Edwin Sines- Life Long Friend of the Wright Brothers

(Revised October 14, 2022) Edwin Sines has often be referred to as the "childhood friend of Orville Wright", but his relationship with Orville and the entire Wright family was much more than just that. Yes, he was Orville's friend during young boyhood, but having lived two doors south of the Wright 7 Hawthorn home from his birth in 1870 through 1907, he was also friends with Wilbur, Reuchlin, Lorin, and Katharine, well into their adult lives. Further, his parents, Thomas and Isabella (9) were close friends with Milton and Susan Wright. Isabella would say of Wilbur in 1908, "You know, Will is my boy, my champion". To Wilbur and Orville, Edwin's nickname was "Jameez", or "Jamez". Edwin would refer to Wilbur as Will, William, "Fiz", or "Fiz Knockers", and Orville as Orv.

Thomas and Isabella Sines purchased their newly constructed home on Hawthorn street in the spring of 1870. In the Dayton Directories, the home was listed either as 13 Hawthorn, or with no number listed, until 1883 when the house number was listed as 15 Hawthorn, and continued to be listed as such from then on. Thomas was born in 1832, Isabella in 1831, and their only son Edwin was born December 16, 1870. 

Milton and Susan Wright and family moved to 7 Hawthorn street in April of 1871. Their home was listed in the Dayton Directories initially as either 3 Hawthorn, or with no number listed, until 1882 and thereafter it was listed as 7 Hawthorn. Orville was born August 19, 1871. Katharine was born 3 years later to the day, August 19, 1874. Their older brothers Reuchlin, Lorin, and Wilbur as of Katharine's birth, were 13, 11 1/2, and 7 years of age.

The earliest recorded adventure concerning Edwin and Orville is as written by Fred Kelly in The Wright Brothers, 1943. The following occurred shortly after Orville's fifth birthday. Kelly writes, "...Orville began an association with another boy that had an important influence on his life. His mother started him in kindergarten. The school was within a short walking distance of the Wright home and Orville set out after breakfast each morning with just enough time to reach the classroom if he didn't loiter. His mother bade him return home promptly after he was dismissed and he always arrived punctually at the time expected.  When asked how he was getting along, he cheerfully said all was going well, but did not go into details. At the end of the month his mother went to visit the kindergarten to learn just how Orville was doing. 'I hope the child has been behaving himself', said the mother to the teacher. The teacher stared at her in astonishment. 'Why,' said she, 'you know, since the first few days I haven't seen him. I supposed you had decided to keep him at home.' It turned out that Orville had almost immediately lost interest in kindergarten and instead had regularly gone to a house two doors from his own, on Hawthorne Street, to join a playmate, Edwin Henry Sines. With an eye on the clock to adjust himself to the kindergarten hours, he stayed there and played with young Sines until about a minute before he was due home. Orville's father and mother were not too severe when this little irregularity was discovered, because the boys had not been engaged in any mischief. On the contrary, their play had been of a sort that might properly be called 'constructive'. The thing that had occupied them most was an old sewing machine belonging to Sine's mother. They 'oiled' it by dropping water from a feather into the oil-holes!"

In a Dayton Journal article dated February 9, 1938- "Always known to the Wrights by the nickname Jameez, Sines bears on his forehead the scar of a cut he received at 13 Hawthorn street (15 Hawthorn Street), and the Wrights lived two doors away, at No. 7. Bishop Wright's rig was brought around from the rear every morning by Lorin, an elder brother. Orville and Sines used to hop in for that short ride to the hitching post at the curb. One morning Sines stood up in the carriage, waving his arms. The horses stopped suddenly. Sines didn't, and landed on the cobbles, on his head." A neighbor who lived across the street told Edwin's mother, "I knew he wasn't killed, because of the way he hollered." (25)




3D aerial view, courtesy of Google Earth, labeled by author, present day view of Hawthorn Street. Homes 6, 10, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, and 39 date to the time the Wright's lived at 7 Hawthorn.  4, 14, and 26 are newer homes. Names listed were residents in 1880. The Wright home was rented to David Bennett in 1880, as the Wrights were living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.



15 Hawthorn, home of Thomas Sines family from early 1870's through 1907.  Photo courtesy of Mont Co GIS. This photo is as the home appears today.

Milton and Susan Wright would maintain ownership of their home, but would temporarily relocate from Dayton June of 1878 through June of 1884, moving first to Cedar Rapids Iowa, and then to Richmond, Indiana. There would be many church-related return trips for Bishop Milton Wright during these years, and he would stop and visit his friends in Dayton, including the Sines, as recorded in his diary entries:

May 13, 1879, "I called at Sine's, Wagner's."

August 4, 1881, "Call at Sines & Feight's."

November 22,1881, "Called on Feight's, Sines."

February 8, 1882, "Call at Dr. L. Davis' & Sines."

February 10, "Call at Rev. D. Miller's, Funkhouser's, Davis', Sines', Supper at Hotts."

June 7, 1882, "Call at Sine's & Feight's."

May 5, 1884, "Call to see Sines."

  
His two older sons Reuchlin and Lorin would be employed in Dayton, and room together during a portion of this time period  the family was away. After returning to Dayton, the Wright family would reside at 114 N. Summit Street until their tenants had vacated 7 Hawthorn. 7 Hawthorn was listed for the Marquis family in 1883. In 1885, Edward H. and Susanna Williams and her mother Susanna Boond were listed.  The Wrights were then listed at 7 Hawthorn in the 1886 Directory.  Milton recorded in his diary February 24th, 1886, "At home, 7 Hawthorne St." (2)

Orville and Edwin's friendship continued, Orville now 14 1/2 years old, and Edwin 15. In The Wright Brothers, Fred Kelly continues, "...Orville renewed close relations with his old chum, Ed Sines. To his delight he found that young Sines was already interested in printing. He had a small press....capable of printing only one narrow line at a time....they immediately formed the printing firm of Sines & Wright. At the beginning of the partnership...their printing establishment was in a corner of the Sines kitchen. (Orville's) father was impressed by the boy's persistence in trying to use inadequate equipment. The father knew that...Wilbur and Lorin...had recently had a chance to trade a boat they had made, now seldom used, for a small printing press. If they would make that trade, he suggested, and donate the press to Orville, then he would buy for the youngster twenty-five pounds of brevier type....The new press would print anything up to 3 by 4 1/2 inches. As the Sines kitchen was not quite the ideal location for their printing plant, Orville arranged for quarters in a 'summer kitchen' not often used, at the Wright home." Kelly then provides the account of Orville and Ed printing a newspaper for their eighth grade class called The Midget. Though a hundred or so copies were printed, they were never distributed, as the project was brought to an end (for good reasons) by Orville's unimpressed father.

Orville Wright was listed as Publisher of the weekly newspaper West Side News, beginning with the first issue of March 1, 1889 through the issue of April 13, 1889. The April 20th issue lists Orville as Publisher, and Wilbur as Editor. This continued for a total of 13 issues including July 20, 1889. The July 31st issue then indicates Orville as Editor, and Edwin Sines as Solicitor. This continued through January 3, 1890. The January 11, 1890 issue indicated Orville as both Editor and Publisher, and was so listed until April 5, 1890. From an interview with Orville (Henry Ford Research team, 11-11-36), discussing the West Side News, the team wrote, "The weekly was devoted to the interests of the Dayton West Side. It carried advertising. Job work was also solicited from the local merchants. Orville Wright started this alone and Wilbur never had any financial interest in it. According to Mr. Wright, Wilbur's name was put on the masthead as editor since Wilbur, who wrote very easily, produced some of the editorials. Orville wrote the early ones. He was still in school when he started the business. Dunbar, the colored poet, who was a resident of Dayton, wrote a selection for the West Side News for the "April Bust" (1889 or 1890)" The issue for "April Bust" by Paul Laurence Dunbar was April 5, 1890.
 

 

April 5, 1890 issue of West Side News with poem written by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Courtesy of Wright State University Special Collections and Archives, Core Scholar.

 

 

 

 On May 2, 1891, Wright & Wright Job Printers issued an encore West Side News. This issue has been identified in the Wright State Special Collections and Archives Core Scholar website as published May 2, 1890, in lieu of 1891. "This issue of West Side News is believed to have been published in May of 1890 rather than 1891." The archived issue has the date 1891 crossed out in pencil with 1890 written above. This is in error. This can be clearly shown as not published in May of 1890 as on the second page of the issue, the printing location is given as the Hoover Block. The Wrights had moved to the Hoover Block location in late October of 1890. The issue has no identification as to Volume 2, Issue 3, which it would have if printed in 1890 following the last printed issue Volume 2, Issue 2 April 5, 1890. Further, the first page includes an announcement from J. A. Gilbert that due to loses extending credit, after the date of May 1, 1891, he would only sell on the cash system. The news of the day could also easily be verified to that of 1891 in lieu of 1890.

 

West Side News, November 30, 1889, Orville Wright Editor, Edwin Sines Solicitor.

The West Side News was replaced with a daily paper, The Evening Item, from April 30, 1890 through July 30, 1890. Charlotte and August Brunsman write in Wright & Wright Printers, "Both Sines and Harry Ewing were 'compositors' (type setters) for The Evening Item...It would have required 30 manhours of 'composition' for each daily edition....Sines maintained his relationship with Wright & Wright, Printers with few interruptions."

Big news of the day for The Dayton Daily Herald, August 1, 1890- "Will and Orville Wright, Ed Sines, Rob Funkhouser and Rudolph Light went fishing yesterday near the Bluffs, and had an elegant time. Katie Wright and Flora Greenwood arrived in time to help dispose of some of the fish and to bring reinforcements in the eatable line. The boys are somewhat sunburned."

The Brunsman's continue in Wright & Wright Printers, "From 1893 to 1895 the Williams Dayton City Directories indicate he was employed as a bookkeeper. The 1885 through 1898 directories list him as a printer...The June 8, 1889 edition of West Side News printed: Mr. E. H. Sines, who has been connected with News since the first paper was issued, has been chosen business manager of the Church Stylus, the local organ of the Brown Street Christian Church....He goes to take charge of his new position followed by the best wishes of all connected with the News." Ed continued to provide advertising solicitation for the News. The Brunsmans record that "When Sine's injury to a lame knee in 1899 caused him to seek other employment, the printing business and equipment were sold to Thomas R. and Marion J. Stevens who operated 'Stevens & Stevens', a printing company, at 1225 West Fifth Street." Before leaving in 1899 for other employment, Ed was also involved in the Wright Cycle Shop. This account is told well in Fred Fisk and Marlin Todd's "The Wright Brothers from Bicycle to Biplane". (6) (7)




Edwin Sines in printing office, 1897, courtesy of Library of Congress Wright Brother Archives.




Ed Sines (left) and Orville Wright (right) working at the 22 South Williams St bicycle shop, 1897, courtesy of the Library of Congress Wright Brother Archives.

Milton Wright Diary entries-

October 31, 1894, "Call at Lorin's and at Sines'."

March 9, 1900, "Called at Sines' in the evening."

May 5, 1901, "Orville and Katharine went with Ed. Sines and his girl (blank) in a ride, with Milton along."

September 13, 1906, "Called at Sines' to borrow the Journal. She was 75 years old, August 30th."

Tragedy occurred the day following this last diary entry. Milton wrote, September 14, 1906, "In the afternoon about 3 o'clock, my neighbor, Thos. J. Sines was killed by the cars. He is past 74 years of age....Mrs. Sines was 75 August 30." Thomas was crossing the Dayton and Union railroad tracks near Hawthorn street when he heard the screech of the locomotive. His hearing was impaired, and his vision was blocked by a Tobacco warehouse located 4 feet from the track. He was killed instantly. As stated in the Dayton Daily News September 15, 1906 issue, "Mr. Sines was crossing the track going to his home when the accident occurred. He was 74 years of age, and for several years has not been able to hear very clearly. He had been warned about crossing railroad and street car tracks, but had always done so successfully and feared no trouble. Just as Mr. Sines stepped upon the tracks of the Dayton and Union Friday afternoon he apparently heard the screech of the locomotive, but was unable, apparently, to distinguish from which direction it was coming. It is stated by eye witnesses that he stepped back again, only to be struck by the train....Several eye-witnesses state that the man could not see the train for a tobacco warehouse which stands within possibly four feet of the track, and that hearing the whistle as he was on the track they believe he became bewildered..."

The 1897 Dayton Sanborn maps identify the Wm Stroop & Co Leaf Tobacco Warehouse location, within feet of the railroad tracks. There are multiple tracks at this location, and the account above makes sense that with poor hearing, and blocked view due to the building, Thomas stepped forward, but unable to judge quickly which track and from what direction the train was coming, he stepped back again onto the track carrying the oncoming locomotive. (4)




1897 Sanborn maps combined by author to show likely location of accident that took Thomas Sines' life. Arrow at upper left points to Sines home at 15 Hawthorn. Arrow lower right is likely crossing point, adjacent to Tobacco Warehouse.



2018 view with Thomas Sines accident location identified by arrow for comparison to 1897 map above. Site is near the US 75 and US 35 interchange. Courtesy of Google Earth maps.

Milton prepared the following Memoriam for his friend Thomas, and for the comfort of Isabella and Edwin. He wrote in his diary September 15, 1906, "At 4:00, V.F. Brown conducted Mr. Sines' funeral & I read the Memorial."

In Memoriam.
Thomas J. Sines was born near Tiffin, Ohio, August 8, 1832, and died in Dayton, Ohio, September 14, 1906, aged 74 years, 1 month and 6 days. When five or six years old, his parents removed to Fort Wayne, Indiana; and when he was a young man, he went to Momence, Kankakee County, Illinois, where he married Miss Alice Shaw, and in the spring of 1863, they removed to Prebble County, Ohio, where she died the following fall. And October the 31, 1868, he married in Cincinnati, Miss Isabel R. Hall, who has been a faithful and affectionate wife, and survives him, to mourn with their only son Edwin, this sad bereavement.
Mr. Sines came from Prebble County to Dayton in 1866; he and his bereft wife have lived in his late residence on Hawthorne Street, ever since the spring of 1870.
In the year 1866, he united in this city with the Central Church of Christ (Disciples), of which he remained a consistent and faithful member till death. He was a carpenter by trade, and his workmanship has entered into many of the buildings of this city. For several years, his labors have been limited by afflictions more annoying than has been generally known; yet his promise of long life was only reversed by an appalling accident, which shades us all (but especially his affectionate wife and dutiful son) with more than ordinary gloom. But though dark are death and the portals of the grave, yet we soon
"Shall see immortality's light
Arise o'er the shades of the tomb."
Mr. Sines was a good neighbor, a patriotic citizen, a good husband, and a kind father. He was honest, and moral, and had much public spirit. He stood firm for the right, a quality ever to be admired. His judgment was good. The writer of this sketch has been his near neighbor and friend for the past thirty-seven years, and makes this record: The deceased was kind, obliging, friendly in manner, honest, just and true. May his body.......

Milton Wright Diary entries-

September 16, 1906, "Called at Mrs. Sines, a half hour."

October 1, 1907, "Ed. Sines called in the evening, also Miss Rider." 

In 1907, Edwin was listed  as a member of the Standing Committee for General Membership to the Y.M.C.A. as reported in the Dayton Daily News June 11th issue. Edwin, a member since the late 1880's, would continue to be involved with the Y.M.C.A. for the remainder of his life.  (16)

In a letter misdated by Milton Wright as November 9, 1909, but actually written November 9, 1907 (3) Milton writing to Orville and Wilbur mentions, "Sines have moved to their home on east side. They gave $2,900.00 for that, and aim to rent the old home for the present time." Edwin had been employed by the Barney & Smith Car Works as a bookkeeper for eight years when he married Ada Beatrice Harn on November 6, 1907 at Central Church of Christ. Moving to 51 Bierce Ave. located the Sines family to the east side of Dayton just a mile southeast of the Barney & Smith site. The company employed 3500 in 1907.

Barney & Smith Car Works, ca. 1905-1912, Dayton, Ohio. Courtesy of Carillon Historical Park.

Orville, in a letter written from London to his neighbor George Feight at 1 Hawthorn Street, dated November 1, 1907, Orville wrote,"I haven't heard yet when you are going to get married, but I understand that Edwin Henry has deserted us for the East End. Ed certainly ought to know by this time whether the young lady would be agreeable to live with, but I feel sorry for Mrs. Sines, because I do not think she will like the idea of leaving Hawthorne street at this time in her life, to start in to make new friends in a new neighborhood." (28)  Though the Sines were now about 3 miles east of the old Hawthorn neighborhood, they would remain in contact with the Wright family. Members of their church, Central Church of Christ welcomed them to the neighborhood with a house-warming party, and a gift of a rocking chair.


From the Dayton Herald, Tuesday, December 3, 1907.

Milton Wright Diary entries-

December 6, 1907, "The children visited Ed. Sines and family who moved to 51 Bierce St., (Ave) a few weeks ago, after being our neighbors over 36 years."

March 4, 1908, "I visited old neighbors, the Sines, 51 Bierce Ave. The mother is 77 or 78 years of age."

Letter from Milton to Wilbur, Aug 2, 1908, "...Mrs. Sines called yesterday. She is looking unusually well this summer. She is nearly seventy-seven. The new brick building, east of Webbert's, is up two stories...."



1908 map portion showing Bierce Avenue. Street layout nearly identical as they appeared in 1948 map to the left below. Map is of Ward 10, Ward and Precinct map of the City of Dayton by Frederick J. Cellarius, 1908.(11)

Comparison maps of location of Sines home at 51 Bierce Ave. Map on left is as Dayton existed prior to the construction of US35 and US75 highway systems. Map on right is current Google Earth view with US35 south of Bierce Avenue.

On September 17, 1908, Orville was seriously injured and his passenger Thomas Selfridge killed when one of the Flyer's propellers shattered during the trials at Ft. Myer, Virginia. Wilbur, at that time at Camp d'Auvours, near Le Mans, France, in response to Orville's accident, grounded himself for a few days, but then took to the air September 21 again making the headlines by staying aloft 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 25 seconds, flying 66 kilometers.

Wilbur Wright, 1908, Le Mans(11)

In response to Wilbur's success, Ed wrote to him September 22, 1908, "Dear Fiz, Bully for you Will. When we read of your flight yesterday, in this mornings paper we were immensely pleased. But mother is worrying about you now. She said at breakfast, 'You know Will is my boy, my champion,' and she did hope you wouldn't get hurt. So do we all wish you wouldn't get hurt. But of course your trials are bound to be risky but we are praying for your safety. Gee, but I am glad you made such a dandy flight. I hope none of the French boys can come anyway near it. We all deplore Orv's terrible accident but are very thankful that he fared no worse. I believe he will come along all right and be as anxious as ever to try flying again when he is able. I'll bet he will be tickled to hear of your success yesterday. All the fellows in the office from the superintendent down to the 'porter' seem to be glad for the successes you both have had, and all hope you will come out on top in honor and money. Our superintendent told me he had seen in the papers that Mr. Flint was helping you in Europe. He said he did hope you would not be skinned by him. He says he is a smooth one and an awful skinner. He wondered whether he had you bound down by a skinning contract or not. He hoped not. But of course I could not tell him, for several reasons. I promised, firstly, to never tell and then I didn't know anyhow. But I guess from the way they talk here, he will bear watching pretty close, Will. The asst. supt. said last evening the next thing we would hear would be a big company to manufacturer your machines with 'piggy' as secretary or book-keeper or something. I told him I hoped so if there was money in it. Well, 'William', I hope you will keep well and I wish you much success. I will close now and hope to get a letter from you if you find time to write. Everybody very well here. Yours truly, E.H. Sines" (8)
All the fellows in the office that Ed refers to in this letter would have been his companions at the Barney & Smith Car Works.

As Orville was healing in his hospital bed with sister Katharine at his side, Wilbur mailed a postcard from Le Mans October 19, 1908 to Ed Sines, showing how he would keep Orville from breaking his flight endurance records, "My new scheme for keeping Orville from putting records so high that I can't get them back. W.W."

Postcard sent by Wilbur Wright to Ed Sines, October 19, 1908.(1)

Orville mailed a postcard October 31, 1908 to Ed Sines sent from Washington D.C., "Home Sunday, Expect to help elect Wm Tuesday. O.W." Milton records in his diary November 1, "Orville and Katharine came home from Ft. Myer, Va., arriving at 9:00 a.m. He is brought out from the depot on a wheeled chair. His mind is good as ever and his body promises to be in due time....". And on November 2, Milton wrote, "Several came in to see Orville today, and flowers still came. He did not register for voting..." Though Orville didn't feel up to registering to vote, William Taft managed to win the election anyway.

Postcard sent by Orville Wright to Ed Sines, October 31, 1908.(1)

On December 7, 1908, Wilbur, while at Camp d'Auvours, wrote a letter to Katharine, "Dear Swes, ....I would have liked to send a lot of little presents home for Christmas, but I can buy nothing here and I will not get back to Paris in time. Spend twenty five dollars for me at Dayton. I cabled Orville to give Reuchlin and Lorin each a thousand dollars. There was a report in the papers that he was about to sail for Europe, and so I cabled him about it and the presents. I will go 'havies' on a gift to 'James' Sines of a hundred dollars if he wishes." 
One hundred dollars gifted to Edwin in 1908 was equivalent in purchasing power of $2763 in 2019.  The $1000 gifts to Reuchlin and Lorin were equivalent for each brother in purchasing power of $27,630 in 2019. 

Milton Wright Diary entries-
December 20, 1908, "John Feight & wife came; Ed Ellis & Wife; Ed. Sines & A. Stoltz and Siddall, who all remained till after supper. Lorin & all the children, except Leontine came."

January 2, 1909, "I took a walk and returned at 3:00. Rev. R.S. Kindel and Ed. Sines were there."
February 21, 1909, "Mrs. Sines called at 2:00."
February 23, "Letter from Katharine. Boys go to Rome in March, early."
February 24, "Wilbur's ride yesterday with Katharine, in Aeroplane."
February 25, "Orville and Katharine take a balloon ride in France."
May 5, "Berkhart, J.S. McMahon called afternoon, to consult over Wright Brother's days, I wrote for the Invocation that day."

Orville and Katharine traveled to France in January of 1909 to join Wilbur at Pau. In April, they rejoined Wilbur in Rome where they remained until April 28th. On the return trip to Paris on the 29th, (13) Katharine wrote a note to Isabella, "Just crossed the line and are in Italy  France now. Home in a few weeks. K.W." Milton wrote in his diary May 11, "Telegram from Katharine, telling of their safe arrival in New York, saying they will be home, Thursday.." And on May 13, Milton wrote, "Flags, Chinese lanterns and electric lights are being arranged. Eleven carriages met the Wright Brothers and Katharine at the Depot, and thousands, and a four horse carriage pulls them home, where thousands meet them around our house. Over 10,000 came at night."

Postcard sent by Katharine Wright to Mrs. Thos. Sines, May 8, 1909.(1)

 

The West Dayton Reception Committee, organized to welcome Wilbur, Orville, and Katharine home. Standing in center front row, left to right is Lorin, Wilbur, Milton, Orville, and Charlie Taylor. Between Orville and Charlie in row behind, is Ed Sines. Courtesy of Wright State University Special Collections and Archives.

 Milton wrote June 6, 1909, "Mrs. Sines dines with us."  

Interviewed by the Dayton Herald for the June 15, 1909 issue, Edwin shared, " 'The Wright boys have succeeded in everything undertaken by them because they have disagreed in almost everything.' " Mr. Sines made the significant statement that their success was due in a great measure, to their differences of opinion....And that Mr. Sines is authority on this matter is manifest from the fact that he not only was a boon companion of the Wright boys, not only Wilbur and Orville, but of Reuchlin and Lorin Wright, as well in their 'kid days', but he was also associated in business with the now famous conquerors of aerial navigation, when they first launched upon the business world.
Sines, who is now connected with the Barney & Smith Car Works, and resides with his family at 51 Bierce Av., was especially close to Orville Wright, with whom, while they were still in the intermediate schools, he started the publication of a newspaper." (20)

Dayton formally celebrated the Wright Brother's Homecoming June 17 and 18 of 1909. In Wilbur and Orville, A Biography of the Wright Brothers, Fred Howard wrote, "The festivities began at 9 A.M. Thursday with blasts from every factory whistle and the ringing of bells in every church in Dayton. The brothers, already hard at work in the bicycle shop, stepped outside in their shirtsleeves to listen.....At 10 A.M. a carriage drew up in front of the bicycle shop to take them to the opening ceremonies. Two old friends were in the carriage- Ed Sines, Orville's partner in their old printing business, and Edgar Ellis, assistant auditor of the city. As the procession crossed the Third Street bridge and proceeded up Main Street behind a brass band, Wilbur and Orville shrank back among the cushions of the closed carriage and watched with amusement as Sines and Ellis shook the hands extended to them though partially opened windows by people who imagined they were shaking the hands of the famous brothers." Edgar Ellis was one of the "Ten Dayton Boys" club, a group that included Wilbur, Reuchlin, Lorin Wright, and six others. Neither Orville nor Edwin were members as they were both too young at the time of the formation of the club, in 1886.

 

Wright Brother Homecoming Celebration, June 17, 18, 1909. Orville is talking with his father Milton with Wilbur seated next to Orville. Behind Orville's left shoulder, Lorin Wright is visible. Behind Milton's right shoulder, (2 rows back) Edwin Sines is visible. Reuchlin Wright is sitting to Edwin's right.

The Dayton Herald  June 19th issue reported, "The approximate cost of the celebration was $25,000. Unless the expenditures counted as 'extras' are greater than anticipated at this time, the Wright Brothers Home Celebration Committee will be able to meet all accounts with the funds on hand and not draw on the reserve guarantee fund, which was provided. The accountants which have had charge of the books for the committee, Mr. C. J. Schmidt, Edwin Sines and Mr. Kiefaber....The Court of Honor will be lighted again Saturday night. The committee arranged for this Saturday. This is about all the committee was able to accomplish, however, as the members were so dead tired they could not get down to work."

Wright Brother's Homecoming, Dayton Ohio, June 17, 18, 1909, Main Street near Court of Honor.(11)

Orville, now fully recovered from the accident (12), returned to Ft. Myer in July of 1909. On July 27, witnessed by President William H. Taft and a crowd of 10,000, Orville and passenger Lt. Frank Lahm  completed a world record flight of 1 hour, 12 minutes, 37 and 4/5 sec., beating Wilbur's record with a passenger. As reported by A. Post, in World's Works, "The hour mark is reached and a great shout goes up from the people on all sides of the building. President Taft claps his hands, but the welcome sound seems to make no impression upon the men far away from earth, intent only upon beating the world's record of 1 hour 9 minutes 40 seconds, made by Mr. Wilbur Wright earlier in the year. On the breaking of this record Mr. Wilbur Wright runs out and waving a handkerchief shouts: 'Give him a cheer, boys!' and the cheer goes up from the crowd of officers in the center of the field. This meant that Orville Wright has beaten his brother's record and is now setting a new mark of his own..." Wilbur (Fizz Knockers) apparently hadn't tied that string tight enough to the Flyer to keep Orville from breaking his records. Ed joins in the rivalry fun, sending a telegram to Orville the next day, "Orville Wright....Fort Myer, Va.    Bully for you, Fizz Knockers all dead, congratulations old boy. Jameez." (8)

Postcard sent by Orville to Edwin, October 16, 1909. Courtesy of Terrell Wright who was fortunate to obtain this item from the Grand Niece of Edwin and Beatrice Sines.

Milton Wright wrote in his dairy June 7, 1910, "I went out to Simm's. Orville glided downward 2000 feet and landed at the right place with ease and safety. Ed.Sines and wife (Beatrice) were out with Mr. Clinger and wife, who brought me home in automobile." Orville had previously invited Ed for an aeroplane ride, but Beatrice, not caring to be widowed so soon, insisted that Ed decline the offer. From Dayton Harold, Feb 9, 1938 interview with Edwin,  "Though closely associated with the Wrights in the early days and still an intimate friend of Orville, Sines has never been up in an airplane although Orville invited him years ago up at Simms station. When he would not, because of Mrs. Sines' objections, Orville flew so low that Sines threw himself flat on the ground for fear he would be struck down by the plane." Perhaps at this point Beatrice may have wondered if Edwin would have been safer as a passenger than as an observer.

Milton Wright Diary entries-

September 30, 1910, "Katharine went with Mrs. Sines to Simm's Aviation grounds. Wilbur came home from Springfield, Ill."

January 21, 1911, "Edwin Sines called in to see Orville."

August 29, 1911, Mrs. Sines calls in the afternoon."

September 2, 1911, "Ed. Sines came to see Reuchlin and talked an hour or so."

October 25, 1911, "News of Orville remaining in the air nearly ten minutes at Kill Devil Hill, in a fifty mile wind, yesterday. Mrs. Sines called."

April 23, 1912, "Mrs. Sines called to see us. She looks well."

Milton recorded in his diary on May 2, 1912 that Wilbur had been diagnosed with Typhoid Fever. During the sad event of the next several weeks, Ed Sines visits the household. On May 7, Milton wrote, "Wilbur is better. But still has considerable fever. Ed. Sines called in the evening." Milton would later write, "He suffered little the first week. He was delirious the second week. About the end of the second week, he became unconscious, which mostly lasted to the close of his life...In memory and intellect, there was none like him. He systemized every thing. His wit was quick and keen. He could say or write anything he wanted to. He was not very talkative. His temper could hardly be stirred. He wrote much. He could deliver a fine speech, but was modest." Wilbur struggled till May 30, when Milton wrote, "This morning at 3:15, Wilbur passed away, aged 45 years, 1 month, and 14 days..."

Wilbur's Last Flight, from Dayton Daily News, May 30th, 1912

Wilbur's funeral was held Saturday morning June 1st at the First Presbyterian Church at Second and Ludlow streets in Dayton. Among the many flower arrangements on display were those from Isabella, Edwin, and Beatrice.

June 1, 1912 Dayton Daily News- Mrs. Thomas Sines, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Sines provided flowers at Wilbur's funeral.

Milton wrote June 6, 1912, "I felt Wilbur's absence as never before. Mrs. Sines called forenoon."
Edwin's mother Isabella had lost her "champion". The Sines family would offer their comfort to the Wright family, and share in their grief, just as the Wright family had shared in the Sine's family's grief six years earlier at the time of Thomas Sines' tragic accident.

 

 

Wright family plot at Woodland Cemetery in Dayton. Wilbur's headstone is at lower left, with Katharine's next, and Orville's to the right. Their parents Milton and Susan are buried nearer the main Wright marker, with twins Ida and Otis between them. Photo by author, June 2021.

 

From Milton's diary, September 25, 1912, "I went in Afternoon in auto to see Orville's lot, Mr.(blank) is well-along in excavating the cellar. I left Mrs. Sines visiting us."

During March of 1913, Dayton experienced a terrible flood. The Wright and former Sines homes on Hawthorn Street were water damaged. Milton wrote in his diary March 24, "I apprehended a flood. Felt the danger of it." He wrote of that day, "About 8:00 forenoon the waters burst onto our Street. I put on my overcoat, ready to go. A canoe came for Mrs. E. Wagner, and the boys said I could get in too.....Our children asked if they could take me." (The Wagner family lived next door at 11 Hawthorn from 1886 through 1923) "A young man carried me on his shoulders and set me in the canoe.....A swift river flowed down Williams Street, and, toward Hawthorn Street, many sheds floated and were wrecked Tuesday...The flood was second to Noah's....The water came up 5 feet and five inches in our lower rooms. A few houses were washed away. Three or more fires broke out One burned just west of Orville's office, several buildings...The removal of the sediment and the cleaning of the dirt from the cellar, lower rooms, and door-yard took a hard month's work. The loss of books, furniture etc......Orville's automobile was submerged....Orville lost a pianola...and other furniture. The dwellings, stores and shops of the city were injured many tens, if not hundreds, of millions. It has since been estimated at $200,000,000." (Over $5 billion in 2019 dollars). Edwin, Beatrice, and Isabella were clear of the flood zone at 51 Bierce Avenue.




Hawthorn Street during the March 1913 flood, looking south from 4th street. To the left is 4 Hawthorn, and the roof and porch of 6 Hawthorn can be seen beyond. To the right, 1 Hawthorn, then the Wright's home of 7 Hawthorn with porch, then 11 Hawthorn. The side of 15 Hawthorn is visible, and 19 and 23 Hawthorn blend in with the trees and six feet of water. Photo courtesy of Special Collections and Archives, Wright State University.

Though the Sine's home was spared at Bierce Avenue, Edwin's place of employment was not. Ed had been employed at Barney & Smith Car Works since 1899. By 1912, Ed had been promoted to position of Assistant Secretary. The company was devastated by the flood waters; three months were required just to remove all the debris and clean away the mud before normal operations could continue. The April 4, 1913 Dayton Herald reported, "Indications go to show that the Barney and Smith company is the largest individual sufferer and that the loss sustained by this corporation will be between $800,000 and $1,000,000.The company had just completed 20 fine mahogany coaches for the Canadian Pacific railroad, costing $20.000 each, and these were ruined....."  From the June 23, 1913 issue of The Dayton Daily News, "The Barney & Smith Car Company of Dayton, O., on account of its very heavy losses caused by the recent flood, have found it necessary to seek temporary relief and protection for all concerned, and to submit to a receivership. The company's entire plant, consisting of 57 acres, (70 buildings!) was covered with water to an average depth of 14 feet, leaving a deposit of approximately six inches of mud and a large per cent of its machinery, generators, motors, and stock of materials, was inundated. Also a large number of high class cars in the process of construction were partly submerged...The car company employs a working force of 2,200 men....Officers of the company are H. M. Estabrook, president; A. J. Stevens, vice president and general manager; J. F. Keifaber, vice president and treasurer; E. A. Oblinger, secretary and assistant treasurer, and E. H. Sines, assistant secretary." (10) The company would never fully recover, and it's doors would close in 1921. There was hope that the need for railroad development in Mexico would revive the company. As reported in the May 23, 1921 Dayton Daily News, "Sufficient headway in negotiations has been made to justify the statement that if recognition takes place, the Barney and Smith Car works of this city will be opened on a scale approaching its maximum capacity. Lee Warren James, representing Valentine Winters, receiver of the Barney and Smith company, made a trip to Mexico for the purpose of contracting for railroad equipment..." (14) The plans did not come to fruition, and the Barney and Smith doors stayed closed.  Ed Sines continued in his tasks as assistant secretary for Barney & Smith until the final assets of the company were auctioned off in 1924. (27) These years must have been sad and difficult for Edwin as he slowly assisted with the paperwork involved with liquidating a company that had graced Dayton's landscape since it's formation as a company in 1849.




Barney & Smith Car Works, Dayton, Ohio, 1913 Flood

Barney & Smith Car Works during 1913 flood, eastern buildings as viewed from Keowee Street. Courtesy of Dayton Montgomery County Library 1913 Flood Photo Archives.

Barney & Smith Car Company and Sines home on Bierce Avenue. Combined Ward 3 & Ward 10 maps from 1908  Ward and Precinct Map of the City of Dayton. Adjacent to the Mad River, the Barney & Smith Car Company suffered 14' deep flood waters in 1913. The Sines home on Bierce Avenue was clear of the flood zone.

Extent of 1913 flood, map from A Pictorial History of the Great Dayton Flood, March 25, 26, 27, 1913. Yellow stars to left show locations of 1127 West Third Street Wright Cycle Shop and 7 Hawthorn Street Wright home. Larger yellow star center right is location of Barney & Smith Car Company. Furthest right yellow star is location of 51 Bierce Avenue Sines home. Shaded area on map indicates extent of flood waters. Click on the map for the full size version.



Click on picture for larger view.

On September 26th of 1914, a Saturday, Dayton's area churches participated in the Sunday School parade, with 9088 men, women, and children involved, complete with "large floats, banners, and pennants", May poles, American flags, banners reading "Go to Sunday School tomorrow" and other banners promoting the "dry campaign" (prohibition of alcohol). As the march ended, the judges "H. D. Dickson, , E. H. Sines, and H. C. Christman, assembled at the Y.M.C.A. in order to determine the four awards...The judges task busied them until 7 o'clock." (15)
 

Edwin Sines was one of panel of three judges for Sunday School Parade and demonstration for prohibition of alcohol, September 26, 1914. Orville was interested in this issue as evidenced by the donation check pictured later in this post.

Four weeks later, on October 24th, Katharine, Milton, and Orville marched with 1300 others, this time for Women's Suffrage. From Milton's diaries, October 23- "Katharine dines down town where she is busy aiding in planning for the Women's Suffrage March." And for October 24th, Milton wrote, "...Orville marched by my side. The sidewalks were lined by many thousands of respectful spectators." With the passing and ratification of the 19th amendment in 1919/20 Beatrice Sines would be involved with the League of Women Voters.(26)

Dayton Daily News, October 23, 1914, "Plans Complete For Big Suffrage Parade"

September 25th, 1915, the Sunday School Parade would grow to 14,000 marchers, "A flag-bearer carrying a large American flag, headed the procession, which moved south on Main street and then west on Third street to Ludlow street...The judges, Dr. D. F. Garland, E. H. Sines and Miss Louise Buck, assistant secretary of the Y. M. C. A....occupied seats in an automobile, parked in front of the courthouse on Main street." (23)

Milton's final two diary entries mentioning Edwin were December 26, 1913, "Edwin H. Sines, Orville's playmate, called awhile in the evening", and April 11, 1915, "Horace came. Edw. Sines came in the afternoon." Milton Wright passed away April 3, 1917. Isabella, Edwin, and Beatrice most definitely would have attended their friend's funeral, held at Orville and Katharine's Hawthorn Hill home in Oakwood. Orville's former school teacher and friend William Werthner was one of the pallbearers. John Feight also assisted, Milton's former next door neighbor of over 30 years at 1 Hawthorn Street.

From April 5, 1917 Dayton Daily News.

$500 donation by Orville Wright to the Montgomery County Dry Federation, July 20, 1917.

5 years earlier, donation by Orville to The Anti-Saloon League of America for $100, November 16, 1912. Courtesy of Heritage Collectors Society.

Edwin & Beatrice remained at the 51 Bierce Avenue home through the 1920's. Ed's mother Isabella lived with them. During these years, Ed was involved with the Community Country Club, and the Dayton Council of Churches. The Country Club, donated by John H. Patterson, was located in the 1100 acre Hills and Dales park. Ed and Beatrice were active members at the Central Church of Christ; Beatrice was a member of the Women's Missionary society and a city federation delegate, and Ed was involved with the officers, teachers, and Bible school workers. Beatrice was also a member and officer with the Fortnightly Club for many years.

March 7, 1918 Dayton Daily News- Ed Sines member of the executive committee for membership campaign for Community Country Club.

From November 5, 1920 Dayton Daily News- Ed Sine's involvement with the Dayton Council of Churches to improve representation of women and African Americans in the Church.

Beatrice Sine's involvement with the Fortnightly Club- A sample of notices as reported in the Dayton Daily News, years 1917-1922.

Ed's mother Isabella died at home, Thursday December 9, 1925 at the age of 94. The funeral was held at 51 Bierce Avenue that Saturday afternoon with burial at Woodland Cemetery. Friends were invited, and certainly Orville, Katharine, and Lorin would have attended. 

 

 

Thomas and Isabella grave site at Woodland Cemetery in Dayton. Isabella to the left, Thomas center, and Thomas's first wife who died in 1865 at the age of 34, to the right. Photo by author, June, 2021.

 

By 1926, Ed was employed as a bookkeeper by the Frigidaire Company, working on the 6th floor of 32 North Main. In response to a request by Edwin for a loan, Orville  wrote June 21, 1928, "Dear 'Jamez': I find I can let you have the loan. I am sending enclosed my check for $500. Sincerely," The letter was addressed to Mr. E.H. Sines, c/o The Frigidaire Corporation, Third National Building, Dayton, Ohio. The family moved from 51 Bierce Avenue  to 756 Belmont Park North in 1929/30, just a mile and a quarter northwest of Ed's office at Frigidaire on Main Street, and just a mile and a quarter northeast of the old Hawthorn neighborhood. Lorin and Ivonette Wright's home at 1606 West Grand Avenue  was less than a mile away to the southwest where they had lived from 1926 through 1931. Lorin and Ivonette moved further east to 1224 Grand Avenue in 1931/32, a bit closer to the Sines home. In an interview with Lorin's grandson Milton Wright, Milton mentioned that Ed Sines had been a very close friend to Lorin. (17)

Beatrice's sister Ida M. Harn was now living with the family which by 1930 included Ed, Beatrice, and their nephew John Robert Jackson. Ida graduated from Steele High School in 1898, the same year Katharine graduated from Oberlin College. Ida had been a public school teacher throughout her career, and taught during the years Katharine Wright taught at Steele High School, and for decades after Katharine "retired" in 1908. In 1906, Ida taught at Washington School, earning $57.50 per month, while Katharine taught at Steele, making $140 per month. (18) (And no, Katharine did not finance Wilbur and Orville's invention). Through the 1930's, in addition to bookkeeping, Ed was also an insurance agent for The Columbia Fire Insurance Company of Dayton. John R. Jackson had attended Stivers high school, and then Miami Jacobs business college. He became engaged to Florence Gertrude Stafford in March of 1933, and the couple married August 10, 1935.(22) They would all continue to live in this home, though the house number would change in 1939 to 752 Belmont Park North.

1948 map of Dayton, published by Frederick J. Cellarius, Civil Engineer. Blue star at lower left is location of the Sines 15 Hawthorn home; they lived here from 1870-1907. Blue star to the upper left center is location of the 752 Belmonte Park North home. Blue star center is location of Edwin's Main Street office with Frigidaire. Beatrice worked at the Herman Ave Jackson Dry Cleaner location; Herman Ave can be seen just north of Deeds Park, extending west toward Grand Avenue. Less than 1 mile south west of the Sines home, at 1224 W Grand Ave, was the home of Lorin Wright, identified by the yellow star.

Modern Google Earth view showing Interstate 75's path through Dayton, passing near Belmonte Park North and Hawthorn Street. Many streets were merged into others, or erased from the landscape, including most of Herman Avenue.

The photo above was printed in the Dayton Herald, September 21, 1937; Edwin is fifth from the left. Edwin's involvement with the Church was consistent throughout his life.

The Dayton Herald February 9, 1938 issue,  Edwin was interviewed in an article titled, "Early Daytonian, Printer, Recalls His Association With Wright Brothers"-

"Convalescing at his home, 756 Belmonte Park North, from an attack of shingles and influenza, Ed Sines recalls many of the times when he was a boyhood chum of Orville, Wilbur and Katharine Wright when the latter lived in the Hawthorne street home that has now been removed and set up in Henry Ford's Greenfield village at Dearborn.

His first association with Orville was in high school days when the two went into the printing business. The boys showed a profit in the publication of a weekly newspaper called the West Side News but lost money when they entered the daily field with the Bulletin. In addition, they did job printing and put out a publication for Paul Laurence Dunbar, the Negro poet.

In the early days of their partnership, the boys often received popcorn and candy as pay for their product. When Sines suggested they eat the profits, Orville bought Sines out. All that Sines retains of the original Wright printing equipment is a line of Tudor type forming the words, 'We honor you' The rest of the equipment has been removed to Dearborn.

Sines says that had they not invented the airplane the boys would have invented something else and refers to a ten-key adding machine. Orville had the idea for a simplified adding machine before there was any such device on the market...."



Dayton Herald, Feb 9, 1938, from Dayton Montgomery County Library Wright Brother Scrapbook 1933-1939.

Discussing Orville's adding machine further, in an article published in Popular Aviation, June of 1938, Edwin stated, " Those boys were born inventors...If they hadn't developed the flying machine they just naturally would have invented other things. Why, there was that 10-key adding machine. After I left the Wrights I learned bookkeeping. One day I told Orville about a new adding machine the office had bought. I told him there were nine rows of keys on it, nine keys to a row. 'Too many keys', he said. 'He told me he could make one with just 10 keys, and I laughed at him. Sure enough, some time later he showed me a model of it, made with sticks tied together instead of metal rods. And it worked too. That was before there was a 10-key machine on the market. I'm convinced Orv would have made a lot of money out of his invention if he had gone ahead with it." (25)

 
Henry Ford purchased the 1127 West Third Street Wright Cycle Shop building and the 7 Hawthorn Wright home and relocated each to Dearborn, Michigan. Edwin was included in the list of guests invited to the Greenfield Village April 16, 1938 Celebration, listed as "Early boyhood chum of the Wright Brothers." The Celebration was held on April 16, 1938, Wilbur's 71st anniversary of his birth date. Unfortunately, Edwin was not able to attend due to health issues.

The father of Ed and Beatrice's nephew John Jackson, James M. Jackson, had founded J. M. Jackson, Chemical Dry Cleaning and Dyeing business in 1911. The new business was located across from the Beckel Hotel at 24 North Jefferson Street. Just two years after opening, James' business would suffer the damages of the 1913 flood, as the Barney & Smith Car Works had suffered, and as the Wright and original Sines homes on Hawthorn Street had suffered. The Dry Cleaning establishment survived, amazingly again open for business and advertising by April.  J. M. Jackson's was successful, and continued in operation after James passed away in 1929.



J. M. Jackson Dry Cleaning, 24 North Jefferson Street, Dayton Ohio food, March 1913.

By June 30th, 1913, Beatrice was celebrating her birthday at her home at 51 Bierce Avenue with the Fortnightly club, enjoying an afternoon of needlework and conversation, while Edwin was at work at Barney & Smith Car Works. J. M. Jackson at 24 North Jefferson was open for business once again. From June 30, 1913 Dayton Daily News.

Jackson Dry Cleaning, 118 East Third Street. The main plant was on Vermont Street. From Dayton Daily News, November 23, 1930.

The 1930 Census listed John at the age of 19 working in the Dry Cleaning business and continuing to live at home with the Sine's. The 1934 Dayton Directory lists John as manager of the Plant at 23 Vermont Avenue. The 1940 Census lists John as owner of the Dry Cleaning Company and his wife Florence working as Secretary at a Doctor's Office. In 1940, the household members at 752 Belmont Park North included Edwin and Beatrice Sines, John and Florence Jackson, and Ida Harn. When Orville Wright would visit Edwin and family at Belmont Park North, he would always sit in a specific chair with a straight back reserved for him, where he would feel the most comfortable. (19)



Jackson Dry Cleaning ad from 1928 Dayton Telephone Directory(11)

Jackson Dry Cleaning and Dyeing, 118 East Third Street, 1934, from Official Building Zone Ordinances of the City of Dayton, Ohio booklet.(11)



From April 3, 1947 issue of Dayton Daily News, Jackson's Dry Cleaning and Laundry, now including shoe repair, and 6 locations. Beatrice Sines worked at the 15 West Herman Avenue location.



In 1939, Edgar Ellis and Lorin Wright were the only remaining living members of the "Ten Dayton Boys" Club. The group had met annually one Saturday in October since the formation of the club back in 1886. Wilbur Wright, in 1912, had been the first member to die. Edgar met with Lorin by Lorin's bed side, October 4th, perhaps each knowing at the time this would be their last meeting of the club. (24) Orville was at his brother's bedside when Lorin died at the age of 77 on December 1, 1939 after a long period of ill health. The funeral was held at his home at 1224 Grand Avenue. Just days over a year later, Lorin's wife Ivonette died December 9th of 1940 at the age of 75. Her funeral was also held at 1224 Grand Avenue. Only nine days would pass from Ivonette's death, when Edwin would join her and Lorin, dying on December 18, 1940 after a long illness. His health had been failing for his last few years, but he had continued his work with the Columbia Fire Insurance Company as long as he was able. This was a sad period for Orville Wright, first mourning the loss of his brother Lorin, then his sister-in-law Ivonette, and then his friend Edwin.

The Dayton Journal printed the following on Friday, December 20th, "Funeral services for Edwin H. Sines, 70, well-known Dayton insurance man and boyhood friend and early business partner of Wilbur and Orville Wright, will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Hoyne funeral home, 1817 East Third Street...Rev. Earl N. Griggs will officiate. Sines and Orville Wright and the latter's brother, Wilbur, as lads operated a small printing business in the Hoover building at the southeast corner of Third and Williams streets. The young publishers printed a paper bearing the name "West Side News."....Later Mr. Sines became associated with the old Barney and Smith Car Company and later with Frigidaire division of General Motors corporation. After that he entered the insurance field. He was a member of the Y.M.C.A 53 years. Friends may call at the funeral home Friday afternoon and evening."

Edwin is buried at Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum, section 104, lot 3446. After Edwin's death, Beatrice worked for years as a clerk at the J. M. Jackson 15 W. Herman location, near the Belmonte home.

 

Orville Wright passed away January 30, 1948. Orville's Last Will and Testament apparently had not been revised in years, as it provided funds for Edwin, and also for Orville's brother Lorin. (5)
From the Dayton Herald February 5, 1948 issue, "The attorney said Mr. Wright had selected Oberlin college for the $300,000 bequest because Mr. Wright's late sister, Katharine, was graduated from that school and had been a member of the board of trustees of the institution.....Mr. Wright had drafted the will in his office-laboratory back in 1937.....The bequest to Oberlin college, from which certain annuities must be paid. (The annuities were for Lorin Wright, Lulu Wright, Mabel Beck, Edwin Sines, Charles Taylor, Carrie Grumbach, and Charlotte Jones.) To Edwin Sines, of Dayton, 'my friend from childhood,' $800 a year.....Uniquely, Mr. Wright outlived all but four of the persons mentioned above to which he made bequests. The money after the deaths of those named reverts to the Oberlin fund." (21)

 
Beatrice passed away Thursday, January 21, 1960 at the age of 89, and is buried at Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum, adjacent to Edwin.

Edwin and Beatrice Sines' grave sites at Woodland Cemetery in Dayton, overlooking Goose Lake below. Beatrice's sister Ida, and parents Mary and John Harn's gravestones are in the immediate foreground, with Beatrice and Ed Sines in the next lower row. Photo by Author, June 2021.

For related posts,
Hawthorn Street, Dayton, Ohio- Neighborhood of the Wright Brothers

Index of Topics

 
Unanswered questions:
A. How long did the Sines continue to own and lease the 15 Hawthorn home after moving in 1907? Did they own it in 1913, and therefore  were responsible for cleaning it of the flood damage?
B. Did Edwin and Beatrice attend the 1932 Kitty Hawk Memorial dedication?- Answer 4/24/19, I think it likely he did not attend. This was the depression years, and the cost of the trip would not have been inexpensive, and requiring time away from work. I inquired of the NC Wright Brothers National Memorial Park Service, and was provided with a photo of the Dayton group at the ceremony, listing 15 present, including Orville and five family members, Mabel Beck and her sister Edna, Orville's housekeeper Carrie Grumbach, and six others. Edwin was not pictured, and not listed. The picture and list may not have been all inclusive of Dayton guests, however it seems to represent itself as such.
D. Were Edwin and Beatrice ever guests of Orville's at Lambert Island?
E. Did Edwin and Beatrice attend the 1940 Dayton Wright Memorial dedication? Or was Edwin too ill at this time?

Anyone with information concerning these questions, please share. I will add to this post as I come across any answers.

 

Copyright 2021-Getting the Story Wright

Notes:
1. The Author of this post was blessed to obtain this postcard directly from the Grand niece of Edwin and Beatrice Sines, daughter of John and Florence Jackson.
2. From Curt Dalton's "The Land Across the River: The First 150 Years of the West Side of Dayton", 2020. Numerous historians have written that when the Marquis family lease expired, the Wright's moved back to 7 Hawthorn. The Marquis family, however, had previously moved from 7 Hawthorn, and as noted by Curt Dalton, "In October , 1885, the Wright family returned to their old home at 7 Hawthorn Street, the lease with their renter having expired- or so sources say. My research shows that in 1885, Edward H. and Susanna Williams, along with her mother, Susanna Boond, were living in the Wright home on Hawthorn Street, Robert Marquis having moved to 6 North Fulton....." The Wright's would live at 7 Hawthorn through April of 1914.
3.  I contacted the Smithsonian to alert them of the error,  and they changed their records to indicate the letter dates to 1907 in lieu of 1909.
4. From the Dayton Daily News, September 15, 1906 issue, "Aged Resident Killed by Train"- "Mr. Sines was well known in this city, and was possibly the tallest man in Dayton, measuring in height six feet four and one-half inches. He was for years employed as a carpenter by the leading contractors of the city."
5. From Wilbur and Orville Wright A Handbook of Facts, Edited by Ann Deines, "He bequeathed $300,000 to Oberlin College..to be used as an endowment, following the fulfillment of the following lifetime annuities: Orville's brother Lorin Wright-$4000 per year; Orville's brother Reuchlin's widow, Lulu B. Wright-$500 per year; Orville's secretary, Mabel Beck-$3000 per year; Edwin H. Sines-$800 per year; Charles E. Taylor-$2000 per year; and Orville's laundress, Charlotte Jones-$400 per year...." (Charles Taylor's share was actually $800 per year.)
6. The Other Career of Wilbur and Orville, Wright & Wright Printers, by Charlotte K. and August E. Brunsman, 1989 provides great detail of the various newspapers and job printing performed between 1889 and 1899, and the involvement of Edwin Sines.
7. The Wright Brothers from Bicycle to Biplane, by Fred C. Fisk and Marlin W. Todd, provides detail of Ed Sines working with the Wrights in the Cycle Shop.
8. From Library of Congress Wright Brother Archives.
9. Belle per 1880 Census, Isabella per 1890 Census, Isabelle per 1903 Dayton Directory, Isabella per 1920 Census. I am using Isabella in this post as this is the name that appears on her gravestone at Woodland Cemetery.
10. Dayton Daily News, June 21, 1913, "Receivers Are Appointed Monday For Barney & Smith Car Company"- Dayton Montgomery County Library.
11. From Author's collection.
12. Fully recovered in the sense he no longer required use of his walking cane. He would, however, suffer from injuries caused by the accident for the rest of his life.
13. From A Reissue of A Chronology Commemorating the Hundreth Anniversary of the Birth of Orville Wright August 19, 1871 by Arthur George Renstrom. A joint publication of the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. September 2003.
14.  Dayton Daily News, May 23, 1921, "Say Barney-Smith Opening Hinges on Policy in Mexico".
15. Dayton Daily News, September 27, 1914 "More Than Nine Thousand Sunday School Scholars Participate in Greatest Demonstration in City"
16. Dayton Daily News, June 11, 1907 "Judge M'Cann is Formally Installed As President of the Y.M.C.A. Announces His Committees."
17. Dayton Aviation Heritage NHP Oral History Project, Milton Wright interviewed by Ann Deines, September 26, 2000.
18. Data from Annual Report of The Board of Education, Dayton, Ohio 1905, 1906, published by Order of the Board.
19. Family account as shared by Edwin and Beatrice's grand niece with author.
20. "Disagreement of Boys is Cause of Success", The Dayton Herald, June 15, 1909. "a boon companion", a close and intimate friend.
21. "$300,000 Given to Oberlin; Estate Tops Half Million", The Dayton Herald, February 5, 1948.
22. Dayton Daily News, March 12, 1933, page 9.
23. The Dayton Herald, Saturday September 25, 1915- "Thousands in Line in Sunday School Parade"
24. The Cincinnati Enquirer, September 20, 1945, "Last Survivor Recalls Days Of 'Ten Dayton Boys' Club As Wrights Sought To Fly".
25. Popular Aviation, June 1938, Ed Sines, Pal of the Wrights, by Charles J. Bauer. Thank you Terrell Wright for making me aware of this article.
26. Announcement of event hosted by the Dayton League of Women's Voters from August 12, 1927 Dayton Daily News with Mrs. E. H. Sines listed.

August 12, 1927, courtesy of Dayton Daily News.

27. Years prior to 1921, the Dayton Directories listed the Barney & Smith officers, and the list sadly grew shorter as the company ceased.

Dayton Directory listings by 1924, just M. Zapoleon secretary and treasurer, and E H Sines assistant secretary, remain of the Barney & Smith Car Works.

The Barney & Smith Car Company letterhead from 1899, the year Edwin Sines was hired.(11)

From display at Carillon Historical Park, Barney & Smith Car Co. Photo by author.

Detroit & Mackinac Passenger Car built in 1903 by the Barney & Smith Car Works. On display at Carillon Historical Park, Dayton, Ohio. Photo by author.

Interior of Barney & Smith Detroit & Mackinac Passenger Car, built 1903. Photo by author.

Interior of Barney & Smith Detroit & Mackinac Passenger Car, built 1903, Carillon Historical Park. Photo by author.

28. From letter written by Orville Wright to George Feight, November 1, 1907, sold by Max Rambod Inc. December 11, 2008, for $45,000.