William Samuel Henson
1812–1888 (age 76)
Engineer/Aviation Pioneer
Biography
William Samuel Henson, an English engineer whose work on early heavier-than-air machines captured imaginations, pursued rigorous experimentation that helped lay the groundwork for the eventual success of powered flight. His designs and public lectures, at a time when the possibility of human aviation seemed remote, encouraged other pioneers to take up the challenge.
Henson's dedication to solving intricate mechanical problems and to sharing his vision with the broader public marked him as a tireless advocate for progress in a burgeoning field. His presence in the Rosedale Cemetery memorializes a lifetime spent dreaming of the skies.