Who+Were+the+Wright+Brothers?

Wilbur Wright was born in April 1867, near Millville Indiana. He was his father’s favorite child and emerged as the dominant personality among the siblings. Wilbur was quiet, but sure of himself. He was intellectually motivated, excelled in school, had an extraordinary memory, and was a good athlete. Toward the end of his senior year at Richmond High School in Indiana, the family suddenly returned to Dayton due to Milton’s church responsibilities. Wilbur was unable to complete his courses and graduate. Hoping to attend Yale and become a teacher, he enrolled in several college preparatory courses at Central High School in Dayton.Wilbur was self-confident, controlled, and of steady demeanor—“never rattled in thought or temper,” as his father described him. Highly intelligent, he was a voracious reader, a talented writer, and a gifted speaker. Outgoing when circumstances required, he could also isolate himself and shut out the world when he chose.

Orville was born in Dayton on August 19, 1871. He showed an interest in technology and science early in life, performing experiments and dismantling things to find out how they worked. He fit the stereotype of the budding inventor far more than Wilbur. More impulsive than his contemplative, thoughtful older brother, Orville had boundless curiosity and energetically pursued a range of interests. His mind was quick, and he was always coming up with new inventions. While pursuing the airplane was initially Wilbur’s idea, Orville’s enthusiasm and optimism were often what carried them through to solutions of difficult technical problems. Orville showed an interest in technology and science early in life. He was always performing experiments and dismantling things to find out how they worked. He fit the stereotype of the budding inventor far more than his brother. Orville was as bright as his brother, but he could be mischievous in the classroom and did not always apply himself fully. His work habits improved in high school. But instead of following the prescribed junior-year curriculum, he opted for a series of advanced college preparatory courses. As a result, he would not qualify for his high school degree at the end of his senior year, so he decided not to attend school that term. He never graduated.