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| William's Airplane Flight |
William Frederick Zehler was born on October 5, 18812, in Bennington, New York, the fifth child of Nicholas Zehler and Matilda DeTemple. William grew up in Bennington and was living there with his father and sister, Emma, in 190033. William was likely working on the family farm at the time. In 1905170, William was no longer living with his father and his whereabouts is unknown until 1909, when he is listed in the St. Louis, Missouri, City Directory, occupation carpenter178. William may have moved to St. Louis along with his sister, Josephine, however, there is no evidence for this supposition. William is also listed in the 1910 U.S. Census as a resident of St. Louis, along with his wife Grace L. Roth179. The Census indicates that they were married in about 1905, and that Grace was born about 1886. When and where they married is unknown, although it seems likely it was either Missouri or Louisiana, where Grace came from. William and Grace initially lived in St. Louis, however, they soon returned to Western, New York.
William, apparently, was an adventurous man, and an industrious one too. Upon returning to New York, William and Grace first lived in Bennington180. This was probably late 1910 or early 1911. William soon purchased an airplane, which he fitted with a motor. On August 13, 1911181, before a large group of spectators, who paid 10¢ to see him fly. After a short, low flight, the plane crashed leaving everyone disappointed. Following the crash, William sold the plane as soon moved to Buffalo180.
In 1912, William and Grace were living at 341 Swan St., Buffalo and he was working as a carpenter182. According to those who knew him, William was a successful builder, who helped open up North Buffalo180. The 1920 U.S. Census183, which lists his occupation as a contractor, supports this assessment. William also bought land in Kissimmee, Florida, for development, however, he lost everything in the crash of 192940.
On a family outing, William caught diphtheria from drinking the water40. He died on September 18, 193041. Grace died on March 23, 193234, in Louisiana, on a visit to her family. William and Grace had no children.
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