Dolly Shepherd’s Flying Trapeze

November 19, 1886 Balloonist and parachutist Elizabeth “Dolly” Shepherd was born in Potters Bar, England. She was the Edwardian era’s most famous balloonist, swinging from a trapeze suspended from her balloon before plunging back to earth with a parachute. She got her start with Buffalo Bill Cody’s show. After a year serving as Buffalo Bill’s shooting act target she moved on to balloons and became the star of the show.