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Thomas J. Hill Pioneer California Bleriot Monoplane Pilot Thomas J. Hill was born at Kansas City, Missouri, September 7, 1883. Information is lacking concerning his early life, education and occupation, but he evidently participated in mechanical trades. Nothing will be learned regarding when where he learned to fly. The first reference to his activities in aviation appear in April 1913 when he owned and was flying the 50 hp GYRO-powered Bleriot monoplane formerly owned by Floyd Smith. He had his plane at Dominquez Field, Los Angeles, where later that month he sold it to the Schiller Flying School. There hired Hill as their Bleriot instructor. There is evidence that Hill remained with the Schiller school through at least mid-summer, and during that time flew his license tests there. His F.A.L. Pilot License No. 274 is dated December 3, 1913. After leaving Schiller, Hill started building a new two-seat Bleriot monoplane for himself. Completed in the late spring of 1914 it was beautifully made, powered by a 7 cylinder 50 hp., GYRO rotary engine. He started flying this plane at Venice, California in June. This was a resort area and Frank Stites was also flying there. On Flag day, June 14, Hill