Pictured: Russell H. Pearson circa 1923
Pictured: Russell H. Pearson wearing aviatior's goggles and pilot's helmet, circa 1917-1918
Summary: David E. Pearson and Rose Ann Kornfield created this collection in honor of their father, about whom the collection pertains. Russell Howe Pearson (1894-1976) formed the Fort Worth Air Transportation Company in 1918, later called the National Airplane Corporation, after having served as a pilot during World War I. The company was billed as the first Commercial Air Transportation Line in the United States. Not long after, Pearson's air business failed due to a strong straight line wind or a tornado that destroyed his air fleet. According to the donors, Pearson paid back every penny of the amount he owed even though his debtors offered to forgive the debt. By 1923, Pearson was working as a general agent for Reliance Life Insurance Company with membership in the American Legion Post No. 21.
Artifacts
Documents
Maps
Photographs
National Airplane Corporation
World War I Flyer's Club
Related Collection: Follow the link to view the Dave Pearson Collection.
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