James J. Ward

James J. Ward (born Jens P. Wilson in 1886 in Denmark – January 7, 1923)[1] was a pioneer aviator who made one of the earliest attempts at transcontinental flight.

Ward in 1910

Biography

He flew a Curtiss Model D pusher biplane named the "Hearst Pathfinder". On September 13, 1911 he attempted to win the William Randolph Hearst Prize flying from Governors Island in New York to California.[2] He withdrew from the race on September 22, 1911 after his aircraft's engine failed and he crashed in Addison, New York.[3]

Ward taking off on September 13, 1911

References
  1. Shooting Star: Aviator Jimmie Ward of Crookston by Steven R. Hoffbeck
  2. "Flier, Seeking to Reach San Francisco, Lands at Calicoon Late in the Afternoon". New York Times. September 15, 1911. Retrieved 2010-11-25. James J. Ward, who left New York for San Francisco Wednesday, flying for the W.R. Hearst $50,000 prize for a transcontinental flight, reached Callicoon, N.Y., a few miles from here, at 4:35 o'clock this afternoon. He covered 59 1-10 miles in 57 minutes, having left Middletown, N.Y., at 3:38 o'clock.
  3. "Ward Quits Coast Flight. Comes to Grief at Addison". New York Times. September 23, 1911. Retrieved 2010-11-26.


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