Story of the Wright Bros.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIII, Issue 8, 25 August 1909, Page 41

Story of the Wright Bros.

Th. little eity of Daytown, Ohio, U.S.A, claim, the distinction of being the birthplace of the now famous brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright. Bishop Milton Wright, the head of the family, went to Dayton from Indiana 40 years ago. He was a minister of the United Brethren Church, and for many years edited the “ Religious Telescope,” afterward being chosen bishop. Dayton is the national head of the church. Bishop Wright is now past 80, but vigorous and active and modestly proud of his sons. Wilbur and Orville Wright have two brothers—Reuchlin, the eldest of the family, now living in Kansas; and Lorin now in charge of the flying machine business when the brothers are away. Miss Katherine Wright, their only sister, has been their friend and helper in fair weather and foul, and during the last six _nths she has been with them in Europe. Until recently she was a teacher in the Steele High School of Dayton. Last September, when her brother Orville was injured in an accident at Fort Myer, the news came to her in the school room. Immediately she closed her desk, and in two hours was on her way to Washington. She remained at her brother’s bedside in the hospital until he was able to leave, and then accompanied him to France. All through their struggle with the problem of aviation the brothers have had the earnest support of all members of their family. The sister first encouraged them and aided them in their shop work, and later took up the duties of secretary, and looked after their correspondence when it became voluminous. Their brother Lorin gave up his own business, and looked after the aeroplanes • when Wilbur and Orville began to be called to other parts of the world. The two brothers have always insisted upon sharing equally all honours or adversities. When the citizens of Dayton proposed a complimentary reception to Orville after he had broken all records at Fort Myar th- seals'! ■’’"ant was firmly de-

clined, and the Dayton people were Informed that no public demonstration eould be countenanced until Wilbur, then in France, eould be present. When the French Government tendered to Wilbur the decoration of the Legion of Honour he is said to have made a similar reply.