Family Tree Tuesday – The Wright Brothers

Orville Wright

Orville and Wilbur Wright were two American aviation pioneers, who are credited with inventing the worlds first successful airplane. On December 17, 1903 the brothers succeeded in making the first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight.  In 1906, Orville and Wilbur were granted a patent for their “Flying Machine.” The brothers grew up in a close household, which fostered their creativity.  Their success was widely influenced by the support they received from their family.

Their father, Milton Wright, was a Bishop of the Church of the United Brethren of Christ. In 1859, Milton married Susan Koerner, whom he met while attending Hartsville College. As the daughter of a carriage maker, Susan had spent much of her time in her father’s shop and became adept at building household appliances herself. The brothers learned much of their mechanical skills from their mother.

Wilbur Wright

Milton and Susan had a total of seven children, however, two did not live past infancy. Their only surviving daughter, Katharine, was especially close to Orville and Wilbur. She gained fame while traveling with her brothers in Europe. She was the only Wright to complete college. Oldest siblings, Reuchlin and Lorin, would go on to marry and have four children each.

Check out their family tree and see how you’re related!

The Wright Brothers' family tree