John Childs

Who is John Childs?

John Childs, the "Flying Man" of Boston, Massachusetts made the first known flight in America on September 13, 1757 to a crowd of spectators, suspended by a rope from a feathered glider. The next day, on September 14 Mr. Childs successfully flew two more times.

A plaque on one of the walls of Old North Church in Boston commemorates the event: "Here on September 13, 1757, John Childs-who had given public notice of his intention to fly from the steeple of Dr. Cutler's church-performed it to the satisfaction of a great number of spectators."

The September 1757 issue of The Boston News-Letter, featured an article by a reporter who witnessed the second day's flights:

"[Mr. Childs] set off with two pistols loaded, one of which he discharged in his descent, the other missing fire, he cocked and snapped again before he reached the Place prepared to receive him."

The September 23, 1757 issue of The New Hampshire Gazette reported of the event:

"[Last] Tuesday in the afternoon John Childs, who had given public notice of his intention to fly from the steeple of Dr.