college educated.

Katherine nursed Orville back to health after a test flight crashed and a co-pilot was killed. She accompanied the brothers on their tour of France and charmed the press and public. The brothers, being shy,  were not well received. But she was charming, spoke French and otherwise was the best PR "man" the brothers could have asked for. Many in France thought she was the real brains behind the brothers.

And while the brothers were shy, she wasn't. She met with the kings and leaders of France, Italy, Spain and England when they toured Europe promoting the plane and the company. Her brothers and her were awarded the French Legion of Honor. She negotiated the contracts for building the planes.

She was likely the first woman to fly in a plane, accompanying Orville on at least three test flights in 1909.

Wilbur and Orville were confirmed bachelors, and apparently Orville resented the sister for marrying and raising a family. He eventually ceased talking to her. 

But while they were on good terms, Orville said of his sister: "When the world speaks of the Wrights it should include my sister. Much of our efforts have been inspired by her."

Katherine has ticked all the boxes for "'Overlooked No More" consideration. And while I doubt the U.S. Postal Service will issue a commemorative stamp in her honor at this point, she should make the short list for the next round of NYT "Overlooked No More" obits.

http://www.onofframp.blogspot.com