November 13, 1829 PATCH Sam Patch known as "The Yankee Leaper" became the first famous American daredevil after successfully jumping from a raised platform into the Niagara River in 1829. His first jump into the Genesee River raised a disappointing amount of money so he decided to repeat the stunt one week later on November 13, 1829 (Friday the 13th). This time he increased the height of the jump to 125 feet by constructing a 25-foot stand. Accounts from the 8 000 present differ on whether he actually jumped or fell but he didn't achieve his normal feet-first vertical entry. A loud impact was heard and he never surfaced. He was 30 years old. Rumors were passed that he had hidden in a cave at the base of the falls and was enjoying all the excitement he had created. But his frozen body was found in the ice in Charlotte early the next spring. Local ministers and newspapers were quick to blame the crowd for urging him to jump and put the guilt of his death on them. He was buried in Charlotte Cemetery near where his body was found. A wooden board (now gone) was placed over his grave. It read: "Sam Patch - Such is Fame".
