lane down with him. This was no fall, however, and they went at it again.

After moving for an opening for a few minutes Lane succeeded in getting an outside lock, and this time he brought Grace flat on his back, this winning the first fall. From the time of taking hold to the fall 35 minutes elapsed. 15 minutes were then allowed for rest.

The men came up blowing pretty freely, showing their want of condition and the effects of their struggles in the first clinch. At 4:30 PM they again took hold, Lane getting his right hand on the collar of his adversary this time, he having things reversed in the previous bout. This is Lane's favorite hold.

After sparring away with their feet for a minute or so Lane got the crook on Grace and threw him on his side. An appeal was then made to the umpires, and referee, but they all decided it was not a fair fall, and the men again took hold of each other.

After a few passes with the feet Grace got an inside lock on Lane, but the latter got out of it cleverly and received marked applause from the lookers on. The men then stopped a few moments for Grace to change his coat, the one he had on being pretty well torn from his back.

When they commenced operations it was not long before Homer got an inside lock and threw Grace fairly on the broad of his back, thus winning the match.

The affair lasted about 1 hour from the time of first taking hold to the finish. The last struggle was 3 and a half minutes. Grace was on the defensive throughout, seldom making play, while Lane seemed to make all the playful advances necessary and appeared perfectly at his ease.

There has been considerable speculation as to the relative merits of these men as wrestlers heretofore, which may now be set aside, and Lane be considered the champion.