from San Diego Air & Space Archives.
1889-1943 AKA Raymund V. Morris |
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| Raymond V. Morris, 1910 from San Diego Air & Space Archives. |
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CURTISS PILOT TRAINING CLASS 1914 The Curtiss Aviation School on North Island had officially opened on January 17, 1911. Raymond Morris took over the flying school when Curtiss' three year contract expired in February, 1914. 1915 1921 of San Diego, California Mr. Walter E. Lees, c/o La Grande Aircraft Co., Inc La Grande, Oregon. My Dear Mr, Lees: I am receipt of yours of June 24th and note with deep interest as to your wherabouts and the extremely unfortunate predicament which you are now in. Unfortunately, I had lost track of both yourself and Jimmy Johnson and practically all of the other boys. As time went on I heard less from you individually until finally you dropped out of sight altogether. This applies to Jimmy Johnson and a number of the others. In fact I have heard nothing from any of them for some considerable period of time. I can appreciate thoroughly that aviation has suffered severely since the war. Had anticipated this myself sufficiently to be clear when the crash came. Whether for all times or not I cannot say, but I am inclined to believe this is the case. Have looked into matters in our own organization and am exceedingly sorry to advise that there is very little going on at this time as you are no doubt aware, and for that reason no opening in which we could satisfactorily place you. Personally I am unable at this time, much as I would like to, to offer you the necessary financial assistance. It is quite possible, however, that I will be in your immediate vicinity with the next thirty or sixty days and if this should be the case be assured that I will endeavor to look you up and at that time something may have developed which will prove beneficial to you, Meanwhile, I am, Yours very truly, R. V. Morris 1936 According to the Early Birds' Membership List, Raymond Morris lived at 1515 10th Street, Coronado, California. Coronado is close to the North Beach Curtiss Flying School location near San Diego. 1939 My wife Jo recalls that she and the family were entertained by Ray at dinner, probably at the Coronado Hotel, when she was about ten years old. She doesn't recall any details of the occasion, but was reminded that Walter and the family remained good friends with Ray for all those years. |
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Knoxville Journal and Tribune, Knoxville, Tennessee: February 27, 1914, Transcribed by Bob Davis - 2-20-07 Aviators express every confidence of the proposed "round-the-world" flight becoming a realization. The stupendous race project in connection with the Panama-Pacific Exposition in 1915 has aroused much interest and comment in New York, and included in the discussion is the opinion that American aviators are handicapped and that aviation as science and sport needs the stimulus of reawakened public interest. Harold Kanter, of Newtown, Queens county, N. Y., is one of the aviators mentioned by Mortimer Delano, secretary of the Aero Club of America, as being likely to take part in the flight. Gustav Hamel, of England, who flew upside down for the especial benefit of the King and Queen, is most enthusiastic. "Provided they are able to overcome financial difficulties," he said, "I am sure that many will jump at the chance to make th eattempt." Raymond V. Morris, of New Haven, Conn., has also given notice that he has begun the plans for a new machine for transatlantic flight and would enter the competition. Word received in New York from Los Angeles stated that Lincoln Beachey has decided to enter the race." |
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Journal and Tribune, Knoxville, Tennessee: April 20, 1916, Transcribed by Bob Davis - 2-4-05 The former record was held by R. V. Morris of Buffalo, who ascended 8, 024 feet. The flight was accomplished in one hour and twenty-seven minutes. |
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Contributed by Shawn Tiernan, 11-25-12 Regarding pioneer aviator Raymond Morris: Raymond V. Morris, son of Andrew Morris of Milford, CT. Born 31 August, 1889, according his WWI draft registration. He's in the 1900, 1910 and 1920 census with his father's family in Milford (although it is unlikely he was in Milford in 1920). He's also in the 1920 and probably in the 1930 census in San Diego. He was my father's uncle. Best wishes, Shawn Tiernan |
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from Early Birds Roster of Members, February 1, 1994, Editor's Note: If you have any more information on this pioneer aviator please contact me. E-mail to Ralph Cooper |
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