The Legend of Samuel Franklin Cody: Iowa Time Machine April 6, 1867

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On April 6, 1867, the uniquely flamboyant Samuel Franklin Cody was born in Davenport. A man almost as colorful as the Wild West itself, the cowboy, showman, and aviation pioneer born Franklin Samuel Cowdery tried to pass himself off as the son of American and Iowa icon Buffalo Bill Cody. 

Early in his career, Samuel Franklin Cody’s shows dazzled audiences, confusing many into believing they were witnessing the legendary Buffalo Bill himself. After his days of roping in audiences with Wild West theatrics, Cody turned his attention skyward. He became a pioneer in aviation history, designing massive kites for military observation and meteorology. These creations earned him recognition from the Royal Meteorological Society. In 1908, he achieved an extraordinary milestone by piloting the first powered airplane built in Britain.

Cody’s life was a whirlwind of adventure and reinvention. From claiming to have joined cattle drives and the Klondike Gold Rush (stories that remain unverified) to building aircraft that pushed boundaries, he embodied the spirit of exploration and daring. His larger-than-life personality made him a magnet for both admiration and controversy. 

Whether wrangling wild horses or crafting "flying cathedrals," Cody’s zest for life was undeniable. He lived boldly until his untimely death in 1913 at the age of 46. Davenport’s own "fake son of Buffalo Bill" reminds us that sometimes the most fascinating stories are those that defy convention. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar