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BERYL J. WILLIAMS
Early West Coast Plane Builder - Aviator

Beryl J. Williams was born at Keswick, Iowa, April 8, 1892. Information is lacking concerning his early life and education, but he evidently became a skilled mechanic and developed an early interest in aviation.

After migrating to Los Angeles, California, he was employed by the Eaton Brother in 1909, where he helped build their very first planes. From savings and by working nights he built his first plane over the winter months of 1910-1911. It was a Curtiss-type biplane powered by a Smalley 3-cylinder, 2-cycle engine. He left Eaton Brothers in late 1910 and was employed by Glenn Martin.

Williams completed his plane in March, 1911, and took it to Dominguez Flying Field for test. There he started the usual ground practice, trying to teach himself to fly, and soon succeeded in making some brief hope, but the plane was so under-powered he could do no real flying. Later that month he had a smashup and was bruised somewhat. 

While Williams was repairing the plane Martin lent him a 60 h.p., Hall-Scott engine and with this revised airplane and more power Williams was soon making credible flight. On April 23rd he surprised everyone by making a lengthy flight well away from the field. In May he had a humiliating experience. While skimming low over the ground outside Dominguez Field a cow suddenly appeared directly in front of him. Williams quickly pulled up to zoom over the animal, stalled and bounced onto the ground, throwing him out, following which the plane took off on its own without a pilot, soon to run into a haystack where it stopped undamaged. 

Williams continued his flying practice and was soon flying capably. June 10th and 11th he flew in an all-amateur meet at Dominguez Field with Gage, Stites, Daugherty, Eaton, and Crosson. He flew with Glenn Curtiss at the Coronado Polo Grounds, San Diego, California, during an Exposition ceremony. There