Nationality American Other name J. H. Mears | Other names J. H. Mears | |
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Born May 22, 1878 ( 1878-05-22 ) Massachusetts Known for Established a record, fastest trip around the world. Died 26 July 1956, Los Angeles, California, United States | ||
John Henry Mears (May 22, 1878 – July 26, 1956) set the record for the fastest trip around the world both in 1913 and 1928. He was also a Broadway producer.
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Biography
He was born on May 22, 1878 in Massachusetts.
On July 2, 1913, he left New York City on the RMS Mauretania, then traveled by a combination of steamers, yachts, and trains to circumnavigate the Earth and reach New York City again on August 6, 1913. He had an elapsed time of 35 days, 21 hours, 35 minutes, 18 and four-fifths seconds. His world record stood for 13 years. In 1928, he set the record again at 23 days 15 hours 21 minutes and 3 seconds. In the same year he wrote an autobiography called Racing the Moon.
After the Graf Zeppelin broke his record in 1929, he made one last attempt in 1930. He had to abandon the trip after the airplane he was on was damaged during takeoff.
He died at Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital in Los Angeles on July 26, 1956.