Viewing page 4 of 16

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

[[stamped]] FROM THE HAROLD & MARVEL MOREHOUSE AVIATION PIONEERS COLLECTION NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM [[/stamped]]

REXFORD M. SMITH

Early Plane Builder - Pilot

Rexford M. Smith was born July 8, 1862.  He first became interested in aviation when Orville Wright made his initial demonstration flights at Fort Meyer, Virginia in 1908.  Smith was then a successful patent attorney in Washington, D.C. and had always been interested in cycling, boats and automobiles.  He was an expert professional cycle rider and reportedly was the first person to ride down the west steps of the Capitol.

Smith became extremely interested in the work of the Wright Brothers at Ford Meyer and the establishment of the first flight training operations at College Park through 1908-1909 and declined to build a aeroplane himself.  Reportedly he abandoned his attempt when he discovered he could not get an engine for it.  Later he evidently entered into some type of partnership arrangement with Frederick Fox  of the Emerson Engine Company at neighboring Alexandria, Virginia, to build a second plane at College Park.  The Emerson Engine Company manufactured marine engines and Fox indicated he could revamp one of their engines to be suitable for use in their plane.  This was a headless pusher biplane with Farman type landing gear.

When the plane was finished Emerson shop mechanic Antony Jannus was sent

1