John Jeffries facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Jeffries
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John Jeffries
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| Born | 5 February 1745 |
| Died | 16 September 1819 (aged 75) Boston
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| Resting place | Granary Burying Ground |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Harvard College, University of Aberdeen |
| Occupation | physician, surgeon |
| Employer | British Army |
| Known for | ballooning |
| Title | Surgeon General of British Forces in North America 1776–1780 |
| Spouse(s) | Sarah Jeffries (nee Rhoads) - m.1770 and d. 1780; Hannah Jeffries (nee Hunt) m 1787 |
| Children | 2 |
John Jeffries was an American doctor and scientist. He was born in Boston on February 5, 1745. He is famous for being one of the first people to fly across the English Channel in a hot air balloon. This amazing flight happened in 1785. He also worked as a surgeon for the British Army during the American Revolution.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Jeffries grew up in Boston. He went to Harvard College. Later, he studied medicine at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. He became a skilled doctor.
A Doctor During the American Revolution
Dr. Jeffries was a surgeon during the American Revolution. He helped British soldiers who were wounded. For example, he treated soldiers after the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. He also played a part in the trial for the Boston Massacre. He was a witness for the defense. He treated Patrick Carr, one of the people shot during that event.
From 1771 to 1774, Jeffries worked as a surgeon on British ships. These ships were in Boston Harbor. Because he supported the British, he moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1776. Later, he moved to England in 1779. He continued to work for the British government during this time.
First Weather Observer
John Jeffries was one of America's first weather observers. He started taking daily weather measurements in Boston in 1774. He also took weather readings from a balloon over London in 1784.
His birthday, February 5, is now National Weatherperson's Day. This day celebrates people who study the weather. Some of his old papers are kept at Amherst College. One of these papers is a letter he dropped from his balloon. It is thought to be the oldest piece of airmail ever.
Flying Across the English Channel
In 1785, John Jeffries made history. He and a French inventor named Jean-Pierre Blanchard flew across the English Channel in a balloon. They were the first people ever to cross the Channel by air. This was a very brave and important flight!
Later Life
John Jeffries lived in England from 1779 to 1790. Even though there was a law in Massachusetts against people who supported the British, he returned to Boston. He worked as a doctor there until he passed away in 1819. His son, John Jeffries II, also became a famous eye surgeon. He helped start a hospital called the Massachusetts Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary.
