williamrandolphhearstprize

That is aviator James J. "Jimmie" Ward (born in Denmark as Jens P. Wilson, b. 1886 - d. December 3, 1923) taking off from Governors Island in his Curtiss Pusher biplane (a Curtiss Model D named the "Hearst Pathfinder") on September 13, 1911, as he started his attempt to win the William Randolph Hearst Prize. Otherwise known as the "Hearst Transcontinental Prize" or "Hearst Prize", $50,000 was offered by William Randolph Hearst in October 1910 to the first aviator to complete a transcontinental flight across the United States in less than 30 days, no later than October 11, 1911. Jimmie Ward would withdraw from the race nine days later after his aircraft's engine failed, causing it to crash land just west of Addison, New York, suffering damage beyond repair. Cal Rodgers in his Wright Model EX "Vin Fiz" would also compete for the prize, becoming the first person to complete a transcontinental flight across the United States. However, Rodgers would fail to win the Hearst Prize because his journey lasted 49 days (September 13-November 5, 1911)

Thanks so much for the information TVL 1970. We'll fill in the title information the next time we update the record.

Ward with Frederick Dent Grant, resident General of Governor's Island: Ward on Governor's Island, prior to takeoff:

Hudson Maxim: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson_Maxim

That's James "Jimmie" Ward www.earlyaviators.com/eward1.htm Considering that by mid 1912 Ward was arrested on bigamy charges and Grant lost a battle with Cancer, I would date this pic at 1911.

More Bain/LOC photos of Aviator James "Jimmie" Ward on Governor's Island, September 13, 1911: Receiving a sendoff from Governors Island resident General Frederick Dent Grant: Taking off on his [aborted] transcontinental flight, pursuing the Hearst prize:

James J. Ward Aero Club of America Pilot # 52 August 8, 1911 September 30, 1912 Chicago, Il. Freed in municipal court from bigamy charge brought by his wife , Maude Manger Ward. In May 1912, she had charged Ward with having married Margaret Warner in 1909.She refused to prosecute, saying the evidence that Ward was married twice was merely hearsay ( Washington Post Oct. 1 , 1912)

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Dent_Grant He was the oldest son of US Grant

Son of U.S. Grant twister.lib.siu.edu/projects/usgrant/hist/fdg-obit.html

Thanks for the information! We’ll look into it.

"No known restrictions on publication." So I did this: www.flickr.com/photos/thatoliverguy/2533814009/

This photograph is featured in the Indicommons.org post Gen. Fred Grant Simply Adored Horses. Because what he did is pretty darned awesome.