Later, Ildebrando Zacchini invented a cannon that used compressed air to launch humans in 1922, eventually earning Zacchini family members a spot in the Ringling Brothers Circus Hall of Fame.

Some kids go to college. Others … join the circus. “The Greatest Show On Earth,” presented by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, is coming to town with its newest star: Skyler Miser. This month, ...