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plane from Mrs. Rodgers and it was planned to use this plane at Lima to start a school, do exibition work and carry passengers.

The Shaffer-Brabezon Company established a flying field north of the city and built a hangar for their plane. They officially opened this field on April 30th, 1913 and well known Wright pilot Andrew Drew was thore to help them get organized. Drew started flying over the city to stimulate local interest, and on May 4th put on an exhibition at their flying field to attract the public to the grounds. That month Brabazon began flying the plane and both he and Shaffer took additional flying guidance under the watchful eye of veteran pilot Drew. Drew carried some passengers that month and flew exhibitions at Anna and Ottawa, Ohio. The company made plans to build a Gnome-motored exhibition tractor biplane, and on May 26th the Wright plane was shipped to Springfield, Ohio, where Drew flew for three days. On June 10th he flew at Napoleon, Ohio and a busy schedule was planned for the season. On June 12th Drew was instantly killed at the Shaffer-Brabazon field, a crushing blow to their new enterprise. They continued their company activities at Lima for a time that summer and in July were planning to build the tractor biplane and a flying boat, but apparently the project was abandoned. Brabazon reportedly rebuilt the Wright plane later and did some flying with it.

In 1916 Brabazon enlisted as an army aviator and it is recorded that he served for ten months during the Mexican border dispute in pursuit of Villa.

In the early 1950's Brabazon joined the Early Birds and was a member of the Beloit Chapter of the National Aeronautic Association and the Masonic Lodge. After giving up aviation he owned the Beloit Taxi Company and operated the Hilton Garage. Flowing this he was employed by Fairbanks-Morse for many years, retiring in 1956.

After having been confined to the Rock Haven Nursing Home for two years in failing health Brabazon passed away on December 27th, 1969 in Mercy Hospital, Janesville, Wisconsin at age 84. He was survived by a son, four grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Burial was in Eastlawn Cemetery, Beloit, Wisconsin.

[[stamp]] FROM THE FLYING PIONEERS BIOGRAPHIES OF HAROLD E. MOREHOUSE [[/stamp]]