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

Michigan, both having exceptional records as very competent men who trained many World War I students.

After terminating Government service both returned to Chicago, where it appears they did not actually resume their former partnership, although they were closely associated in aviation activities. Both men owned and operated planes and engaged in exhibition and passenger carrying, flight instruction and serial photography, repair and overhaul work.

In 1923 Partridge built a large cabin biplane powered by a Packard 300 H.P. engine. Early in 1924 he brought out a cabin monoplane powered by a Curtiss OXX engine, then made a high-lift wing for "Jennies". At that time both planes were entered and flew in the National Air Races and numerous cross-country ferry trips were made, carrying well known Chicagoans, including wealthy local aviation enthusiast Charles Dickenson.

As 1925 ended Charles Dickenson was negotiating for an air mail route between Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota by way of Milwaukee and LaCrosse, Wisconsin. In the spring of 1926 he was awarded this contract, aided by Partridge and Keller, William Brock, Charles Arens and E.M. "Matty" Laird. In March Partridge and Keller were busy installing Wright Whirlwind 9 cylinder radial air-cooled engines in Laird biplanes for this service. It was planned to also use the cabin biplane owned by Partridge.

The mail route opened on June 7th with storms and gale winds. Starting from Chicago, Partridge only reached LaCrosse, flying his own machine, Keller reached Bangor, Wisconsin, and others were forced to remain at Milwaukee. The following day they flew on to Minneapplis [[Minneapolis]], again in high winds. Partridge arrived there at 2:00 P.M. and left for Chicago at 3:00. Shortly after take-off he crashed in a cornfield near Mendota and was killed, at age 46. His remains were returned to Chicago for burial, where he was survived by his wife and five year old son. After Partridge's death Dickenson lost interest in the air mail route and operations were suspended in late September.

After this Keller resumed flying at Ashburn Field, Chicago, doing ferry work, instructing and some mechanical work. He was a bachelor and maintained living

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