Blondin Charles

Blondin, Charles (whose real name was Emile Gravelist), was born at St. Omer, France, in 1824, and made his debut as an acrobat and rope-dancer at Lyons. He next went over to America, where his skill and courage were highly appreciated. In 1859 he undertook to cross on a tight rope the Falls of Niagara, and performed the feat before a huge crowd. He subsequently crossed blindfold, and again on stilts, and he also carried a man over upon his back. The Prince of Wales witnessed his exploit, but declined his offer to be wheeled over in a barrow. Blondin visited England and all the principal cities of Europe, and having lost, it was said, the fortune he had acquired, was performing even in his old age. He died in 1897.