Bessica Medlar Raiche
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Bessica Medlar Raiche (April, 1875 – April 11, 1932) was an aviator, notable for making the first accredited solo flight by a women in the United States.
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[edit] Birth
She was born in April of 1875 in Wisconsin. Her mother, Elizabeth, was from New Hampshire, and her father, James B. Medlar was from New York. In 1880 the family was living in Rockford, Illinois and she was using the name "Bessie F. Medler". She had a sister: Alice M. Medlar (1879-?). Raiche was a proto-feminist, she drove an automobile and wore bloomers. She was also a musician, painter, and linguist, and participated in swimming and shooting. In 1900 she was working as a dentist and living in New Hampton, New Hampshire, renting a room under the name Faith Medlar.
[edit] Flying
She married Frank C. Raiche (1874-?) of New Hampshire, and they moved to Mineola, New York. Frank's parents were both from France. Together they assembled an earlier flyer in their living room. They used silk instead of the heavier canvas covering, and piano wire to replace the heavier iron wire in construction. It was in her homemade flyer that she made her record solo flight. On September 16, 1910, Bessica Raiche made the first accredited solo flight by a woman in the United States. Another contender for the title was Blanche Stuart Scott, but her flight was less documented and was not an intended flight. Bessica said:
- "Blanche deserved the recognition, but I got more attention because of my lifestyle. I drove an automobile, was active in sports like shooting and swimming, and I even wore riding pants and knickers. People who did not know me or understand me looked down on this behavior. I was an accomplished musician, painter and linguist, I enjoyed life, and just wanted to be myself."
[edit] Family
In 1915 she had a daughter: Catherine E. Raiche (1915-?). They moved to California; in 1920 Frank and Bessica were living in Newport Beach, California and Frank was practising as a lawyer. In 1923 Bessica, served as president of the Orange County Medical Association. In 1930 she was living in Santa Ana, California.
[edit] Death
She died in her sleep in Balboa Island, Newport Beach, California of a heart attack.
[edit] Timeline
- 1874 Born in Rockford, Illinois
- 1880 US Census as "Bessie F. Medler"
- 1900 US Census as "Faith Medlar"
- 1910 Solo flight
- 1920 US Census with "Frank C. Raiche" and "Beonce F. Raiche"
- 1923 President of the Orange County Medical Association
- 1930 US Census
- 1932 Death in Balboa, California on April 11th
[edit] Awards
- Hudson Maxim of the Aeronautical Society of America awarded her a gold medal with a diamond inscribed "First Woman Aviator of America"
[edit] References
- New York Times; April 12, 1932, page 24; "Dr. Bessica Raiche, early flyer, dead; Received Gold Medal From Hudson Maxim as 'First Woman Aviator of America.' Built her own airplane, made flights in it in 1910 -- was painter, musician and linguist and practicing physician. Santa Ana, California, April 11, 1932 (AP) Dr. Bessica Raiche, 58 years old, reputed to be the first woman who ever flew an airplane, died yesterday at her home in Balboa, a beach resort near here. She was found in her bed by her daughter Catherine. Death apparently was caused by heart disease."
