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| “John Holtum, ( October 29, 1845 - 1919) was a strongman from Denmark who drew immense crowds in cities around the world by perfecting the cannonball catch. With Holtum on one side of the stage and a cannon on the other, an assistant would fire a fifty pound ball which Holtum caught with his gloved hands and chest. The feat required immense strength, steely nerves and lightning fast reflexes. Several skeptics questioned the legitimacy of his act but were convinced after Holtum brought them on stage for art da demonstration. Holtum appeared before Royalty in Europe and was a great success in the U.S. as well." |
