From “The Bicycling World” 8 August 1884 issue:
CURRENTE CALAMO
“Can it be that the coming machine is to be a unicycle? The Washington boys
say they prefer it to the two-wheeler.”
ONE WHEEL RIDING IN WASHINGTON.
"About a month ago, two boys of sixteen, William Dinwiddie and Howard Seely,
had the misfortune to break the backbone of their machines. Being enthusiastic
riders, who spent all their spare time on the wheel, they were at a loss for
occupation; and it was rather to pass the time than with any view to actual
results, that they began to practice on the “big wheel” in the loft of the
Seely stable, where they had perhaps thirty feet of clear space. Aiding each
other, they soon became able to ride across the room and into the wall
successfully, and then essayed to show their accomplishment on the street.
After three weeks of practice, the result is as follows: These two boys,
although they have toe use of other machines, prefer the monocycle, and may be
seen any day traversing the streets, and perfectly at home upon their wheels.
Master Dinwiddie, who lives some three miles from the National Museum, where he
is an assistant in the Electrical department, rides back and forth daily,
crossing numerous car tracks and rough block pavement with perfect safety.
Being personally interested in one of the boys, I have watched his efforts with
great interest and some apprehension. He mounts unassisted, and rides
successfully up and down a curb measuring between five and six inches. His
longest ride without a dismount is three and a half miles, over all kinds of
pavement, and he can hold a pace of eight miles an hour without apparent
difficulty. Both boys have tried saddles, and have discarded them, preferring
to stand on the pedals. Both have ridden up and down Capitol Hill a grade of
one foot in fourteen, with less trouble, they declare, than upon their complete
machines. Master Dinwiddlie rides a 48-inch and Master Seely a 50-inch wheel.
Their performances are considered remarkable here, and, in the present state of
one-wheel riding, should, I think, be placed on record."
By - L. W. Seely, Washington, 2 August 1884