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started instructing a class of five pupils, including Paul Peck who later did considerable flying for Smith. By late July, the new plane with Hall-Scott engine was flying and about this time Jannus left smith to join the Benoist Company of St. Louis, Missouri. Peck who was then flying alone, took over pilot duties for Smith, and in September they had a third new plane flying, with a Gyro Rotary engine. Peck continued [[strikethrough]] his practice and was[[/strikethrough]] to be active through the fall and winter months of 1911-1912 flying exhibitions for Smith and also demonstrating Smith's planes before Army officers for possible military applications, both at College Park and Atlanta, Georgia.

In April, 1912 Peck left Smith to join the new [[strikethrough]] Columbia [[/strikethrough]] Washington Aeroplane Company as pilot at College Park, Maryland. Smith continued on with his aeroplane venture for a time with Carl Hamilton and Adolph Richter doing some flying for him before he finally decided to give up the aviation business.

Smith passed away at Sibley Hospital, Washington, D.C. on April 22, 1923 following an operation, at age 60. He was survived by his wife and one son, Addison M. Smith.

Aviation pioneer Rexford M. Smith was one of the very early plane builders of the country and due credit must be given him for his valued contributions to American aviation history. While his flying was not [[strikethrough]] worthy of mention [[/strikethrough]] extensive he did start Tony Jannus and Paul Peck on their way to national renown as aviators. Being of an engineering and inventive turn of mind Smith held several early aviation patents and his planes were always exceptionally well built.


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