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Keith (Alexander Perkins) Personal Papers
SDASM.SC.SC.10084
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Title: Alexander Perkins Keith Personal Papers
creator:
Keith, Alexander Perkins
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.SC.10084
Physical Description:
0.4 Cubic Feet
1 manuscript box
Date (inclusive): 1870-1936
Abstract: This collection contains papers relating to A.P. Keith. The papers include documents about a patent Keith received in 1870
for a flying machine.
Language of Material: English
Alexander P. Keith hailed from Eaton, Massachusetts, coming to California for the gold mines and then making his big strike
in Nevada in 1859-60. He used his newfound fortune to continue his vision of his airplane invention. His invention deviated
from the then accepted flapping wing devices that were of the time.
He later married Anna Hicks in Boston and moved to San Diego in the early 1880s where they had two daughters, Mabel M. and
Elizabeth. Only after Keith’s death did his family learn of his invention and patent. It is said in the few articles on
Keith’s invention, that the only things lacking was the aid of a perpetual moving machine, at which time had not yet been
discovered.
Access is open to the public by appointment.
For copyright information and conditions of use, please contact the library director.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection of materials was donated in March 2009.
[Item], Alexander Perkins Keith Special Collection, Archives, San Diego Air & Space Museum
Patents Subject Files
This is a collection of the personal papers of A.P. Keith that documents a patent that was granted to AP Keith of Eaton, Massachusetts
on 1870 for an aerial flying machine. It includes two types circa 1870.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Aeronautic -- California -- San Diego -- History
Aeronautics -- 1870-1880
Keith, Alexander Perkins