Profile of the Day: Annie Edson Taylor

Annie Edson Taylor

Teacher Annie Edson Taylor had a unique way of celebrating her 63rd birthday on October 24, 1901. On that day, Taylor became the first person to survive a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

She was born on October 24, 1838 in Auburn, New York and was one of eight children. Taylor grew up comfortably and studied to become a school teacher before marring at the age of 17. However, after her husband died in the Civil War, Taylor struggled financially for years and traveled to various locations around the country to find work.

Seeking financial security in her later years, Taylor hatched a plan to earn fame and fortune by becoming the first person to ride over Niagara Falls in a barrel. So on her 63rd birthday, Taylor rode a specially-made barrel down the raging waterfall. Several thousand people gathered to watch as she successfully made it over the falls with only a few scrapes and bruises. Although she did gain fame for a brief amount of time, Taylor did not achieve the fortune she was hoping for. She died on April 29, 1921 at the age of 82.

Explore Annie Edson Taylor’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re related to the daredevil.
 

View Annie Edson Taylor’s Geni Profile

Image: Library of Congress