M. Morat, Aeronaut, Balloonist

     Very little is known about a 19th century aeronaut who was identified in the press only as “M. Morat”.  His first name, his date of birth, and date of death are all unknown.  Newspaper articles from the mid-1800s indicate he made over sixty balloon ascensions; some in Havana, Cuba, New Orleans, New Jersey, and New England.   In 1860 he reportedly made an ascension astride an alligator!  

Click on the following article to enlarge. 

West-Jersey Pioneer
June 27, 1857

Memphis Daily Appeal
July 30, 1857

Burlington Free Press
August 7, 1857

Worcester Daily Spy
August 12, 1857

The Nevada Democrat
April 7, 1858

New Orleans Crescent
May 11, 1858

The Penny Press
January 16, 1860

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