Born: 1888 (Arendal, Norway)
Died: 1958 (Connecticut)
Tillie Baldwin (January 11, 1888 – October 23, 1958), born Anna Mathilda Winger, was an American rodeo contestant and performer in Wild West shows. She is credited as being one of the first women to attempt steer wrestling.
Biography:
Anna Mathilda Winger was born on January 11, 1888, in Arendal, Norway. At the age of 14, she immigrated to the United States and settled in California. Initially, she trained as a hairdresser, but it was in the world of rodeo that she found her true calling.
In 1911, at the age of 23, Tillie Baldwin began her rodeo career in Los Angeles, California. It was there that she showcased her exceptional riding skills and won the bronc riding competition. This victory marked the beginning of a successful and trailblazing career in the rodeo arena.
The following year, in 1912, Baldwin participated in the Pendleton Round-Up in Pendleton, Oregon. This rodeo event was a crucial turning point in her career as she emerged victorious in both the trick riding and cowgirls’ bronc riding contests. She displayed incredible agility, strength, and precision, captivating audiences with her daring performances.
During her early years in the rodeo circuit, Baldwin also showcased her skills as a trick rider and relay racer. Her remarkable talent and dedication to her craft earned her widespread recognition within the rodeo community. In 1915, her image was captured by Walter S. Bowman, a professional photographer in Pendleton. This photograph would later become iconic, immortalizing Baldwin as one of the pioneering female rodeo performers.
After gaining fame in rodeo circles, Anna Mathilda Winger joined Captain Jack Baldwin’s Wild West Show, where she adopted the name Tillie Baldwin. She continued to wow audiences with her thrilling performances, establishing herself as a formidable force in the rodeo world. Later, she joined Will Rogers’ vaudeville troupe and also worked at the renowned 101 Ranch Wild West Show.
Throughout her career, Tillie Baldwin credited Will Rogers for giving her the opportunity to become famous. His belief in her abilities propelled her towards greater recognition and success. Baldwin’s talent and determination broke barriers for women in the rodeo world, inspiring future generations of female rodeo performers.
As her rodeo career progressed, Tillie Baldwin also took on additional roles and responsibilities. Later in life, she ran a riding academy, passing on her skills and knowledge to aspiring rodeo talents. Her dedication to the sport and her commitment to inspiring others cemented her legacy as a trailblazer in women’s rodeo history.
In 1941, Tillie Baldwin married William C. Slate in Essex, Connecticut. She continued to be involved in the rodeo world, promoting the sport and supporting upcoming talent. She passed away on October 23, 1958, in Connecticut at the age of 70. She was laid to rest in Union Cemetery in Niantic, Connecticut.
Tillie Baldwin’s contributions to the rodeo world have been widely recognized and celebrated. In 2000, she was posthumously inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, honoring her influential career and impact on women in rodeo. In 2004, she was also inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, further solidifying her enduring legacy.
Awards:
– Inductee, National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame (2000)
– Inductee, Rodeo Hall of Fame of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame (2004)