George Gibson  POLLEY

1897 Birth
1 May 1897
Richmond, Virginia, USA

1900 - Richmond, Virginia

Name George G Polley
Age 3
Birth Date May 1897
Birthplace Virginia, USA
Home in 1900 Richmond, Madison Ward, Richmond City, Virginia
Ward of City Madison
Street Worth Eighth Street
House Number 608
Sheet Number 8
Number of Dwelling in Order of Visitation 108
Family Number 176
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Son
Marital Status Single
Father's Name James D Polley
Father's Birthplace North Carolina, USA
Mother's Name Catharine D Polley
Mother's Birthplace North Carolina, USA
Occupation Telegraph Operator
Can Read Y
Can Write Y
Can Speak English Y
House Owned or Rented Rent
Farm or House H
Neighbors View others on page
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship
James D Polley
42 Head
Catharine D Polley
35 Wife
Catharine J Polley
14 Daughter
Mary A Polley
12 Daughter
James D Polley Jr
9 Son
Annie G Polley
7 Daughter
Charles N Polley
5 Son
George G Polley 3 Son
Lizzie Tyler
8 Servant
1900 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

1920 - January 9 – Thousands of onlookers watch as "The Human Fly" George Polley climbs the Woolworth Building in New York City. He reaches the 30th floor before being arrested.
On January 9, 1920, a daring feat captured the attention of thousands in New York City as 'The Human Fly,' George Polley, embarked on a perilous climb up the iconic Woolworth Building. With no safety harness or equipment, Polley relied solely on his strength and skill to ascend the 792-foot tall skyscraper. As he made his way up the sheer walls, crowds gathered below, mesmerized by his audacity and athleticism.

Despite the building's smooth surface, Polley managed to climb up to the 30th floor, captivating onlookers with each precarious step. However, his ascent was abruptly halted when authorities intervened and arrested him for his unauthorized climb.
Visit Manhattan, New York, USA (New York City) (New Amsterdam) (Washington Heights)


January 9, 1920

1920 - Human Fly Says He Takes No Risks: Hasn't Fallen and Never Expects To
KANSAS CITY. Mo.—Standing perilously on the narrow ledge of a window, a man balanced himself for a leap that meant life or death. Just above was the protruding cornice of the building. Upon its tin surface. The summer Sun beat mercilessly, its rays heating the metal to a temperature human fingers could not touch without intense pain.

Cooly, the man calculated the disstance to the cornice. Raising himself on tiptoe, he caught the edge with his finger tips. He withdrew quickly.

Ten stories below a crowd of several hundred persons watched breathnerves tense, as they saw the man risk his life.

A handkerchief was placed on the cornice and upon it the man placed the tips of his fingers. His muscles tightened. Slowly he drew himself to a level with the cornice. He wavered, and the crowd gasped. Then he swung one knee to the roof and in a Jiffy he was standing in safety, waving his arms to the crowd.

“He’s a nut—plain squirrel food,” remarked a man in, the crowd to his...Read MORE...



The Atlanta Tri-Weekly Journal
Atlanta, Georgia
July 20, 1920

1922 Marriage / Partner
George Gibson POLLEY and Hellen D STILLMAN 12 February 1922, , Virginia, USA

He was 24 years old.

1927 Death
28 February 1927
Richmond, Virginia, USA

He died at the age of 29.