About John Henry Mears
Lived 1878 – 1956 (aged 78). John Henry Mears was an American theatrical producer, lyricist and traveler.
John Henry Mears (May 22, 1878 – July 26, 1956) was an American who made the record for the fastest trip around the world in both 1913 and 1928. He was also a Broadway producer.
Biography He was born on May 22, 1878, in Massachusetts.
On July 2, 1913, he left New York City on the RMS Mauretania, then traveled by a combination of steamers, yachts, and trains to circumnavigate the Earth and reach New York City again on August 6, 1913. He had an elapsed time of 35 days, 21 hours, 35 minutes, 18 and four-fifths seconds. His world record stood for 13 years. In 1928, he set the record again at 23 days 15 hours 21 minutes and 3 seconds.
1913 Itinerary United States: New York City from the offices of the New York Sun newspaper on July 2, 1913 Atlantic crossing: via the steamer "Mauretania" England: Fishguard, London & Dover via train France: Calais via channel steamer, Paris via train Germany: Berlin via train Russia: St Petersburg & Omsk via train China: Harbin, Manchuria & Mukden via train Korea: Pusan via train Japan: Shimonoseki via steamer & Tokyo via train Pacific crossing: via the steamer "Empress of Russia" Canada: Victoria, British Columbia where he left steamer en route and boarded a yacht. Left yacht en route and boarded a hydroplane United States: Seattle, Washington, St Paul, Minnesota, Chicago Illinois, Cleveland, Ohio & New York City back to the offices of the New York Sun newspaper via train
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Henry Mears?
American who set the record for fastest trip around the world
When was John Henry Mears born?
John Henry Mears was born on 22 May 1878 in Massachusetts.
When did John Henry Mears die?
John Henry Mears died on 26 July 1956 in Los Angeles.
What was John Henry Mears's occupation?
John Henry Mears was a theatrical producer, lyricist and traveler.
What nationality was John Henry Mears?
John Henry Mears was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Henry Mears. https://biography.guide/john-henry-mears/
MLA: "John Henry Mears." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-henry-mears/.
Chicago: "John Henry Mears." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-henry-mears/.
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