New-York tribune., 1911-01-02
HOXSEY GIFTED MACH|N|ST
Aviator First Was Chauffeur for
John w. GateS'S Son.
FRIENDS TELL OF HIS RISE
Moisant's Death Not to Put End
to Flying Circus Now on
Tour in South.

Charles z. Hermann, Of the office OF
John W. & Charles G.. Gates. talked 10
a Tribune reporter yesterday of Arch Hox-
s.v. the famous Wright aviator. who was
Killed on Saturday by falling in his aero
nlane in California. Mr. Hermann knew
Hoxsey better. perhaps than any one else,
st least in this part of the country. While
anproachable. Mr.. Hoxsey was not easily
known TO the crowds that focked around
him during his all too brief career as an
seronautic star.
With the beginning OF the automobile in
susfrv Hoxsey showed wonderful natural
ability in mastering the fine points Of gas
engine and automobile construction and de-
sgn. Hoxsey became chauffeur for Charles
q Gates, son of John W. Gates. in the
following manner:
NJ D. Martin. brother-in-law OF {. G..
Gates. was having trouble with his auto
mobile in Pasadena Several chsuffeurs
and engine experts tried 10 correct the dit
4cllty and failed. Hoxsey was employed
A. the time. but discussion as TO what
might be the matter with the car induced
him 10 ask for the opportunity 70 inspect
II Mr. Martin took Hoxsey to his garage.
goxsey studied the proposition and fixed
the motor that night.
Becomes Chauffeur FOR Gates's Son.
NJ Martin made him a better offer than
Eo1sey had Yet received, the future win
rer Of aviation honors accepted. and then
Mr.. Gates arrived. Hoxsey was the man
Nr Gates wanted. almost at sight. A few
rides with Hoxsey at the wheel and Mr..
Gates secured his services, with the idea
ofaking transcontinental automobile trip.
This was never done. but Hoxsey continued
,r Mr Gates's employ until he entered the
service Of the Wright Company, in March,
40
u never knew Hoxsey 10 take a drink,
said Mr Herman. nor 10 smoke. He was
extremely honest always on the dead
level. and never tried 10 give YOU a wrong
impression about anything, large or small
He was a corkihg fine chap-immensely in
,eresting regardless Of his great success as
an aviator. during which time I really have
seen him much less than in his modest
automobile days.
NY wife and ] frequently entertained
him at our home in Scarsdale. lie always
came out with his pockets full of aero
nautical journals His mind was busy with
the possibilities OF dynamic fight long be
fore anything definite was known except
perhaps to the Wright brothers. He used
20 talk TO Mr.. Gates about his hope Of
some day being an aviator. FINALLY Mr..
Gates gave Hoxsey an six weeks vacation
a Port Arthur, Tex.
This was in January Of last year Hox-
sey struck out for his native California
and watched Paulhan. Curtiss. Hamilton
and the others iy at Los Angeles.
He became more enthusiastic than ever
He told his mother Of his ambition to fly.
She was awfully proud Of him and knew
his falling where machinery was con-
cerned. He started &C New York 10 meet
Nr. Gates. as his six weeks were up. But
he arranged to drop OF at Dayton, Ohio.
He called on the Wright brothers, saw the
Dayton factory. told Of his long wish 20
drive an aeroplane and after three days
left Dayton without coming 10 any definite
understanding.
"Foxsey reached New York on time, and
within three days thereafter received
telegraph message from the Wright broth
ers making him an offer. Hoxsey told Mr..
Gates what the offer was. Mr.. Gates was
sorry 10 lose him. but understood that
Hoxsey's dream was coming true, and with
IN another twenty-four hours the auto
mobile driver was nn-his way 10 Birm!ng-
ham. Ala. 10 meet Orville Wright, his
tutor.
Planned AeropIane improvements.
a short time ago he told me he had
schemes of his own for improving the
heavier-than-air machine. When he first
came TO New York from the West Hoxsey
wore a sombrero Of unusual color and
breadth. He always was fastidious in his
dress. but he developed a much Guieter
tone in such matters after a short time in
the East.
When driving an automobile he was out
for the latest improvements in horns and
things. The most distinctive thing about
Eoxsey. however. was his bright disposi-
ton. He did not get fused and Vas al
ways cheerful"
Wilbur Wright. short time ago, when
telling Of Hoxseys splendid operation or
the aeroplane, instanced the difficulty OF
keeping him from performing tricks IN the
air
Mr.. Wright found fault with Hoxsey for
o.sobeying written instructions at Detroit,
which were not 70 make dips, short turns
and such things. II lost Hoxsey the chance
10 rs from Chicago 10 Springfield. Mr.
Wright said that Hoxsey's reply TO his let
Ter reDuking the young man for disobedi-
snce OF orders was a frank acknowledg-
nent OF wrongdoing.
Risked Life for Wright Company.
And yet" said Mr. Wright. see the
kind OF man Hoxsey was He meant 10
help the Wright company and thought ne
could CO so by breaking orders at the r'SK
Of his life He wrote me that there were
men IN the crowd from cleveland who were
thinking Of holding an exhibition. and So
Hoxsey said. he wanted 10 show them "hat
the Wright machine could do
A. T. Wupperman. OF the lnternatohal
Aviators Incorporated, denied in TINS CITY
last night that Alfred NJ Moisant. orother
o. the dead aviator. would sever conne'
ton with that organiza tiOn. It Is reported
thar the Moisant Flying Circus has lost
more than 10000 IN its tour Of the south
but, according 70 Mr.. Wupperman, Alfred
d. Moisant who has thus far supplied the
cash, will continue to be the real head of
The company.
The plan as announced IS for the Molsant
troupe of international flyers 10 proceed 10
Dallas. Tex and open there on January .
then 20 10 Havana on January p
Plans Hudson River Flight
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