Alexander Perkins Keith Personal Papers, 1870-1936

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Summary

Creators:
Keith, Alexander Perkins
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.
Extent:
0.4 Cubic Feet 1 manuscript box
Language:
English and English
Preferred citation:

[Item], Alexander Perkins Keith Special Collection, Archives, San Diego Air & Space Museum

Background

Scope and content:

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.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Acquisition information:
This collection of materials was donated in March 2009.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Access is open to the public by appointment.

Terms of access:

For copyright information and conditions of use, please contact the library director.

Preferred citation:

[Item], Alexander Perkins Keith Special Collection, Archives, San Diego Air & Space Museum

Location of this collection:
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101, US
Contact:
(619) 234-8291
archives@sdasm.org
Website