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

William H. Conover
Pioneer Wright Brothers Mechanic - Pilot

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William H. Conover was born in Dayton, Ohio, February 22d, 1888, where he attended local schools. In his youth he developed a great interest in mechanical things and loved engines and automobiles. He became quite an expert with them and gained a reputation of always knowing how to make them work.

This talent led him to employment with the Wright Brothers in July, 1909, shortly after they returned from their demonstration flights in Europe. The brothers had rented shop space in a factory building where they were starting to build some planes and engines for their future program. With Conover, the Wrights employed eight workmen. Conover was put to work on engines but it was not long before he was also working on planes. This shop work continued, both in helping to build planes and working on and testing engines, during which time Conover gained a thorough knowledge of the complete machine, and the Wrights began to develop great faith in his ability.

When their Simms Station flying field was established in the spring of 1920 Conover was transferred there on some field maintenance and the servicing of school machines in addition to shop work. That year a small group of civilian students were taught by Orville Wright to serve as instructors and

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